QR “Quick Response” Code:
The QR Code is a scan readable bar code generated for smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android, Blackberry), which easily capture and read the image in just a few seconds takes you right to where the QR is pointing, such as a direct web link, or any information programmed into it. If you notice even a few years back, you might have seen these funny looking square barcodes hidden in different parts of the internet, magazine ads or even at your local supermarket. So why NOW is the QR the way to go for your business? Because EVERBODY HAS A SMARTPHONE! This the most time efficient and cost effective (FREE for all to use) is a simple and FAST way to get your business information out to the public in matter of seconds… and it’s FREE for all to use, including you! Who’s going to remember looking at a poster or a sticker on a wall and say, “I’ll be sure to go home and check out that website.” I think you would agree that most all of us would probably forget that ad within the first minute of looking at it. But with a QR, it’s instant! Immediate! Win WIN and Right NOW!
There are many sites out there that you can look up the technicalities of how a QR works, but we’re here to show you how you can take this simple code and have it take You and your brand to an entirely New level! Anyone can create a generic black and white QR code, but what about one that is custom designed that fits the Feel, Look, Style and Direction to market your business and immediately set you apart and above all others to spark the interest of the average daily consumer?
So why do you need a QR for your business? Because we are now in the computer age where everything is beginning to be done on your mobile phone, and though the QR’s been around since it’s creation in 1994 why is it catching up now? Because our smartphones have only gotten better these years. I don’t think anyone in the right mind back in the 90’s would have liked to carry around a big scanner!
When you have a truly eye catching, uniquely YOU SuperStarQR, now where would be The best places to utilized It?!
-Business Cards (only the ‘plain’ 1 dimensional ones are out there) Imagine, we can program and customize it to have your website, FB, Twitter, YouTube links, Name, Company # etc ALL in ONE CODE OR Just your Main Link (where all else can then be accessed)
-Promotional Flyer (which we can also create) You can have a tangible printed customized Flyer with your new QR(s) so a potential future customer is handed/mailed an eye-catching flyer with complimentary SSQR, and with a quick scan, Your World is opened up for Them to be taken right into
-Social Media Outlets (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn) With a customized ‘Cool’ QR, people are much more likely to be drawn into and to share with their ‘friends’ etc which can also mean the chance the image could go viral (NOT going to happened with the all too common standard QR)
-Events At places where people are already likely to be snapping pictures, with a quick app switch, they are scanning your nearby QR (Auto shows, fashion shows, conventions)
*IF YOU'D REALLY LIKE TO KNOW More and MORE about the QR Code, here are a number of frequently asked questions and answers:
QR codes are officially the latest craze these days among many marketers (and with good reason). The opportunity is increasing with more smartphones invading our society and Fortune 500 companies running QR code campaigns. Here's a FAQ with questions that should clear up any questions or misconceptions you have. 1. What are QR codes?
QR codes are like a barcode. The difference now is smartphones can now read the barcodes and perform certain functions, like allowing someone to add contact information or visit a website on their phone. Think of them as an alternative way to get text into the phone so someone doesn't have to manually type it out. They bridge the gap between the real world and the digital world. They allow consumers to interact and engage with your brand on a very personal device which they have with them at nearly all times.
2. Where did QR codes come from?
QR codes were created by a Toyota subsidiary, Denso-Wave, in 1994. They're mainstream in places like Japan. Although QR codes were initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturers, they now have a much broader use.
3. Why are they important?
QR codes are important because they allow businesses to engage and interact with their customers in a fresh new way. They create convenience for the smartphone-equipped consumer and ultimately save time. Plus, there is a cool factor and something unique about scanning a barcode and having it deliver content to the most used electronic device: the phone. It's psychologically different than taking a flyer and walking out the door. It connects us to information that we can store in our pocket at all times.
4. How can they help my business?
QR code engagement could bring a unique experience that has the potential to create buzz, word-of-mouth marketing, and ultimately new leads. They can also create customer loyalty when you meet consumers where they are: on their smartphone. QR codes have breathed life into print. Think about the buzz that could be created and the story you can plant in the minds of your customers. Or maybe you want to tell your story through mobile video and QR codes and turn people into brand advocates because they realize the deeper meaning behind what you're doing. Mobile technology and QR codes make that possible
5. How do they work?
Once someone recognizes the QR code, they can scan the QR code with a QR code scanning app. Some of the Android phones today are coming pre-loaded with this type of app (specifically, Barcode Scanner). Of course there are a number one touch free download apps for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry devices. For Android we recommend Barcode Scanner. iPhone has i-Nigma and Blackberry has QR Code Scanner Pro in app world.
6. How much does it cost?
What if I told you a lot of this you can create for free? You can. We're so used to paying for things... but disruptive business models and open source is changing the way we think about the tools. Facebook? Free. Twitter? Free. QR codes? Aha, free (for basic ones) but a few companies are getting wise to how big this is heading and have begun customizing with personal branding 'flavor'
7. How do I create and track QR codes?
Due to the open nature of QR codes (the encoding and decoding code is publicly available), there are many online QR code generators around. If you're looking to link someone to a URL and want to track the number of scans, we recommend using bit.ly. If you want to create a QR code with contact info or the other things they support, you can use our own QR code generator.
Tracking is important, but I wouldn't obsess over it too much. Partly because you never know when that one early adopter who scans your code has influence to over thousands of people and is able to help spread a story. On that note, tracking is still a good idea.
8. Is it possible to customize a QR code?
Yes!
9. What types of data can QR codes contain?
QR codes support 9 data types: Contact information, calendar event, e-mail address, phone number, geo location, SMS, plain text (sentences), wifi network key, and a link to a URL. For specifics and further detail, learn more here.
10. What can QR codes be used for?
Anything and everything. You are limited by nothing but your creativity. Think business cards, flyers, billboards, comics, education, articles in magazine/newspaper, for sale signs, comment cards, presentations, clothing, television, books, outdoor games, direct mail, instruction manual, interactive menus, cereal boxes, products, Facebook, coupons, name tags, and more. If you want specifics on all of this, check out our blog post on the 27 ways to use QR codes.
11. What different things can I do with QR codes? I need some ideas!
If you're looking to get the creative juices going, I'd first recommend learning about what QR codes are capable of (answered above). Then, learn about the different uses (also answered) above. There are some more ideas on a post we wrote about QR code uses for restaurants. Some of this is applicable to other businesses too. Want more? Tweet us for a twitstorm (brainstorming session on Twitter). Yes, I made that up right now. ;)
12. QR codes sound great, but what's the disadvantages? What do I need to be aware of?
The disadvantages with QR codes are awareness and smartphone penetration. Companies like Calvin Klein, FOX, Google, PEPSI, JC Penny, Starbucks, GAP, bit.ly, AOL, Target, and several others are using QR codes. This builds consumer awareness and increases opportunity. Smartphones outsold PCs in the fourth quarter of last year. Nielsen predicts that there will be more smartphones than non-smartphones in the US by the end of this year. These facts, predictions, and the general progression of evolving technology points to a future filled with superphones and opportunity.
13. Are there any best practices I need to know about?
QR codes are fairly new and there isn't a common standard of best practices. We shared our 7 best practices on our blog recently. In short, they are:
- Keep QR code size large
- Implement Twitter/Facebook share icons
- Set-up tracking
- Have a call to action
- Link to something that stays around
- Make the landing page mobile-friendly
- Be creative
Check out the post for more info.
14. How many people know how to scan them?
I can link to fancy infographics like this. Or I can tell you nearly 1 in 3 Americans own a smartphone. I can mention that equates to 63 million people in the United States. I can mention the 20% of Fortune 500 companies implementing QR codes and mobile solutions. Smartphone penetration and awareness is on the rise.
Can I tell you exactly the number of people who are aware of what a QR code is? Nope. Keep in mind, mostly early adopters know of them. If you're targeting a social media savvy audience and heavily use Twitter and Facebook to engage with others, there may be an increased chance they'll know about them. If you execute a great QR code campaign, you can create a story for early adopters who may also have influence over others in networks like Twitter. Give them a message to spread.
15. I'm not sure how many people in my area know about QR codes. Should I use them?
The best way to figure this out is to try it and see. You can wait for estimated black and white statistics and numbers and try everything to justify it. Or, for free, in less than 10 minutes, you can create a QR code linking to your Facebook fan page and track it with bit.ly to gauge interaction. Post this on a flyer or in-store sign. Be sure and follow our 7 QR Code Best Practices.
16. How do I run the QR code promotional?
This is a great question - and we'll go into specifics on a blog post soon. In short, the problem with QR codes which you have control over is awareness. So, be sure to educate people. Write a blog post about it, tweet about it, and share on Facebook about it. A compelling call to action will help with conversation rates as well.
17. Does my QR code have to be any certain size?
Somewhat. I've seen people say they can be from 1/3 square inches to 1 square inch. It really depends on the phones being used, so you have to consider lowest common denominator. Even then, I've tried scanning QR codes on old phones and they scan well. I'd error on the side of making them too large than too small just in case. For example, if on a business card, make them take up a full size (with padding around the sides). If in doubt and you want to experiment, be sure and scan with several phones.
18. What can I find out about people who scan my QR code?
You can find out about the type of phone that they have and their location if you use a mobile website (although, it prompts for location and can be considered an annoyance). Other than that, age, demographic, and other types of information cannot easily be determined. If you create personalized QR codes for each person individually (eg. on mailers) or different groups of people, you can gain some statistics this way. This would be done by including something special in the URL with each QR code for tracking purposes.
19. Embrace the Future of Promotional Next Level Branding. SuperStarQR is one of the new companies about to Ride the Edge of this Major GLobal WAVE
