QR (Quick Response ) Codes

[Maimi]

While helping a friend with marketing material, he introduced me to QR Code. I've seen large retailers use them, but thought it'd be a monetary stretch for an individual and a technological stretch for a layman. Fortunately, that's not true.

QR Code is a white and black box that can be read by a smartphone and some cell phones with a camera. The box can be placed on just about anything, from flyers to t-shirts. Scan one and it takes you to a webpage (other options include text, phone number or Short Message Service (SMS)).

Besides business cards, books came to mind. A quick scan of the code and one could instantly view a book trailer or your website on their phone.

Does anyone use this tool? If so, it'd be great to hear your thoughts.

Articles for anyone interested in QR Code:
http://searchengineland.com/what-is-a-qr-code-and-why-do-you-need-one-27588
http://searchengineland.com/how-to-use-qr-codes-in-social-media-52712

[Nick]

Nice idea, Maimi. Not something I've tried myself (yet), but I'm sure it's the way of the future. There are lots of free QR code generators on the web - like this one, for example: http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-generator/

Just for fun, I used the site above to generate a QR code for my Start Your Own Home-Based Business book on Amazon. No idea if it works or not, as I don't have a smartphone myself, but I've attached it anyway. If anyone has a device that will read it from the screen, I'll be intrigued to know if it takes you to the Amazon sales page or not.

I'd also be very interested to hear if anyone is trying this as a marketing method.

[Mark H]

Nick

I works fine. I pointed my iPhone at it and it took me to your web page.

M

[wanderer]

Thanks for posting this because it is a very interesting concept. I wonder at what distance the phones can read the image? Obviously a function of size, but if you have a large image on your tee shirt, or vehicle,....there must be a limiting distance to read it ? I can see a marketing tool there for all types of products from books to bagels 

[Nick]

Nick

I works fine. I pointed my iPhone at it and it took me to your web page.

M

Cool! Thanks, Mark 

[Maimi]

Glad to hear it works for you, Nick.

I wonder at what distance the phones can read the image?

You're right on distance making a difference. I read where a large one on the side of a building or trailer could require a distance of 65 feet to read.

As far as smaller items, be careful when sizing the code down. My friend's phone wouldn't read the tiny QR code he tested on a pamphlet. The pamphlet didn't end up with a code taking up the page, but there are limits and ratios (found on the web). The lesson learned was always test the image.