You may have spotted these cryptic black and white boxes around town, but what are they really? Are QR codes here to stay, or just a fad (RIP Google Buzz)?

What is a QR code?

Quick response codes were originally developed by Toyota as an identification system for their vehicles, but today, QR codes are being used to convey messages, links and references to online pages.

How do you use a QR code scanner?

So how do you use a QR code? It’s simple, my dear Watson! All you have to do is download an app to your cell phone that utilizes your phone’s camera, point the camera at the QR code and scan away! Here are a few QR code apps that you can download:

• Optiscan: for iPhones
• Quickmark: compatible with all phones, but noticeably more compatible with Androids and Windows Mobile version
• Barcode Scanner: most compatible with Androids

How and why would I make a QR code?

Are you looking for new ways to promote a community event? Do you own your own restaurant or small business? QR codes are here to save the day!

Making a QR code can be completed in three easy steps. To create a QR code, you must use a QR code generator that will input your information and embed it into the actual QR code image:

1. First, select the type of information you want to embed in the QR code. Decide if you want to use text, a website, an email address or even a social media site.
2. After you make your decision, click the “get your QR code” button.
3. Once the customized QR code appears on the screen, right click the image and “Save Picture As” in order to save the picture and use the QR code as you wish.

Not only can you input your own information in a QR code, you can also customize them with logos, colors and images. Black-and-white QR codes could get lost in an ad or on a business card. Beautify your QR code by adding a splash of color. The QR code scanner will more easily read a dark QR code with a light background without scanning mess ups.

Another way to amp up your QR code will be to round the edges and soften the hardness of the QR code. You can add dimensions by integrating images into the actual code or a logo. Once you’ve beautified your QR code, test it out a few times before launching it on products, advertisements or online. Scan the QR codes below to find out where they lead.

There are many places these jumbled-up images can be placed. You can be as creative as you want or practical with the placement of QR codes. Here is a list of ideas where they can be placed and in what ways they can be used:

• Business cards: Place QR codes on either the front or back of company or personal business cards. They can be used to link someone straight to your home page, social media sites or a YouTube video.
• Brochures or other marketing material: Place QR codes on the back, in a corner or make it a section of the marketing material. Again, you can link them to the home page website, social media sites or if the marketing material is marketing a specific product, event or webpage, their specific websites can be used to be embedded in the QR code as well.
• Product tags: QR codes can be placed on product tags for discounts or value deals on that specific product.
• Name tags: When putting on an event like a trade show, conference or any other type of event where name tags are needed, place a QR code for the sponsors, donors or partners of the event on the nametags of participants.
• Restaurant menus: QR codes can be used to link certain food items to reviews, nutritional facts and ingredients for that specific food item or the entire menu.
• Event tickets: place QR codes on concert tickets, plays or musicals to send patrons to musician websites, the venues website, an online program or the online store to buy product from the performance.
• Point of sales receipts: Attach codes to point of sales receipts and direct consumers to a customer service survey.
• Advertising both print and online: Whatever the product that is being advertised, the QR code can be a tool to link the consumer straight to the products purchase website. It’s a direct call to action.
• Mailings: QR codes can be attached to coupons, surveys or information via snail mail to direct the recipients to the survey, the product being discounted or the information that is being conveyed out. It’s a great way to move the consumer to a digital form of your business.
• TV commercials and YouTube videos: This can be used in the same way print and online advertising QR codes can be used. They all can link to the actual product or the place of purchase for that specific product or product line.

Looking for a quick QR code fix? Let BLAST’s client, Wasp Barcode Technologies, help you create your own QR codes. Wasp just recently added a new product called the QR code generator. It’s an easy three-step process that’ll have you placing QR codes on everything — including your dog!

Our PR and social media teams are always looking for ways to help our clients showcase their services or products and QR codes are just one of many! See how BLASTmedia can help promote your company by contacting Julie Zaitz at julie_zaitz@BLASTmedia.com.

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