If haven’t spotted them all ready, you will do soon. Next time you visit an attraction, tourist spot, restaurant or shop, these little odd looking images will appearing at a counter near you.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code is very similar to a bar code, in application and use. It looks like this:
A square image with blocks of smaller black and white spots. It can be used by modern day smart phones, like iPhones and Android handsets as these come with high quality cameras to scan the image / code. An application or ‘app’ on these smart phones would be used to scan the code and then allow the user to interact with the business they are visiting.
For example, you could use the Ebay app or Red Laser app on your mobile phone. Open the app and then use your camera on the phone to ‘scan’ the QR code. You will then be prompted to either visit a web page or other application.
Why should my Business use QR Codes?
Well, if you like customers to call again, stay in touch or join a mailing list, then QR codes are for you. The following types of businesses are perfect for QR codes:
- Shops & Trade Counters
- Visitor Attractions
- Bars / Coffee Shops
- Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
- Exhibitions and Kiosks
You would put up a QR code in your establishment or on your stand where customers can easily scan the image. Tell them what it is for and what they will gain too if they give your QR code a scan. Give them an incentive to scan the QR code. Perhaps they get a Free Chocolate Chip Cookie if they buy a drink and scan the code? Perhaps they get a discount on their next purchase?
What happens when they scan the QR Code?
Well you can create QR codes to do various things. Popular uses for QR codes are to visit a particular website or business social media site. When the code has been scanned, it could redirect the user to your Facebook page asking them to ‘like it’ or to your Twitter account asking you to follow them.
You could even direct users to a mailing list page on your website or a page where you post discount codes, product information, product reviews and so on.
The technology is here, QR codes have landed. Its now up to you how you make the most of them before your competitors do.
Contact us if you would like us to help setup your QR codes and campaign or tell us below how you use QR codes for your business.