How to use QR codes. What are they and what can they do for my business?
Before you decide whether or not using QR codes in your marketing campaigns is going to be worthwhile, you'll likely want some information on what these codes actually are. Rather than simply saying they are barcodes, here is some information that will give you some insight into the uses of QR codes, how you decode QR codes and how you can use a code generator online to create your own.
Barcodes
QR code stands for "quick response code". They are a form of barcode that can hold a great deal more information than the standard barcodes that most people are familiar with. They can also be read much more easily than a standard barcode can.
To decode QR codes, all you need is a simple online application or an app that you can add to just about any mobile device. These are generally free. In fact, you'll find that many people who have a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer have a QR code reader installed on it already. If they don't have one of these devices, they can use an online QR code reader on their desktop computer or, if they want, they can actually decode a QR code by taking a picture with their webcam and utilizing an online service. Decoding only takes a second.
Using QR codes
If you're asking for one simple answer as to how you use a QR code, you're going to be disappointed. QR codes have many different uses. They can be used for tracking inventory, quality control, shipping, labeling, marketing, and for many other purposes. This stems from the fact that a QR code is simply a means of storing information in digital form. Whatever you plan to use that information for, if it can fit on a QR code then you have found a use for a QR code.
Making QR Codes
QR generators are widely available on the Internet. Some of them are very simple and, if all you need one for is something straightforward like putting a label on your books or putting a label on something else, they can be quite serviceable. For complex usages, however, such as marketing, you'll want to use a QR code application that incorporates other features. Believe it or not, you can actually get QR code generators that have analytic tools built into them. These are usually paid services but, for marketers, they are becoming more indispensable all the time.