What is a QR code (also known as a quick response code)? A two-dimensional matrix barcode.
What's special about them is that QR codes can contain thousands of alphanumeric characters of information. People with enabled cell phones can quickly scan QR codes which then activate particular phone applications such as SMS or email or bring up a specific URL on a web browser.
So what a QR code really is is a connector, a quick way for customers and businesses to connect. The QR code provides a quick direct link to information about a specific business. It may be offering a coupon or a time-sensitive offer, giving product information, giving information about a business person, providing a phone number for customer support or allowing customers to pay for purchases, but one way or another, a QR code provides a link between offline and online content.
Your business can use QR codes anywhere people can use their cell phones to scan them on anything they can be printed on. In magazines, on posters, brochures, signs, bus shelters, tickets, invoices, business cards of course – I've even seen them on the sides of buses.How to Generate a QR Code
You can generate a QR code quickly and easily by going to one of many QR code generator websites. Kaywa QR Code, ZXing, QRStuff and Kerem Erkan's QR Code Generator are just a sampling of the free QR code generators available. I especially like the last two because they let you add color to your QR codes.
To Read QR Codes
Your potential customers will need to have camera cell phones with QR code readers installed. Some cell phones come with these already installed. If not, it's easy for people to find and install them. The Kaywa Reader for Android and iPhone phones downloads in less than a minute. Google 'QR code reader' and you'll find many more.
Why Use QR Codes?
Because mobile phone use is increasing exponentially and you don't want your small business to be left out. Anything that makes it easier for potential customers to find, connect with, buy from your small business is a good thing and QR codes do that.
