QR CODESSIMPLIFIED

BY: JEFF GALLON

What is a QR Code?

A QR code as defined by wikipedia.com (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to its fast readability and comparatively large storage capacity. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be made up of any kind of data (e.g., binary, alphanumeric, or Kanji symbols).

In social media marketing, QR codes is one of the emerging means to promote your business, and attract traffic to your sites.

Generating the Code Creating it is fairly easy, you can visit this URL to go and

check out the generator: http://zxing.appspot.com/generator and you will be taken to the page that is shown in the screenshot below

Generating the Code In this example we will create a code for redirecting a

customer to a specific URL (website, fan page, coupons are some possible locations). Click the drop down list and select URL then supply the necessary web address where you want the customer to go.

You can select thesize of the code youwant to generate

Generating the Code Once you click generate, the code will be shown in the

blank box on the right side. You have to choice to either download it or use the embed script to put it somewhere in the net.

NOTE: If you download the code it is in PNG format

Where can I use the Code?

There are a lot of ways of using the code to your advantage. You can have it printed along with your newspaper or magazine ads, at the side of coupons, or even your business cards. The rest is up to you!

images taken from:

http://www.air2web.com/newsletters/A2W_Sept2010_QRcodes.html http://www.jatxt.com/comparing-sms-text-messaging-marketing-and-qr-codes/ http://www.sacredwaste.com/c/localhost_qr_code_tshirt-p235939230377308888z7s3o_400.jpg

How does it work?

In order for your customers to use the code, they must have a QR code reader app in their mobile phone and use it to take a picture of the code. (Available in the Apple app store and the Android Market)