A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode used by myriads of profit and non-profit organizations worldwide. If you are wondering what QR means, the letters stand for Quick Response because of the codes quick readability.  By combining QR codes and linking to your own custom mobile app, it provides a very powerful marketing tool that can bring you additional business. These codes were originally designed exclusively for the automotive industry to track vehicles and automotive parts. Since the codes are very easy to use and hold a larger storage capacity, it has gained popularity outside the auto industry.

QR codes are similar to the standard barcodes that you usually see in retail items found in malls or grocery stores. The barcodes are used to track inventory and are scanned when you purchase an item. QR codes can be used in the same way. However, QR codes are a lot more powerful since it can do so much more. It can carry about a hundred times more information than the one-dimensional barcode. When scanned by an appropriate scanner or a mobile device, QR codes can trigger a number of functions such as sending an SMS, launching a website, viewing Google maps and even downloading a file.

The retail industry has been using QR codes in the recent years and many are starting to adapt them to link to mobile apps and coupons.  QR codes have the capability of connecting commercial businesses with consumers. The good thing about this technology is that virtually any type of organization can use QR codes. It can be utilized for a variety of marketing campaigns and printed on marketing materials including the following:

• Product Labels
• Direct Mail and Postcards
• Catalogs and Corporate Brochures
• Print Ads
• Business Cards
• Flyers and Posters
• Other Promotional Items

Consumers can retrieve the data just by using their iPhone, Blackberry, Android phone or any other smartphone. QR codes can contain information about products, installation instructions and even coupons. Since smartphone usage is on the rise and still expected to grow immensely in the next few years, more and more businesses will be utilizing QR codes for their marketing promotions.

The tourism industry is also a growing business. They allocate a big chunk of their budget to attract visitors to specific tourist attractions.  You might now know it but tourism organizations are really great in adapting with technology. Nowadays, a lot of travel organizations use QR codes to boost visitor arrivals. They produce self-guided audio tours through QR codes.  These QR code tours are used to substitute human tour guides, if they are not available.  Data such as interesting places, information about landmark and even the best dining places in a particular area can be retrieved from the QR code.

As you have just read, there are so many uses of these two-dimensional codes. It offers convenience and savings to customers. Any business or firm can bring in more customers just by using QR codes strategically and creatively. If you are on a lookout for a new way to attract more customers, it is worth to give QR codes integrated with mobile apps a try.

Betty Penny