making sense of qr codes
DESCRIPTION
QR Codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by smartphones. These codes are easy to create and can be a great way to market your business if you know how to use them properly. This presentation addresses: • What a QR code is • Creating a QR code for your business • How to use a QR code for marketing Creative examples of how businesses use QR Codes are included.TRANSCRIPT
Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber: Tuesday, October 22, 2013
presented by Jennifer Barbour
Making Sense of QR Codes
About me
¤ Writer, Blogger, New Media Coach, Author!
¤ Chief Engagement Officer (CEO) for Another Jennifer Writing Lab
¤ Author of another jennifer blog (anotherjennifer.com/blog), creator of Simple Giving Lab (simplegivinglab.com) and curator of allthingslefthanded.com
¤ Contributing author of The Mother of All Meltdowns
What is a QR Code?
¤ Abbreviated from Quick Response Code
¤ Two-dimensional barcode that can be read by smartphones
¤ First designed for the automotive industry in Japan in 1994
¤ Can encode virtually any type of data
¤ Became popular outside the automotive industry due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
Structure of a QR Code
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
What You can Embed ¤ Website URL
¤ YouTube Video
¤ Google Maps Location
¤ FourSquare
¤ App Store
Download
¤ iTunes Link
¤ Dropbox
¤ Plain Text
¤ Telephone Number
¤ Skype Call
¤ SMS Message
¤ Email Address
¤ Email Message
¤ Contact Details
¤ Digital Business Card
¤ Event (VCALENDAR)
¤ Wifi Login (Android Only)
¤ Paypal Buy Now Link
source: http://www.qrstuff.com/
How to Create a QR Code
1. Go to a free QR code generator website (e.g., qrstuff.com)
2. Choose the data you would like to embed (e.g., website)
3. Input the content to embed (e.g. url to website)
4. Choose a color for you QR code (default is black)
5. Download, print or email your file
What it looks like: the process
What it looks like: the code
Why Use a QR Code
¤ Most people have a smart phone (56% of US adults)
¤ Allows customers/clients to act / interact immediately
¤ Drives people to a specific web page
¤ Saves space on printed marketing materials
¤ Makes anything digital (even buildings!)
source: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013/Findings.aspx
Specific Uses for QR Codes
¤ Drive people to your website, blog or online store
¤ Grow your social media followers
¤ Give people more info on a product
¤ Get people to sign up for your newsletter
¤ Share your contact information
¤ Run a promotion, giveaway or special discount
source: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013/Findings.aspx
Where to Put QR Codes ¤ Brochures, flyers, posters and other printed materials
¤ Stickers and magnets
¤ Product labels
¤ Business cards
¤ Books
¤ Invitations
¤ In-store displays and other advertising
¤ T-shirts (and anything else that’s scannable!)
source: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013/Findings.aspx
Creative Examples: Art Museum
Creative Examples: Wine
Creative Examples: Gift Tag
Creative Examples: Job Ad
Creative Examples: Real Estate
Creative Examples: Food
Creative Examples: Restaurant
Stay Connected
Jennifer Barbour email: [email protected]
phone: 207.653.4542
website & blog: anotherjennifer.com
facebook: facebook.com/writinglab
twitter: @anotherjenb
linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jenbarbour
stumbleupon: stumbleupon.com/stumbler/anotherjenb/
google+: gplus.to/anotherjennifer
youtube: youtube.com/user/anotherjenb