What are QR Codes

Quick Responses Codes, better known as QR Codes are a 2 Dimensional Code which provides nothing more than a hypertext link to wherever you would like to send the visitor who is scanning the code with their digital camera.
Because of the matrix of the QR Code it can provide much more information than their cousin, the barcode. Unlike the barcode which is read with a single laser, QR Codes can be read digitally which allows their information to be processed quickly. Hence the name, QR code.
Let's look closer at a QR Code and see its parts.
The Finder pattern are three squares which create a positioning for the digital reader to read the code.

The next section is called the Format Info. It scans the code looking for any errors. There is a 30% tolerance for error within any QR Code.

Now we've looked for errors within the code. Let's make sure we can read the code. With the use of our built-in T-square or better known as the Timing Pattern we can do just that.

So, what version of QR Code is this anyway? You ask, are there versions? Yes, at this time there are 40 versions of QR Codes. The one we are scanning is version 1. The matrix of the modules is 21x21 and increases with each version by 4 modules. The amount of data a version 1 QR code can handle is up to 25 characters, unlike version 40 which can hold 4,296 alphanumeric data.

We're reading the code we know it's a version 1. What's next? The fun stuff. The reason you have scanned the code in the first place. The Encoded Data to interpret what you will experience.

 Next is a part that is normally concealed within the code and that is the Alignment Pattern. This small box should never be altered or covered by any graphic. The Alignment Pattern is like the anchor that grounds the QR Code to be read.

And, last but certainly, not least, the quiet zone or white area around the QR code. The Quiet Zone allows for optimal scanning. If removed, it may cause the code blend into the content around it making it difficult to read. The quiet zone it the width of four modules or pixels.

There you have it. Seven parts which make up a QR Code and make it possible to experience whatever you are scanning at the time.

Stop by to learn more ways to use QR Codes to market your business.

QR code helps to bring jeweler and customers together.

Justin Bortz, from Justin Bortz Jewelers, in Reading, Pennsylvania is no stranger to thinking outside the box. His beautiful Midnight Swan Designs and one-of-a-kind designs for clients make him unrivalled as a talented and skilled gemologist. When he wanted to promote his newest creation, the Pagoda charm, depicting his rendition of the famous Reading Pagoda he turned to Alyse Mitten, from Interlace Communications, to provide marketing assistance. Her recommendation to use a QR code in his advertisements to direct potential clients to a video of the creation of the Pagoda charm provided a way to commingle traditional and social media marketing and create a cohesive message.

As sales of smartphones continue to rise, it only makes sense to include QR codes on your marketing materials to provide easy access to your website, social network site, or, better yet, directly to your online ordering system for your own products.

Although QR codes are an emerging marketing tool, it’s only a matter of time when these 2D images will be cropping up everywhere and making it possible for businesses to provide quick and easy access for their clients.

Why not scan the QR code in this advertisement for Justin Bortz Jewelers and experience what it’s like to journey from print to video in just one scan.

Justin Bortz Creation of Pagoda Slide

Learn more about how to market your business using QR codes at goMAaVA.com

How Powerful is Your QR Code?

What is your QR strategy?

We’re hearing all the hipe about QR codes.

You need to use a QR code on your business card.

Don't forget to use a QR code on your flyer.

All that is great, but what about the end result for the reader of a QR code?

I had a business owners say to me about a month ago,” I want one of those QR codes on my business card.” My question to her was, “What’s your plan for the QR code after they read it?” We still haven’t created the QR because she hasn’t decided what she should do with the code.

Just to print a QR code on a flyer, business card, poster, sign, or circular is not enough. You need a plan! 

When the end user of the code takes the time to read it with their smart phone what should  the experience be?

Using QR codes can be very powerful when you think it through.

Here's an example of a QR Code gone wrong!!!

Just the other day, my daughter stumbled upon a poor example of the use of a QR code. She was scanning through a popular retail store’s weekend circular and stopped when she happened to come upon a QR code. With iphone in hand, she scanned it only to read a message about an offer that was already boldly printed in the circular. Her reaction was priceless,” I already know about that offer!” She then continued to look through the rest of the circular. Tell me, was that a good use of a QR code? I’d say that Quick Response code should be labeled a “Quick Sand” code instead. What would have made it more effective was to have the code take her to a landing page on their site of the product they were promoting and take her to a fulfillment page to purchase the product.

When using a QR code you need a strategy to decide what the code will have the reader do. Real Estate agents can use QR codes on their signage to provide a virtual tour of a property as interested buyers sit in the comfort of their car outside the property. The goal is to take them from prospect to buyer!

Restaurant owners can place a QR code on their weekly ads to take those interested in placing reservations to go directly to the reservation section of their site. A fun way for a restaurant to collect information about their customer's dining experience would be to print a QR code directly on the bill which will take them to a survey for them to complete or join your mailing list.

Retail stores featuring a new item in their store can use a QR code to upsell the potential buyer by showing them products which go with the new item, or a video to show how to use the new item, or fulfillment to purchase the item.

The name given to these codes are Quick Response Codes. When using them have a strategy and don’t leave your reader disappointed! Contact goMAaVA to discuss your QR Code strategy.