You’ve probably scanned a QR code at the supermarket to pay for goods, seen one on a movie poster that lets you buy tickets without leaving your house, check the menu in a restaurant, or use it as a business card. The possibilities are endless.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about QR codes. We’ll cover what they are, how to make and use them, and some of the different applications.
What Are QR Codes?
QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in black and white pixels. Initially designed for the automotive industry, QR codes have found a new life in marketing and other sectors.
The information encoded within QR codes is not limited to simple text or numbers; they can also include URLs, contact details, usernames and passwords, phone numbers—basically any piece of data you’d like to pass along electronically.
The History of QR Codes
In 1994, Toyota subsidiary, Denso Wave, developed a “QR Code” system to track vehicle parts during the manufacturing process. The code was designed to be read by a laser scanner, transmitting the data to a computer.
The first QR codes were created in 1995 and made available to the public in 1996. The automotive and manufacturing industries initially used them, but they soon spread to other areas.
How QR Codes Work
The data stored in a QR code is encoded using an encoding scheme called “matrix format.” When you scan QR codes with your phone, the software turns them into digital information that any device can read.
This means it doesn’t matter what type of technology scanned the QR code—it could have been a mobile phone, tablet computer, digital camera, or any other device. Once the information is decoded by your phone’s software (or whatever technology you’re using), it will appear as text.
How to Make a QR Code
Plan Your Content
Before creating a QR code, you need to decide what information you want to include. This can be anything from a simple text message or phone number to a complex web address or contact details.
Choose Your Format
Once you’ve decided on the content, you need to choose the format for your QR code. There are a few different options, but the most popular format is a URL.
Create Your QR Code
Now that you have all the content and formatting sorted out, it’s time to create your QR code. You can use a free QR code generator to do this. Just enter the content you want to include and select the desired format. The generator will create a QR code for you to print or share electronically.
Test the QR Code
Once you have created your QR code, it’s essential to test it to make sure it works correctly. Scan the code with a QR code reader app on your phone or tablet to see if the content is displayed as expected.
There are several different QR codes, which vary in size and content. Here are some examples:
Business card: This is the most common type of QR code which can be scanned with your phone’s camera. After scanning the code, you’ll be directed to a website that corresponds to the information encoded within it.
Website: This type of QR code can be scanned to take users directly to a webpage and discover the available content on the website.
Menu: A QR code menu allows customers to view the restaurant’s menu on their phones and choose what they want to order.
QR Code Business Applications
QR codes are a creative way for marketers to drive traffic and connect with their target audience. The following are a few examples of how QR codes can be used in marketing campaigns:
- Promotional Codes: Create a QR code that gives customers a discount when they scan it. This could be for in-store purchases or online orders.
- Free Samples and Giveaways: Hand out free samples with QR codes printed on them. The QR code can direct people to your website or social media when scanned.
- Interactive Content Marketing (website links, etc.): Place QR codes throughout your website or on specific pages to make it easier for visitors to navigate. You can also use them in print advertisements and marketing materials.
- Social Media Integration (e.g., Instagram): Add a QR code to your social media profile pictures so people can scan them and visit your account. You could also create a QR code that links to specific posts and pages within your social media profiles.
QR codes are a versatile and convenient way to store information. They have revolutionized how we do business and can be used in a variety of different ways. Whether you’re a business owner or just looking for a way to make your life easier, QR codes are a great option to consider.
