Who knew the pandemic would revitalize QR codes? Although some businesses may have taken them too far. Think restaurants that force you to scan a QR code to access the menu.
So, are they really useful or just another technological shortcut? This post kicks off the update of a three-part series on QR codes. You can decide to read all updates at once or bookmark them for a later date.
I broke up the square, little demons into the following bite-size chunks of information.
- What Are QR Codes and Why Should We Care?
- How Do QR Codes Work and What Do You Need?
- QR Codes – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
My Personal QR Codes History
Back in 2011, I had a vague idea what those square barcode thingies (technical term) were. But I wasn’t sure how to use them or why you would. So, I went exploring.
What are QR Codes?
As someone who has a thing about acronyms, I started with what the two letters represent.
QR is short for Quick Response. It is a type of scannable barcode that stores information. You probably first noticed barcodes on products or shipping labels. However, there are differences between standard barcodes and QR codes.
Standard Barcode Versus QR Code
Standard barcodes use a one directional scan instead of a QR code that stores information both horizontally and vertically. Confused? I know I was when I first read this in my research. Let’s simplify.
- Picture the barcodes on a package you ship.
- Shipping carriers take their handy-dandy scanner and swipe it across the label.
With a standard barcode, the scanner reads only one dimension (e.g., from left to right across the width of the bars and stripe).
The two-dimensional (2D) QR code allows scanning of both the height and the width of the label.
Differences Between the Two
- The two dimensions means the QR code can hold more information.
- For example, a standard barcode may contain product and shipping information.
- A QR code can direct the scanner to a website or video featuring that product.
Meh Response
Developed in the mid-90s by the Japanese firm, Denso Wave, the technology’s inspiration came from manufacturing requests for tracking.
But then the technology became a marketer’s dream. Visualizing traffic jams to their product sites, marketers began putting QR codes everywhere.
- On store-front posters, signs, and product labels
- In magazines and marketing brochures
- On business cards and discount coupons
Marketers imagined endless possibilities with the powerful pint-size pockets of information.
However, QR codes did not launch the response marketers hoped for. Consumers walked by the squares of information like they do with most everyday objects. They barely noticed them.
Technology Helping Technology
One of the major obstacles to the use of QR codes was lack of access. Yes, smartphones helped but users had to download a special app to scan the codes. For many (like me), it hardly seemed worth the effort.
Then Apple being Apple, introduced the ability to scan QR codes with your smartphone camera. And others followed.
- Statista reports approximately 89 million U.S. smartphone users scanned QR codes in 2022. That was a 26% increase in use from 2020.
- According to a Uniquode report, the number of QR codes created increased 238% between 2021 and 2023.
Why Should We Care?
While QR codes produced a Meh response initially, the easier access and increased use deserve a second (or third/fourth) look.
Post #2 describes how this form of technology works and what you need to use it. I’ll share examples and statistics on their use. I’ll also describe some of the changes to the technology.
Feel free to share in Comments your thoughts on this marketing tool. Do you use them?
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This May 8, 2024 post originally published on September 19, 2011 and was updated on May 22, 2020. I’ve updated it again with new information and content.
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours
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I love that you are sharing this Cathy, I was just going to write a piece about using QR codes in marketing. QR codes are really cool and exciting, and like you say the possibilities are endless if you are willing to get creative : )
Thanks, Karla. Let us know if you write that post so we can check it out. The more ideas, the better! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Great post Cathy! Had seen those codes, but wasn’t sure what their purpose was – looking forward to future posts on this subject and the others in your series.
Am always learning new concepts from your posts – keep them coming!
Thanks, Marie. Thanks for the kudos and let me know if there’s ever anything you’d like to read about. I figure if I don’t know it or haven’t gotten around to checking something out, chances are there’s others just like me. Thanks for stopping by, Marie!
Oh this is great info Cathy! I first saw one in the form of a boarding pass & didn’t have a clue what it was! And even when I was enlightened, it wasn’t until only a few weeks ago that I discovered their name! I’m so behind!
Hey, Nicky. I think the airline boarding pass was the 1st place I noticed them, too. Then they started popping up in magazine ads – and I said – what the heck? 🙂 And I am not even 1/2 step ahead of you, so we can catch up together. Thanks, Nicky.
Interesting! I hadn’t researched these yet, so I’m looking forward to catching parts 2 and 3 on your blog. 🙂
Hi Michelle-I can’t believe I beat you to something. 🙂 You’re probably like me, it’s been on the list with about 50 billion other things. 🙂
That’s why I made my list of 7. It’s a start. Thanks, Michelle. Let me know what you think of the series.
At last i have proof that I’m up with the times. Only last week we had a new membership software put into my Gym, with a very sexy membership tag for each of my members on which sits a very useful QR Code.
Hi Larry: Well good for you! I think the earth would stop spinning if I was up with the times. I’m not exactly what you would call an early adopter. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your innovation, Larry. 🙂
Just like you, I saw them first on a boarding pass.
I’ve actually used the QR code for my business and this is how it worked: After I gave my presentation to a group, the promoter had my offer on a sheet of paper that the audience could pick up. It had a QR code at the bottom. If they wanted my offer, they just scanned it, and wham. Their credit card was debited. That was my first experience and I gotta say, I liked it!
BTW, had no clue what QR stood for until I read your post! LOL I’m SO behind!
Hi Martha. Glad to see you back. You’re a busy lady. 🙂
I’ve got to agree, anything that takes money instantly has to have some value. 😀
I am one of those annoying people that always wants to know what acronyms stand for. It’s how I remember or relate to things. After 30+ years in the healthcare industry, I stumped more than one person who had no idea what the acronyms they used daily meant.
Have to have fun somewhere, huh? 🙂
Thanks for sharing your example and comments, Martha.
Excellent info, Cathy. I started looking into those a couple months back and for a short time had one on my blog. I’m planning to replace it with a better version soon. I’ll look forward to the rest of this series.
Hi Sharon: What kind of information did you put on your QR Code? What do you like about it?
Thanks for sharing your experience, Sharon.
Hi Cathy, I put my web address, a description of what I offered and a link to my ebook, I think. I liked it because it offered something useful for mobile users, which is a good thing.
Thanks, Sharon. Did you get my buzz about it?
Hi Cathy,
I love the idea of storing information such as coupons and money saving specials on these and having them scanned by your cell phone to save money. There is a lot more options to explore. I’m looking forward to learning more from you!
Sherrie
Hi Sherrie: Thanks for the ideas about the coupons and specials. The uses do seem to be pretty endless.
I appreciate you stopping by.
Yes, looking forward to part 2 tomorrow, Cathy. 🙂
Hi Cathy,
Well thought out post. I am aware of these codes, but not all their uses. There are iphone apps that can scan these codes. Very cool to put it on business cards.
Hi Traci: That’s how I started-aware of the codes, but not entirely sure what they were all about. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the series.
Well Cathy, I want you to know, my quintessential- computer nerd – keep up on the latest- know everything about computers husband has been very interested in QR codes, He taught himself how to create them…even included one on a business card for my sister. In spite of that – all this time, he thought QR stood for “quick read”. Thanks to you, he stands corrected. High fives to you! 🙂
Kim: must be my highly technical knowledge-LOL! 😀
Thanks for making my day. 😉
Medical offices are now using QR codes for clients to scan and get access to a site for answering questions and inputting medical information. Thankfully, office staff will help if your computer skills are lacking – like mine. 🙂 But I do like that this is becoming more popular as it saves paper, as well as time. Nobody has to take the paper you filled out and enter the information into your record.
I played with the codes early on when they first started to be used, but that was before almost everybody had a smart phone and was able to read them. Perhaps it’s time to try again for some marketing of my books and services.
Thanks for your input, Maryann. Although I think we have a tendency to overdo technology, I do believe it can be very helpful. I’ve used the technology for entering medical information. As I hate all the paper (huge recycler here), I prefer entering the info. that way. On the other hand, we need to remember that not everyone can deal with that form and we need to accommodate them. You get those thoughts when you are a caregiver for your 101-year-old mother. 😉
Like you, I did not hop on the QR bandwagon in the beginning. But I am taking baby steps to revisit. Would love to hear what your experience is like, Maryann, once you give them a test drive.