QR codes are like earth’s trees. We often walk by without noticing them.
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.
I broke up the square, little demons into bite-size chunks of information. I created a 3-part series covering the following.
- 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
Scanning QR Code Information
Technology experts predict 2020 will be the year of QR codes. Undoubtedly, few anticipated the arrival of a global pandemic when making that prediction. However, the technology has helped there, too.
- Supports contact tracing efforts, and
- various contact-free transactions
The following updates the 3-part series, beginning with this revised version of Post #1.
What are QR Codes?
Let’s get down to basics, starting with its acronym.
QR is short for Quick Response. It’s a type of barcode but there are differences. A description I found in multiple sites shared this explanation.
QR codes store information both vertically and horizontally, as opposed to the standard barcode’s one directional method.
Huh? If you’re like me, that description may have you scratching your head. My easily-confused mind needs a simple explanation.
- Picture the barcodes on a package you ship
- The carrier takes their handy-dandy scanner and swipes 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.
- That 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 Japanese firm, Denso Wave, 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. My own small, unscientific poll on QR codes produced the following results.
Why Should We Care?
If QR codes produced such a Meh response, why should we care to hear anything else about them? I guess that depends how much you believe technology experts and success stories. Because both indicate their strategic use may generate good results.
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 22, 2020 post originally published on September 19, 2011. I’ve updated it 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. 😉