Quick Response (QR) codes allow for quick reading of information through a mobile device camera. QR codes saw widespread adoption in the late 2000s and early 2010s. QR codes can be created through free online generators that allow customizing options like data storage and formatting. Readers on smartphones can scan QR codes to access encoded web links, contact info, or other data. Businesses have implemented QR codes for marketing through strategies like providing extra content, calls to action, and measuring campaign results.

1. Quick Response Codes
Jordan Wood
Social Media Marketing
04/4/2012

2. Quick Response Codes
• Two-dimensional codes
• Quick readability, easy access and large
storage capacity
• Used worldwide by marketers

3. History
• First invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a
Toyota subsidiary
• Used to simplify the manufacturing
process at Denso Wave
• Denso Wave trademark but patent rights
not enforced
• Recent worldwide adoption

4. Statistics
• Second half of 2010, QR scanning up by
1,200%
• 2011 – mobile barcodes used by 22% of
the top 50 Fortune 500 companies
• 2011 – 2D barcode scanning
higher than 1D

5. How QR Codes Work
• Designed and created by QR Code
Generators
– Encode information into the code
• QR Code Readers enable users to
scan the code
– Users are sent to the encoded
information

6. QR Code Generators
• Free code generators available on the
Internet
• Three most important generator options to
consider
1. Code Format
2. Stored Data
3. Output

7. QR Code Generators
• QRhacker, Unitag, QRcode.cx, QRStuff,
Beautiful QR Codes, BeQRious, Delivr,
Azonmedia, Maestro, goQR.me and
KeremErkan
• Similarities – varying color and size options
• Differences – data storage,
error correction, foreign language
and download file type options

8. QR Code Generators
• QRHacker and BeQRious
– Change roundness, code color, upload photo
and save as PNG, JPG, GIF, PDF
• QRStuff
– Broad range of data storage and URL options
• Shortened or original URL

9. QR Code Readers
• Available on any smartphone & various
other camera-enabled devices
• RedLaser, BeeTagg Reader, AT&T Code
Scanner, ScanLife and I-nigma
• Enables you to scan the barcode and
sends you to the information
encoded in the code
• RedLaser code reader
– Offers a code generator program

10. Business Implementation
• Five important steps in QR code
implementation
1. Define the purpose
2. Call on your customers
3. Design user friendly and attractive codes
4. Measure scans
5. Track code effects on website
and social media networks

11. Business Implementation
• QR code application strategies
– Information needs to be valuable and
worthwhile to end user
– Sharing: multimedia content or product, event,
contact, company, location and offer details
• Restaurants share nutritional
information
• Business cards contain meCards

12. Business Implementation
• Call to Action: email opt-ins, purchase products,
provide contact information or feedback and
contest signups
– Strengthen customer relationships
– Provide company with leads and potential clients
• Build Communities: Link codes to social
media platforms
– “Like” button on Facebook
– “Check-in” on Foursquare

13. Business Implementation
• QR code locations
– Products or promotional products
– Temporary tattoos
– Cake icing
– T-shirts
– Point-of-sale displays
– Business cards
– Advertisements – Print and Media
• Enhance the user experience,
easily scan able and appropriate size

14. Measurement
• Google Analytics
– Original URL or Google URL shortener
1. Unique landing pages
2. Parameter strings to the end of URLs
• Third Party web analytics for QR codes
– Shortened URL
– Offered with QR code generators
– Demographics, number of scans
and repeat scans

15. QR Code Campaigns
• Macy’s department store
– “Backstage Pass” Marketing
Campaign
– Celebrity advice on style
tips and product
information
– Enter into a shopping spree
contest

16. QR Code Campaigns
• Tesco global supermarket store

17. QR Code Campaigns
• Planned Parenthood of The Great Northwest

18. Conclusion
• Enhance business’s marketing efforts
• Build customer relationships, increase
brand awareness and encourage product
purchases
• Keep consumer in mind at all times
• Inexpensive and proven
to be beneficial

19. Wood Brothers Racing