QR Code 101

What is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode mainly used to let mobile phones read information with their cameras. Its content is decoded at high speed and allows users to store information such as URLs or your Landing Page.

How does a QR Code Work?

Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that hold information horizontally, the quick response codes are two-dimensional and can store information both vertically and horizontally in a repeating format. Repeating formats allow much more data to be stored, and ensures that if a code is damaged, the message can still be read.

Why do I want a QR Code?

By adding a QR Code to any form of advertising, your customers can then have easy access to your menu, specials, on-line ordering capabilities and your store phone number and address.

Once your QR code is scanned, with a click of a button your customers can store the information.

Another reason the QR code will be successful is its ability to provide instant gratification! QR codes give the instant response your customers crave. Studies have shown that successful campaigns have had engagement rates of up to 60%. College students, working parents and business owners are constantly on the go and they want immediate answers! Smartphones are with us - and our customers - 24/7. That's not a fad. That's a trend that gets stronger everyday.

Can any phone read a QR Code?

Almost all cell phones equipped with a camera have the ability to read QR Codes.

However, some phones require an app to interpret the code, while others simply use their camera and text messaging capabilities to decode the message. Some camera phones are already equipped with the correct reader application for scanning the QR Code.

How do I download the QR Code Reader Software app?

To download the QR-Code reader (software) so that you can scan and read mobile barcodes (QR-Codes), type the following URL in the address bar (not search engine).

http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software. This site has listed available reading software and information about how to download and install the QR-Code readers. Each site listed shows which mobile phone manufacturers they support. Once you have found the correct site to download the software onto your phone, enter that specific URL into your phone. The most widely used reader is: i-nigma. It accommodates virtually any type of camera phone.

How do I use my phone to read a QR Code?

With the QR Code that interests you in hand or on a screen, start Barcode Scanner and point your cell phone camera lens at the code. It may take a little moving in and out to get the QR Code in focus, but once it is, the QR Code Scanner will take you to the url (web address) or your mobile friendly landing page if one has been created.

How do I create a QR Code?

To generate your own QR Code, go to: beqrious.com/qrcode/create

You can also generate your own QR code using a site like qrcode.Kaywa.com or you can use the open source code to generate codes for you if you have a smart developer on hand.

Do I need a web site in order to use a QR Code?

NO. We can create a Mobile Friendly Web Page for you. This is also known as a Freindly Landing Page.

How can I get a mobile friendly landing page?

A mobile friendly landing page requires someone to create it at a certain size. We can assist you in creating a mobile friendly landing page. Friendly landing pages are not required, they just allow for easier viewing.

Can you create my landing page?

Yes, for a nominal fee... $50.00 for a basic mobile friendly landing page. Includes Logo, Phone #, Address, Hours. There will be an additional charge for adding maps, menus, etc.

Why Would I Want a Mobile Friendly Landing Page?

The whole point is to make things quick and easy so people do not have to jump around in an effort to find your information. If your QR Code is linked to your existing Website, your customer can not see everything they need when they view through these smaller devices. Scrolling becomes a mess and they often cannot navigate as well as they would like to. Plus, when people download an entire Website on their phone it will use up their data allowance and on most mobile phone plans, they will end up having to pay extra. ìMobile Landing Pagesî are designed specifically to be smaller in dimension and have limited information so that people can get right to the point. So by having the appropriate set up, you will make your customer experience an easier one. Any change you can make to ease the customer experience will be one that will benefit you and your business in the long run.

Do I need to change the code each time I change the content of my web page?

No, the QR Code always reflects your current changes.

The QR code never needs to change so it is always current on any form of advertising printed. Unlike traditional barcodes which are tied to specific content, the content of your webpage can change to reflect new specials, price changes, coupons, etc.

Does everyone have a smartphone to read QR codes?

More than 50% of the U.S. will have a smartphone by the 3rd or 4th quarter in 2011, according to Nielsen (as reported by MediaPost on 2/5/11). And, 45% of mobile users upgraded to a smartphone in 4th quarter 2010. Now that Verizon offers iPhones, it's likely the smartphone adoption rate will continue to grow rapidly. † Smartphone sales now exceed computer sales.

Has everyone heard about QR codes?

While not everyone has heard of QR codes, that's changing now that more than 50 major U.S. media and more than 100 major U.S. brands are using these scan codes. Actually, the interest in QR codes is skyrocketing.

What's the Return On Investment (ROI)?

Just like your website, how we use the QR codes will evolve. QR codes enable you to activate your brand and engage your customers in all your marketing communication tools, at point-of-sale and with your products and services. If we don't want to jump into the deep end of the pool, let's put our toe in the shallow end to get started.

Can we wait? Isn't it too soon to get started with QR codes?

Why can't we wait until everyone is doing it?

All your competitors will be using scan codes. By getting started now, you can learn how best to use scan codes to increase: a) sales; b) help your customers easily engage with your brand c) activate your customers; d) help generate trade and consumer media coverage; and e) lead your company into new ways that your customers will want to engage with you.

Let's keep studying the space?

Consumer and trade media loves writing about QR codes. If you get started now, you can generate buzz: media, social media and word of mouth about how you are using the QR codes.

There are other new media/social media/mobile opportunities I want to do first?

Since using scan codes is relatively new, there's still an opportunity to generate buzz (traditional consumer, business and trade media coverage, social media and word-of-mouth) by getting started now. It's easy to get started; plus, like the web, the QR codes will not only be used in your marketing communication tools, they will also be used in your product and they will help with customer service.

Is there a risk in waiting?

By waiting, you're missing out on increasing sales sooner; learning how best to leverage QR codes for your business; plus, your competitors are using - or will be using - QR codes. Like they say, "Do it now or play catch up later if you can."

The whole thing is just too confusing?

While scan codes can be confusing - just like getting started with a home page, Facebook or Twitter for your business - we learned by doing. We need to learn now so that you can engage your customers and activate your brand.