QR codes : The future of Advertising and Communications

QR code for my website amandaroberts.info

Have you been seeing these square code like images? I've seen them on magazine covers and posters but thought they were a new version of a barcode or a safety device from keeping people from walking out the door with items. But it isn't either. Its called a QR code. A QR code is a image code, much like our usual bar code that can be placed on printed media, to bring people to digital media, such as a website. How you ask, via a smart phone.

QR stands for "quick response" and was first invented in Japan in 1990's. These QR codes were invented by Denso Corp. of Japan to first track automobile parts. But this technology, was soon used on Billboards and JumboTrons to as a communication device. Japan has had smart phones years before us and their audience was ready for this type of technology.

The great thing about QR codes is it can be read vertically or horizontally. And there is so much potential here. Just imagine your new product getting promoted on a JumboTron and watching an audience of people point their camera phones at your ad, scan it, and take them to your site. In seconds you could be watching them surf to your website and read, learn, and buy your product instantly.

Currently the downside to this technology is I don't have a smart phone with internet, and I only have an iPod with no camera. So, as of today I can't play with this technology. But you can if you have an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry phone with a working camera, QR reader, and internet. Other smart phones can carry this technology so check with your provider and see this website for more ways to can get a QR reader on your smart devices.

Also if you what to be techie yourself and get your own personal QR code ready for your future promotion I found this QR code generator site where you can type in a URL, Text, SMS, or phone number to generate your QR code and get networking. P.S., to check to see if your QR code works, if you don't have a smart phone, go here.

Pepsi QR advertisements