Cracking the QR Code

There’s a new must-have gadget every time we turn around. From tablets to e-readers, it seems like there’s a race to create the smallest and fastest “next big thing.”

But one new piece of marketing technology can bring your small business big benefits at a budget-friendly price: the QR code.

These codes can be posted in print or online. They vary from the size of a fingernail to as big (or bigger) than a sheet of paper.

Those with a QR code scanning app (they’re free) on their Smartphones simply open the app, point it at the code, and your company’s web page or marketing campaign instantly pops up on the screen.

“QR codes are an inexpensive way to make many aspects of your business –

website, email, text – more accessible to customers,” says Jean Van Rensselar of Smart PR Communications.

“They coordinate nicely with other marketing efforts, such as email campaigns, where adding a QR code to an email could allow a reader to scan and call your business immediately.”

How do companies benefit? “A retail store can display the code in the front window so shoppers who get to the store after it’s closed can scan the code and shop online,” explains Van Rensselar.

“Once you have your QR codes set up, you can start experimenting [and] figuring out the best ways to create a nexus between marketing communications.”(You can scan our QR code in the upper right box!)

Sites like Kaywa let you easily generate a unique QR code for free. You can get a better idea of how other companies use this new marketing strategy by downloading a scanning app and pointing it at codes you see in magazines, ads and store windows.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out the 5 best apps for your business here.

By Caroline Cox

“We’re all learning here; the best listeners will end up the smartest.” Charlene Li