QR Code Information
QR-Codes are two dimensional barcodes that are designed to have their contents decoded at a high speed. QR stands for Quick Response.
QR-Codes originated in the country of Japan and have only recently began to become popular within the Middle East and Europe, and now the United States.
QR-Codes can be used to store all kids of data including web addresses.
Most mobile phones now come with cameras and the ability to download applications (apps). The camera, along with decoding application can be used to capture a picture of the QR-Code and then transform the data held within the QR-Code to action for the mobile phone, such as connecting to a web address, dialing a phone number, sending an email, or even downloading a MP3.
The Japanese standard for QR-Codes was devised by Denso Wave and released in January of 1999. The corresponding ISO International Standard, was then approved in June of 2000. The standard was then updated in 2006.
Typical bar codes can hold about 20 digits, while QR Codes can hold much more information. A QR Code can hold 7,089 characters (numeric only), or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. The three squares at the corners tell the scanner the correct position of the code, so QR Codes can be scanned at any angle and read correctly by the scanner.
As mentioned, QR Codes can hold a web address. However they can also hold email data, including email address, subject line, and body of an email. Some other common uses are to hold a text message or phone number. Many more uses are currently available, such as retail coupons, online discounts, and much more, and the future hold many more possibilities.
Some suggestions for using your QR Code to draw prospects to your web site, or one of the many other uses
- Send clients and prospects a postcard with your QR Code printed on it
- Include your QR Code on all your printed materials such as business cards, newsletters, brochures, stationery, etc.
- Print your QR Code on clothing, such as T-shirts, jackets, caps.
- Include your QR Code in advertisements placed in Directories, ad books, magazines, billboards, or wherever you advertise
- Include your QR Code in your email signature
- Include your QR Code in your online advertising