QR codes, best practices.

What are they?

You may have seen them without really knowing what they are. A little square graphic with a random splattering of little squares in it. These will be the bar code replacements and are readable using your smart phone. The codes can contain web links, text, phone numbers. maps or sms. You’ll probably start to see them in magazines, on TV or stickers slapped around town.

How to read them

To get started, you’ll need to download an app to your phone. Here are few:

iPhone:

• NeoReader
• Optiscan
• StickyBits
• Barcode :

Andriod:

• Barcode scanner
• Shop savvy
• QuickMark
• Scan Life barcode

The app uses your camera to scan the image and the information is captured….it’s that simple.

How to make them

The easiest way to is to use the online generators that have sprung up and copy the image supplied. The one’s that stand out are:

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
http://www.sparqcode.com/static/maestro
http://www.qrstuff.com/

Best practices for the marketer

1.Optimise for the Mobile. Users have significantly shorter attention spans when out and about so once the code is scanned, the results should be thumb-interactive, easy to read and purpose driven.

2.There must be a reason , a payoff: Because the user has to engage with the code, investing their time to read it, there needs to be a solid reason to do it. Classically this could be a exclusive discount offer that is supplied which in turn allows the user to purchase there and then with simple 1 click check out functionality. It could be exclusive content or easy payment systems like that of Starbucks.

3. Patience This is new technology. We are, by our nature, slow up takers, but when we do, we embrace it with passion. Don’t give up on trying new ideas and don’t expect too much for your first tentative steps.