The Reemergence of QR Codes

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QR codes (quick response codes) were very  popular not too long ago and they have come back recently and are very popular again. QR codes are a wonderful marketing resource that allows the user to obtain information quickly and easily with the mere click of a button.

A  tremendous effort was originally made

When QR codes were originally introduced, marketers and advertisers made a tremendous effort to create sophisticated, extensive, effective QR code campaigns, which helped businesses to become more and more successful. However, it is important to understand that this iteration of QR code campaigns is not exactly the same as the QR code campaigns of the past. In fact, there were reasons why QR code campaigns quietly disappeared from the forefront of marketing for a while. One of those reasons is that they were misunderstood. Now, marketers and advertisers seem to have a better understanding of QR codes and how to leverage them for all that they can provide.

The increased use of QR codes

In recent years, marketing experts have been somewhat less than enthusiastic about QR codes and QR code campaigns. However, that seems to be changing. With the huge number of people who use smartphones, the marketing world are in a position of needing to bring in new clients in creative and innovative ways as much as possible. On a universal basis, QR codes have tremendously widespread use in many countries. The use of QR  codes has spread with wildfire-like speed.

In this part of the world, QR campaigns have also been enjoying a resurgence that may be quite surprising. That particular technology seems to have come full circle. However, in this particular iteration of QR code campaigns, people are not only considering the functionality of them but they are also starting to think about the aesthetics of QR codes and how people react to them. It is important to understand that if something is pretty, it will sell more easily and more quickly than if it is plain. Visually appealing QR codes are bound to make a positive impact on sales.

There are many different ways in which to make QR codes aesthetically pleasing to people. Your choice of approach will be determined by the products and/or services that you are selling:

  • If you are selling a food item, for example, you may wish to consider offering a contest in which your potential  customers have to answer a question. People generally love that. You can design that to go right through the QR code. You will be surprised at how much of a response you get.

  • You can have your QR code lead to whatever you wish to offer your customers and potential customers as incentives. You should try to be as creative as possible. Your target audience will certainly appreciate that.

  • When it comes to selling services and QR codes, you can connect your QR code to a discounted service or a giveaway of some sort, which connects to what you are offering. You might be surprised at how many people express an interest in what you are doing.

The possibilities are limitless

With the new iteration of QR codes, there is tremendous potential for a person with a mobile device to scan the QR code, view a product, and purchase it right then and there. It couldn’t be any easier than that. There are so many things that you can do with QR codes as a business owner and with the number of people who rely on their mobile devices every day, it is an easy next step to get them to opt in to using them on a  regular basis. They won’t only be using them to purchase products and services but also to obtain valuable information that is now at their fingertips.

Conclusion

QR codes have reemerged but they are an improved version from what they were originally. This next generation is well suited for the needs of the people who are most interested in using them. They are more sophisticated and more attractive than they ever were before. QR codes  have definitely not outlived their usefulness. However, it is up to all of us to make them as creative and as appealing as possible. QR codes provide you with fast, reliable connections and information that is at your fingertips right away.

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Author

  • Michael Cohn

    Michael Cohn is the founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CompuKol Communications. He has decades of experience in IT and web technologies. Michael founded CompuKol Communications to help small businesses and entrepreneurs increase their visibility and reputation. CompuKol consults, creates, and implements communication strategies for small businesses to monopolize their markets with a unique business voice, vision, and visibility. Mr. Cohn earned a Master’s degree in project management from George Washington University in Washington, DC; and a Master’s degree in computer science and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ.

22 Responses

  1. Kelly Smith says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business & Independent Consultant Network
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    I use QR codes a lot.I find them very useful.The bad feedback that I have received is the appearance. Many artistic types feel that it is ugly and the recent.trend has been to go towards something that is more visually appealing.IR is making a stand as well as a couple other technologies however these are not as cost effective as the QR.When the price comes down the other technologies will make headway but until then the QR code is safe. I use them as a unique package tracker for the medical industry.
    By Wally Barr

  2. Bennet Bayer says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: B2B Technology Marketing Community
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Outstanding marketing and information tool which universally crosses borders!
    By Bennet Bayer

  3. Clemens Rettich says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Business Owner’s Toolkit
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    QR codes strike me so far as a solution looking for a problem. While I have seen some interesting uses of them on the business side I have never had a conversation with a consumer or a customer who believed a QR code solved some particular problem.

    I think the reason we continue to see them is that from a design perspective there is something intrinsically cool and elegant (they way they work, not the way they look) about how they translate an analogue sign into a digital process. But I believe that they are still in search of that great application.

    If I have missed the boat somewhere I would love to be brought up to speed.
    By Clemens Rettich

  4. Stanley Lang says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Social Media Marketing
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    they have many great uses but quickly opting into a business’s “preferred customer network” that gives them access to “specials” the company runs is a great way for that company to develop a good email and SMS list
    By Stanley Lang, MD

  5. Craig Voskuil says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Business Analyst Social Networking
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    I have two on the back of my business card, one is a link to my resume and the other is a link to my LinkedIn page. What I’d really like to find is an application for a PC that can read them. Maybe, I haven’t looked that hard.
    By Craig Voskuil

  6. Steve Case says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Social Media Marketing
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Great points. I’m glad we’ve gotten past the “QR Everywhere” mentality to the point where we’re using them where QR codes make sense.
    By Steve Case

  7. Doug Fenichel says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: PRSA NJ – Public Relations Society of America New Jersey Chapter
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Love QR codes. Aside from being a bridge between print and the net, they can be creative. They should bring people somewhere where they expect to go and see some value upon getting there.
    By Doug Fenichel, APR

  8. Michael Völler says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Business Development – The Missing Link between Marketing & Sales
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Hi the usecase I love QR-Codes are on business cards.

    But I also used QR-Codes sometimes at some poster, when they had interesting offers or services on it.
    By Michael Völler

  9. Peter Strohkorb says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Dr Brians Marketing Network – Number 1 Group for Top Marketers
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    QR codes can very effectively bridge the gap between the physical (offline) world and the virtual (online) world. I use them in my printed collateral when I want to offer the reader to opportunity to expand on a certain point by going to my website. Please let me know if you would like to see a sample of this.

    By Peter Strohkorb

  10. Rick Kirkham says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Accelerator
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    I use QR Codes on my staff’s and associates’ business cards. The combination of smart cell phones, internet and QR Codes makes a great tool for getting a lot of information on a business card and even building an email list.

    By Rick Kirkham

  11. Donald Scarinci says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: NJ Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Good article. We have QR codes on all of the attorney’s business cards. It allows clients and prospects to get right to the information that want.
    By Donald Scarinci

  12. Reginaldo Diaz says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Social Media Marketing and Measurement
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    We recently updated our business cards to include a QR code to our website.
    By Reginaldo Diaz

  13. Mike Moyer says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Accelerator
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    I use QR codes in my book, Slicing Pie to link to supplemental information and bonus material.
    By Mike Moyer

  14. Randy Aimone says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Accelerator
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    As a marketing firm that focuses on real world marketing, we usually identify a company that utilizes QR codes in their marketing as a likely ‘suspect’ for our services.
    By Randy Aimone

  15. Kim Valk says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Marketing & Communication Network
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    We are using QR code technology for our digital customer loyalty program- it is fun, easy and simple.
    By Kim Valk

  16. Sean M. Schofield says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Linked-N Bergen County NJ
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Thank you for posting this Michael. I definitely believe that there is a proper time and place for QR Codes, and when deployed in very “intentional” locations they are a great tool. We utilize them when creating flyers or advertisements that we are going to be placing in areas where 1) people are required to stay for a period of time (waiting rooms/restaurants/etc.); and 2) often “kill time” on their smart-phones. We tend to stay away from QR Coding everything because in a checkout line or on a walking path people tend not to take the time to scan them. They are a great tool that allows us to direct-link to our registration pages for events!
    By Sean M. Schofield, MA

  17. Seb says:

    We’ve used QRs to create an emergency card… They’re a central part of the idea as we wanted the cards to be universal, meaning they must be readable quickly in any emergency situation. With a QR we make them available to any EMT, nurse or doctor with a smartphone or tablet and we even developed a way to scan a card from our home page so they work also with desktop and laptop computers equipped with a webcam…
    The bottom line is, we wouldn’t have managed to create this without QR codes.

  18. Tony Lotzof says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Accelerator
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    We use QR codes on our ticketing solutions as well as in store Coupons and Gift vouchers solutions.
    We have a full in store redemption facility so that stores can scan and validate discount coupons as well as view the values of Gift vouchers. Allowing them to have a cashless in store solution.
    We also use them in our schools solution to allow students to make purchases from truck shops as well as for major events to send out free gifts and prizes to guests mobiles.
    By Tony Lotzof

  19. Keith Playell says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Web
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Our company also uses a QR code on our business card, which is linked to a brief video that reinforces our high levels of personal service. Rather than just a piece of text, I prefer to make a personal introduction.
    By Keith Playell

  20. Alison Kero says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Web
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    I personally feel like they are a great idea in theory but aren’t so great in practice. If I see a QR code on the side of a bus, how am I supposed to be able to whip out my phone in time to capture the code? And if I have your business card, shouldn’t the link to your website be enough?
    By Alison Kero

  21. Joe Charles says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Web
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    Hi Alison, I agree that if a QR code is on the side of a vehicle that is moving, it isnt going to be any use to you. However of the bus or car or van is parked, using a smartphone you can scan the code and go straight to the website without needing to type anything.

    The same is true of a business card, in fact we try to encourage people to use the QR code because our domain has hyphens in, which if you leave them out you go to a competitors website, and if you get them wrong, the website simply doesnt load, whereas there is no possibility of getting the address wrong with a QR code…

    By Joe Charles

  22. Victor Clarke says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Digital Marketing Community
    Discussion: How Do You Use QR Codes?

    If we can get folks to use them properly they are a great marketing and ROI measurement tool. However, because they have not been implemented properly I think the QR Code Haters may win in the end.
    By Victor Clarke