It’s time we have a discussion about QR Codes. Like many in the printing and graphic arts industry, I’ve been keeping a close eye on these little gems. I’m starting to see QR Codes everywhere; even in my sleep sometimes. I know it’s a problem. I even have one that’s uniquely Jim Raffel. You’ll find it on my Meet-Meme card. That code will take you to a micro-site that is devoted to me and my online connection points. But how else are QR Codes used?
Virtually instant access to information
On a recent trip to Best Buy, I was comparing several notebook computers. I was going to leave with a new machine for my daughter and wanted to make sure I purchased the best one for her needs. As I walked back and forth between the display models comparing features, I noticed the QR Codes on the display shelf. Once I had it narrowed down to two units I scanned the code of one with my phone and then walked over to the other. Now, I was able to do a side-by-side comparison of features.
Virtually instant access to detailed and specialized information
While my Meet-Meme card contains a great deal of information, it’s nothing compared to the micro-site the QR Code directs you to. And, as you might suspect, the site is mobile friendly. From that site, you can connect with me on several social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also access a list of websites I feel are valuable.
Print driving eyeballs to the web
While newspapers and news magazines struggle to find their place in the new print world order, specialized printing with QR Codes is taking off. Let’s face it, we want our customers to visit our websites. That’s where we are sharing our story. That’s where detailed specifications about our products and services are. That’s where customers can access self-server features for sales and customer services. QR Codes move your customers from print to the web – simple as that.
Grab an app and give it a try
On my Android phone, I make use of ShopSavvy to scan QR Codes; but that is by no means the only option available to you. Find an app for your mobile device and start scanning those QR’s. Oh, here’s the best part: It’s FREE. You can generate codes for free and you can scan codes for free so you have nothing to lose.
For the few who do not have a QR Code reading application installed on their smart phone, or are do not want to bust out the smart phone to capture the QR Code above, here is the link;
http://mtme.me/258b06
also, I see that the author may not be aware that since this card has a spot color and a metallic ink, you really can visualize this Meet-Meme.com card without turning on Overprint Preview in Acrobat (what is shown above has it turned off) – or looking at the file in VR (so the metallic ink can be visualized) – here is a link to that…
http://youtu.be/g_gzeIYaUNw?hd=1
Hope that helps !
Great additions to the post Michael. Thanks for the additional links!
Thanks Jim. I’ve kind of ignored QR codes since I don’t have an Android but it looks like time to start taking it more serious. I’ve seen these used on forums (where a link would be considered spam).
There are apps QR Codes for almost all smart phones.
Jim,
Right there with you. I love, love, love QR Codes. It’s also important to know that you can track ‘clicks’ on QR Codes in a number of ways. One is by using Google’s Campaign Manager. Another is by shortening a URL using a url shortner like bit.ly and then creating the QR Code from that URL. And as a business, this is the kind of data that should make your mouth water. It’s an almost instant guide to how successful a campaign that uses QR Codes is.
And let’s not forget a cousin of the QR Code Microsoft Tag. Where Tag and QR differ is that QR is a 2D black and white representation of data. With Tag, you could easily use your company logo as the background for your tag which as it happens functions just like a QR in that you can track it, and to use it you take a picture of it with your smartphone after installing the reader app.
Oh and I almost forgot! Both Tag and QR can contain more than just a URL. They can represent a block of text up to a certain character limit, and an email address.
My understanding is there is a cost to use Microsoft Tag. But yes, it’s also exciting technology with a more visually appealing aspect for designers. The problem is will people be willing to load a special app for another type of code?
Those MEET-MEME Cards are something else… Very happy with mine! Can’t wait till I go to the other conference so I can order a new set!
Can’t say enough about the cards and more importantly the team behind the cards. So much fun to work with them.
I agree I met them al at SXSW and was very happy that i decided to make such a small investment for such an awesome product.