QR Codes. Things to Consider

During summer internship I was exploring the possible applications of QR technology to enhance the communication between my company and the customer. After googling “QR codes” and thinking through the steps to be undertaken I realized that there are quiet a few things to consider and do to integrate a small QR code in MarCom campaigns of my organization.

QR code should make sense. First of all, QR code should make sense in reaching the marketing goals. I.e. my goal was to increase the number of end-users registering on the corporate website. (the company does not work directly with the end users and the idea is to encourage the end users to come to us (via website). even though the QR code could be a good solution to increase the number of web registrations, there were more things to consider:

Will it reach you target customer: what is smartphone penetration rate and QR code awareness (in my case the target customer is the maintenance/electrical around the world)?
Does the company have mobile-friendly environment to which the QR code will bring a curious target customer?
Will this add value to a customer or make a negative impression?

QR Code Generators. There is a number of free QR code generators available and it takes seconds to create the QR Code. Some of the free QR code generators offer to create QR Codes in color. However, customized QR codes, that will be designed especially for you with company colors, logo, images and etc, are offered by the companies (i.e. social media and merchandising firms). It should also be beared in mind that:

– QR Code Generator you use is workable for the information type you need (URL, text, call, email, calendar event, etc)

– QR Code can change error correction quality;

– QR code can be of size that you need.

QR Code Readers

Most latest smartphones today have a QR code reader installed. However, for some the reader needs to be installed. In case the target customer does not have the reader installed, is incentive good enough to download the reader? Does he know that he needs a reader and where he downloads one compatible with your QR Code. .

Not all readers are compatible with all phones. Some readers work only on iPhones or Android phones. Some readers work on the Symbian OS found on Nokia phones and Java on low end smart phones.

Last thing before “going public”. It’s important the printed and ready to go QR code actually works. My advice is to bring all your friendly colleagues and friends who have smartphones to test it. And then, fingers crossed, launch it and track the efficiency.

Here is the links for QR codes that I found useful:

Free QR Code generators:

http://freenuts.com/top-10-free-online-qr-code-generators/

Fundamental information on QR codes and QR code generators

http://www.idautomation.com/barcode/qr-code.html

Risks for smartphones:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/are_qr_codes_a_real_security_risk_for_smartphone_o.php

QR codes blog and generator. Cutomized QR Codes:

http://www.beqrious.com/show/custom-qr-code-design

Best free online QR Code Readers:

http://freenuts.com/best-5-free-online-qr-code-readers/

Another useful link: