The qr code is becoming one of the most used tools for online business, but it can be a little confusing to those who aren’t familiar with it. This article will help to explain the basic functions of a QR code and how it can be used for marketing purposes.
A qr code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information in a small space. The codes can be scanned by devices with built-in cameras, such as smartphones, to automatically open websites or deliver other types of content. This is a much quicker and easier way to share information than typing out a web address or using email. The code is made up of black and white modules that form a crossword-puzzle-like pattern, with blank spaces between each module. The code can contain up to 4,000 characters of data, including text, URLs, geolocation, contact information, and other kinds of information.
Most people are aware that a qr code can direct them to a website, but it can also be used to link to other things as well, such as a YouTube video, a podcast, a mobile-friendly landing page, or an embedded audio file. These are all great ways to engage your audience and drive traffic to your site, especially since the average smartphone has a camera built-in.
When used on printed materials, a qr code can be positioned in the bottom corner of a page or on the back of a product. It’s important to position it in a location where it will be easily visible to your audience. It can also be incorporated into a larger design, such as on a banner, to add an interactive element to your campaign.
QR codes can be encoded to display a wide variety of characters, including katakana, hiragana, and kanji, as well as alphanumeric and binary data. They can be read in two directions – top to bottom and right to left – and can hold far more data than standard barcodes. The data is stored in a matrix of black and white modules, and the scanner can detect patterns within these modules to determine where the data begins and ends.
One of the primary reasons for the invention of QR Codes was that the automotive industry needed a better way to catalog spare parts, and traditional barcodes would wear and tear over time, making them unreadable. Denso Wave, the company that invented the Codes, developed a system that could tolerate up to 30% damage, which allowed them to remain scannable even when dirty or damaged.
QR Codes can be static or dynamic, and can be updated with new information at any time. Static codes cannot track metrics or allow for editing, but are great for simple use such as employee ID cards or event badges. Dynamic codes are great for marketers as they can be used to create unique URLs that redirect customers based on specific criteria, such as the number of scans or the date and time.