What are QR Codes ?

So what are these small square barcodes popping up everywhere?

You have probably noticed square barcode-like boxes appearing in more and more locations alongside real estate listings, movie dvd ads, newspapers, on advertising at bus stops and outside restaurants.
These are QR codes or Quick Response codes which hold data in a way that is instantly transferable. Some hold business contact information and others hold URL web links to mobile optimised web pages.

 QR codes are rapidly being adopted by advertising and marketing companies. They allow consumers to immediately access and store whatever information they’re interested in or any ads that they come across anywhere anytime.  

But How?

The concept is simple!

1. You first download one of the several available QR code reader apps to your smart phone Some of the best smart phone apps are:
QR Droid or Codee for Android
i-nigma for iPhone
Other apps are available as well for Blackberry or Nokia

2.  You come across an ad you’re interested in with a QR code displayed next to the ad. You simply scan the QR code with your smart phone app mentioned above. This will automatically take you to a web page with the information you need, usually a page that has been optimised for mobile usage.
It’s that easy.

The mobile landing web pages can be:A discount voucher,  a survey,  a competition entry form,  an event registration form, a  real estate property for sale , a video clip or a video message,  a restaurant menu,  a car for sale or any product or service that a business may offer !
Some other QR codes can add contact details into your smart phone contact list, send you emails, SMS text…etc.

In Korea, a billboard of virtual supermarket shelves in a subway even allows consumers to us QR codes to do their grocery shopping while waiting for the train. The possibilities are endless.

The advertiser, on the other hand, can view QR code scans statistics reports by client, campaign, location and media type, as well as manage the creation of advertising merchandise printed or engraved with QR codes. To protect privacy, mobile phone numbers or shared mobile locations are not captured.

Clan Media is a business based in Chatswood NSW, has been working with businesses to launch, distribute and track successful QR Code advertising campaigns. Clan Media can collaborate and support small and medium size businesses to take advantage of this smart technology.

Written By:

Zareh Tashjian
Web development consultant
Clan Media

Website:               http://www.clanmedia.com/web/qr_code.cfm

Email:                    info@clanmedia.com