What’s in Your QR Code: 10+ Types of QR Code Content

QR Codes are pop-art matrix barcodes.

Also, they’re known as Quick Response codes.

As a form of mobile tagging, they condense information into a small rectangular graphic.

Originating in Japan, these two dimensional barcodes require a camera and a QR Code reader to decipher the encoded information.

With cameras included in most mobile phones, QR Code usage continues to expand, especially given the increased use of smartphones.

When it comes to QR Codes, men will be happy because here’s one place that size doesn’t matter.

Why Should Marketers Care About QR Codes?

QR Code matrix graphics transform a wide variety of real world physical media, packaging and products into information conduits with the use of a mobile phone.

Gone are the space limitations of offline media and packaging. With up to 7089 characters of information, QR Codes:

Enhance product support,
connect to customer service, and/ir
Facilitate purchase.

Consequently, QR Codes changes the game for integrated media. Short term, the drawback of using QR Codes is that prospects may not realize they’re looking at one since it’s still a relatively new activity.

What Types of Marketing Information Can QR Codes Convey?

QR Codes provide marketers with a variety of data options and media formats to expand content presentation. Here are fifteen marketing information alternatives.

Website URL

This can be a special targeted landing page or any website resource. The goal here is to enhance the user’s experience by ensuring that the result is formatted for a mobile device in order to provide needed information on-the-go.

Text or Audio Content

Supply users with additional text information. This can be useful for supplying content that consumers should have but you don’t have room to include. It could become the new way to condense the fine print.

Telephone Number

Since most QR Code users are away from their office or home, give them the ability to talk to a human by offering them your phone number, either your 800 number or your retail establishment’s number.

Text Message

Present users with a mobile alternative for connecting with your company. This is particularly useful when targeting teenagers.

Email Address

Give users your email address. Tailor the email address to the QR Code so it can tracked back to the source of the contact.

Send Email Message

Provide prospects a way to communicate with you directly. Once the QR Code is scanned it sends a designated recipient a pre-formatted email.

Contact Details

This information appears as a virtual business card. With a means for showing people your QR Code, you can reduce the need for business cards. For example, I attached a QR Code to my badge for Social Media Week.

Map

Show prospects how to find your physical location. QR Codes use Google Maps.

Social Media

This encompasses a diverse array of options such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. QR Codes access these networks via the web.

YouTube Video

Another form of social media that’s great for giving users useful content on-the-go. Use video in places where people need to see how to do something. A QR Code sticker in the trunk of a car can launch a video showing how to change a tire.

Event Details

Make a date by placing information about the occasion in the viewer’s calendar.

Buy Now Link

Expand your ability to sell without a retail location. Don’t forget to include a call-to-action!

Mobile Apps

While this functionality is possible, in reality, its use is limited since only certain phones can handle the redirection. But stay tuned! Mobile functionality continues to evolve.

QR Code Conclusion

With the expanding penetration of smartphones and other mobile devices, QR Code usage continues to expand and become more mainstream. From a marketing perspective, it’s important to start integrating QR Codes into your content, packaging and products to extend their usefulness to prospects and customers.

Do you have other ways to use QR Codes? If so, what are they and where do you use them? Please leave a comment below.

Happy Marketing,
Heidi Cohen

Heidi Cohen is the President of Riverside Marketing Strategies.
You can find Heidi on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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