QR Codes

By Christy Lynch

What is a QR Code

  QR stands for “Quick Response” While around since 1994, they are just catching on in the US with the increasing popularity of smart phones.

 QR codes are a 2-dimensional bar code Rescigno’s YouTube Video on Panoramic Photo Books

How do they work?

     You will need a smart phone with a camera Download a QR code app  We recommend i-nigma, free for android and iPhone Open the app on your phone Center the QR code in the camera viewer You will be taken wherever the QR code is setup to take you Mobile Business Card

Why use QR codes

  “Strike while the iron is hot”  Consumers ability to respond at the moment you pique their interest No need to write down URL’s, addresses, etc.

 The number of smart phone users are on the rise.

Track Your Results

    Total Number of scans Activity by Day Activity by Hour Devices being used (this allows you to optimize the viewing experience)   Locations of people scanning ROI

Track your Results Get More Information

 Send your QR code to a website and require registration to get to content     Name Company Email Cell Phone (for text updates)

Ways to use QR codes

  Promote future events Direct people to videos, podcasts and web pages with more information  Add your logo into the QR code to build brand awareness  Drive donations by making it easy for people to respond St. Patricia’s Donation Page

Ways to Use QR Codes

     Build your marketing database email lists and other alerts – include QR codes to enable people to subscribe to your Connect printed materials with online materials, providing additional information Allow people to interact with your greeting cards – view a picture or video that supports the card.

Mobile Business Cards Encourage audience participation at events.

Open House YouTube Invite

Where to put the QR Code

 Near the relevant information – for example near the donation form if you want online donations  Excellent on the address panel of a newsletter or self mailer  On the back side of a business card

Best Practices

 Shrink your URL (website address) before creating the QR code.

 Tinyurl.com or similar program  Name your artwork file so you can easily find for future use  Ex: qr-Rescignos.com.jpg

Best Practices Include Instructions!

 If sending to a website, write the web address near the QR code  Include instructions (scan with mobile phone…)

Best Practices Spruce it up

 Use color, but make sure there is a white border/background  Include your logo

Best Practices Mobile Optimized Content

Optimized Not Optimized

Best Practices Make it the Right Size

 Usually no smaller than 1 inch  Can be as large as you want! This QR code was 28 x 28 inches.

Samples – Self Mailer

Samples Remittance Envelope

Samples – Business Card

Other Uses

 Although most people use QR codes to send people to a website, you can also:     Have it bring up a text only message Dial or save a phone number Read an email address Add an event to your calendar