What is a QR Code? Why Would I Use One?

Have you seen one of these recently?
It's called a Quick Response (QR) Code.

You can scan this code with a QR reader application on your Smartphone and a number of things can happen. It may take you to a website, receive contact information (e.g., vCard), or be prompted to send an email. A single QR code is capable of storing over 4,000 alphanumeric characters.

This has been quite popular for a few years now in Japan. QR codes are quickly making their way into the United States as businesses attach them to advertisements, flyers, and other promotional materials. A QR code actually popped up during the recent Stephen Colbert/Roots/Jimmy Fallon performance that took viewers to a bonus video about the actual performance on Late Night's website).

Websites like qrstuff.com can help you generate, print and embed your own QR codes for FREE. Attach them to your business cards, advertising or marketing materials to sent potential customers your company's contact info or direct them to a website. For example, some realtors place QR odes on "For Sale" signs on their properties that take prospective buyers to the MLS listing. British band Pet Shop Boys recently used a QR code to direct their fans to a free download of their new single.

Other users have included QR codes in billboards, guerilla-marketing campaigns, event ticketing, coupons, direct mail campaigns, and more. A QR code's potential for your business is limited only by your imagination.