Summary

QR codes, first developed in 1994 for the auto industry, have found new life in various applications, including marketing and contactless dining experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

QR codes, initially created for tracking vehicles during manufacturing, have evolved into versatile tools used in various contexts. They are essentially links to information accessible from mobile devices. Recently, a restaurant in Nashville implemented QR codes on their menus for a contactless dining experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being around for 26 years, QR codes have yet to reach their full potential, but they offer great opportunities for mobile marketing. The article suggests using QR codes on direct mail, vehicles, business cards, clothing, and more, emphasizing their versatility and potential for marketing and information sharing.

Opinions

The author believes that QR codes are a versatile and underutilized tool for marketing and information sharing.
The author thinks that QR codes on menus for a contactless dining experience is a brilliant idea.
The author acknowledges making mistakes when first using QR codes, such as placing them in emails and websites where links would have been more appropriate.
The author encourages readers to think creatively about how to use QR codes in their businesses.
The author suggests using QR codes on direct mail, vehicles, business cards, clothing, and more.
The author believes that QR codes offer great potential for mobile marketing.
The author invites readers to share their ideas and experiences with using QR codes.

Amazing Rebirth or an Impressive Awakening

We have all seen those funny-looking black and white squares. What the heck are they?

Believe it or not, but those funny looking black and white squares with squiggly looking lines have been around since 1994.

According to Wikipedia, Quick Response codes or QR codes were first developed for the auto industry in Japan by Masahiro Hara from the Japanese company Denso Wave. Its purpose was to track vehicles during manufacturing; it was designed to allow high-speed component scanning. QR codes are now used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile-phone users (termed mobile tagging).

If you don’t have time to read this article, trust me I get it! But I’ve got your back, please feel free to listen to the extended play podcast! Thanks!

Before we go any further, in order for you to read a QR Code, you will need to download one of the many apps that are readily available for IOS and Androids.

Because a QR Code is basically just a link to your info from a mobile device. Remember that when you are thinking about using them for your marketing.

Have potential customers scan a QR Code from their phone to your info

📴 📴 📴

Let’s explore how we might use these marvelous and versatile QR Codes. Trust me, once you put your thinking caps on, you’ll realize that these ideas are only a small sampling of what you might be able to do!

I recently saw a story on twitter, yes, twitter! (Please follow me there @trappersherwood) That recently caught my attention and had me nodding my head yes!

As we have all be dealing with the Coronavirus or covid-19 here in 2020, businesses are struggling just to stay open and reopen. So many things to consider, reconsider and put into place to keep people as safe as possible, but still let them enjoy a nice dining experience.

One restaurant here in the Nashville area did just that. Along with the safe distancing rules and hygiene procedures, they went one step further.

QR Codes! Brilliant! Now how did they implement them? On their menus! What a fantastic idea! No more handing menus between busboys, servers, the hostess, or even the guests. Just scan the lunch or dinner menu QR Code with your phone and presto! Up pops the menu on your phone!

I truly think this is one of the best ways I've seen a QR Code used!

☝️ ☝️ ☝️

Since the QR Code is now 26 years old, you would think it would be wildly popular, but not so fast. Unlike Radio, TV, and the internet that really took off in rocketship like fashion, the QR Code has just been hanging around, ready for rebirth and people discover how amazing this little marketing tool can be used. If done properly.

QR Codes are great for mobile marketing!

When I first started trying out QR Codes ten years ago, I immediately thought they were cool and full of potential. But, if there was a mistake to be made using them, I made it! I put QR Codes in emails (because I thought they were cool) when I should have just used a link, also on websites because, well see the reason above.

Through trial and error, here are a few places that I think will work better. Once again, get your brain housing group in gear and let me know what you come up with! The potential for QR Codes is tremendous!

📄 📄 📄

Sending out direct mail? Instead of a link that the person reading the letter will have to type into a browser, why not a QR Code?

Vehicles? I have a QR Code on the back of my Service van. It goes directly to my website. Someone sitting behind me at a traffic light could scan it for more info about my company.

Bumper stickers.

Business card! Make your business card interactive!

Tee shirts, hoodies? The curiosity factor alone will have people stopping you and wanting to scan your shirt or hoodie!

Selling a book? More info via a QR Code on the back cover, inside cover, etc.

List building? How about a QR Code for that?

Etsy site? Shopify site? MLM Site? Create a QR Code and stick it in your back window. That will be so much easier for your potential customers than that long, drawn-out website on your back window that nobody remembers. (Sorry)

Here’s another great one!

A poll about Brexit! Now that’s thinking outside the Brexit box! See what I mean about versatility!

Ready to create your own QR Codes! Here are three resources for you.

https://www.qr-code-generator.com/

https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/

https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/

So, now you know what a QR Code is, how to use it, and where to use it. I’m sure you can think of more areas. Please let me know how you use yours! Remember, you can change the color of them, add a picture, etc.

Stuck and want to brainstorm on how to use them for your business? Let’s talk! Schedule a FREE 15-minute phone call with me! SLConsulting.Solutions We’ll have a virtual coffee break together and come up with solutions for you and your business!

Happy QRing… if that’s a word! :)