In this blog you will learn about the following
- What are QR codes?
- How do QR codes work?
- Is there a need for QR codes?
- Where can you use a QR code?
In this blog you will learn If you are running an online business that involves marketing, it would be extremely beneficial to understand QR codes. In the last few years, QR codes have become more accessible than ever due to the increase in mobile network coverage along with the rapid growth of smartphone users. With these increases has also come a rise in branded QR codes, allowing a mobile pathway for users to connect to the brands they like and keep track of them. This allows a lot of opportunities for brands to market their products that were not possible before. If your business wants to utilize QR codes, it is essential to first understand what they are and how they work.
What are QR codes?
Created by the Japan-based company Denso Wave, A QR code (or “quick response code”) is a code that can be quickly read by cell phones or other mobile devices. When you scan the code with one of these devices, it reads the message on the code and processes the information to that device. The information on the code can be any number of messages, graphics, numbers; whatever the creator of the code wants to transmit to these devices.
QR codes are Matrix Barcodes (or 2D barcodes), which differ from 1D barcodes. They are able to hold data and information both horizontally and vertically, whereas 1D barcodes can only hold information horizontally. While 1D barcodes have their uses (such as scanning price tags), 2D barcodes have far more versatility. In fact, the whole reason Denso Wave invented them was as a solution for the limited storage capacity of 1D barcodes. These codes have much more potential to transfer information, which has led to a growing popularity for businesses trying to promote and sell their products.
How do QR codes work?
A QR code generation is made up of about 7 parts, with each part contributing to a pattern that conveys a specific message via the code. The usefulness of the QR code is that the structure of the pattern is able to store up to 7089 digits or 4296 characters, including punctuation. This allows these codes to display information such as internet addresses to mobile devices. The code may not look readable to the human eye, but the deliberate placing of the black patterns on the white background is made to be immediately recognized by mobile phone scanners.
The easy to read patterns allow the scanner to detect the code at any angle, making the process as convenient as possible. The data of the code also includes duplications and error correction, meaning that the code can remain readable even after sustaining damage. While originally intended for manufacturing companies, QR codes have no official patent. This has led to them having a significant presence in digital marketing.
Is there a need for QR codes?
With the overwhelming prevalence of mobile devices, QR codes can be one of the most useful assets for growing awareness of your business. These codes can lead to a landing page for your company, and provide all of the necessary information about your business and product in the most convenient, accessible and efficient way possible. QR codes can also provide an access point to all of your social media information, without relying on customers to find it on their own. Even QR code payments can be made to purchase products.
Despite being around for some time, many types of QR codes remain effective. Given that people still use mobile devices to receive information, QR codes remain a quick and convenient method of sharing video content, which is one of the most popular forms of web traffic, and often viewed through phones. If anything, QR codes have become more useful during the Covid19 pandemic, because they can provide information and share content even in a socially distanced world.
Where can you use a QR code?
QR codes serve a variety of purposes, and can be used for multiple types of products, profiles and websites. One of the main uses of QR codes is for businesses selling products. A code scan can provide information on the product if there is no space on the product itself. It is an effective way of providing information without making the product label overly crowded. They can also be used to provide business information, including social media QR code links for you or your business. This can be done by placing codes on businesses cards for networking events.
QR codes are also a good tool to set up your own events. Providing the code on event materials (such as an email) can offer the needed instructions for the event in a way far more convenient than handing out hard copies. It ensures that everyone invited will have access to the invitation without risk of losing it. If you’re planning an event for your business, QR codes are a great way to provide the right information to the people you want to attend.
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