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 youMobile

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 ResultsGet 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 respondSt. Patricia’s

Donation Page

Ways to Use QR Codes Build your marketing database – include QR

codes to enable people to subscribe to your email lists and other alerts

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 PracticesInclude Instructions!

If sending to a website, write the web address near the QR code

Include instructions (scan with mobile phone…)

Best PracticesSpruce it up

Use color, but make sure there is a white border/background

Include your logo

Best PracticesMobile Optimized Content

OptimizedNot Optimized

Best PracticesMake 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