Google may have ended linking “Places” to QR Codes, but I think there is still huge potential in the development of this technology. I first looked into QR Codes last year, as an enhancement to the boring old business card.
The ideas for uses for QR Codes has spread and there is still opportunity for businesses to utilise this technology for their own benefit.
Just to recap, from Wikipedia:
A QR code (short for Quick Response) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
Basically once you use your smartphone to snap a picture of the QR Code, the barcode then will automatically redirect you to a specific webpage/ phone number/ other text or content.
Here are 7 websites that can offer your business opportunity to tap into this technology:
1. Y Print It
“The YPrintIt app is a very powerful yet simple application to use. Simply install the app, create your cards, and share them with other people. You can also receive cards through your mobile device.”
2. The 2D Code
This page can be used to create QR Codes. It is free for personal use. You can create a barcode that will link to:
- A Contact Card
- A Website Address
- A Phone Number
- Plain Text
3. Jumpscan
Now it’s simple to stay in touch. All you need is a smart phone and your own JumpScan QR code. No more “Friend me,” typing phone numbers or remembering email addresses. Just snap a picture of a JumpScan QR code to view contact info, phone, email address, social media feeds and more.
4. Qurify
QR Code generator. Create your own QR Codes.
5. Snap My Info
Imagine never forgetting where and when you made a connection with someone. SnapMyInfo makes it easy to instantly share contact details with anyone. Stop piling up dusty business cards and put that information to work for you.
6. Quick Mark
QuickMark is a barcode reader application that allows you to automatically scan and generate multiple barcode formats (Quick Code, QR Code, Data Matrix) with your Mac.
7. uQRme
Recommended by Mari Smith, uQR.me is a free social utility designed to share web content with the real world, letting you turn just about anything into a link: a wall, a tree, a shop window, a t-shirt, a pin, a concert poster, a wine bottle, a business card, your own body, the sky’s the limit…
uQR.me enables you to connect your online life to the actual one, expanding your horizons, broadening your networks and getting your word out.
Do you use QR codes in your business? Have you used them personally? Do you think this technology will catch on with the growing uptake of smartphones?
Feel free to share your thoughts below…
Hello,
we believe that QR codes will make the connection between offline and online worlds easier. That’s why we created our QR code generator with social features – YouScan.me – http://www.youscan.me. You can add all your info like Facebook profile or fan page, twitter, youtube, etc. and connect with others.
Cheers
Twitter: fionamceachran
April 18, 2011 at 8:20 am | Permalink
@YouScan.me, Hi there
Thanks for sharing this new website. We like to have as many good resources at AM’s website as possible.
I love using Jumpscan – great information on QR codes!
Shannon Huppin´s last [type] ..Who Uses QR Codes
Twitter: fionamceachran
April 18, 2011 at 8:21 am | Permalink
@Shannon Huppin, Hi Shannon
Thanks for your feedback. It’s great to know some of these tools are being used and enjoyed!
Twitter: SheilaAtwood
April 17, 2011 at 7:25 pm | Permalink
Fiona,
I can see how this can boom. Imagine looking for a home you would like to buy. You stop to get information about the house….you get the QR code and go directly to the agents site and get all the data you need.
Thanks for the links.
Sheila Atwood´s last [type] ..Speedlinking to The Best Advice on Hot Headlines and SEO
Twitter: fionamceachran
April 23, 2011 at 9:53 am | Permalink
@Sheila Atwood, Hi Sheila,
Thanks for your comment. I’m happy I’m not the only one who can see the benefits of using QR codes with real estate. I know QR codes can have a range of amazing uses, but this would be my favourite.
A while ago I met with a start up looking to offer furniture and electrical rental services, and I suggested to him – wouldn’t it be great to have QR codes on all your electrical appliances, so if your customers are looking for user manuals or your contact details, they could just snap the QR code and go straight to the information.
I don’t know if they went ahead with the option, but I still love that idea too.
I’m a Real estate broker and I´ve been using uQR.me to show off my homes. They have Premium accounts where you can purchase more QRs and manage all of them under one username. It’s super user friendly and super easy. I highly recommend it!
Nice post! 2011 is definitely going to be the launch point for QR Codes! I recently launched Social QR Code and it has been quite successful for Social Media Marketing.
Businesses have numerous ways to utilize QR Codes as a marketing tool, but none are better than http://www.SocialQRCode.com. Social QR Code allows its users to set up a mobile landing page for their QR Code with social features such as a Facebook “Like” button or a Twitter “Follow” button. Businesses can also create coupons that are sharable on Facebook and Twitter. Give http://www.SocialQRCode.com a try!