You might have seen one of these handy dandy codes in magazines, brochures, or posters recently. This is called a QR code, or quick read code. QR codes are a novel, and sometimes very useful way to direct smartphone users to your website, specifically a certain page. Typically, I’ve seen QR codes used to advertise specific promotions, hints, clues, etc.

So why use a QR code instead of simply using a link?

1. Novelty – Smartphone users WANT to use their smartphones. The game Angry Birds is simply Crush the Castle with a colorful, feathery projectile, but people go crazy for the game. Ever play Scrabble as a kid? Did you ever think that kids would be interrupting their class work JUST TO PLAY SCRABBLE? Me either, then I saw “Words with Friends” and marveled at how simply playing Scrabble on a phone made is such a NOVEL tool. The same concept applies with a QR code. If a smart phone user sees this code, they are GOING to use their scanner to see where it leads or what special feature it unlocks. As long as you have something worthwhile to see on the other side of that code, you MAY get some extra website traffic, and maybe even a few new clients.

2. Ease of use – Do you have a long, multi-directory website address or page that’s difficult to reach by simply typing it in a browser? QR codes can work for simple website addresses as well as long and difficult links and paths. A user simply scans the code and their page, no matter how long the address.

3. Phone numbers and text messages – In addition to simply linking to websites, QR codes can also contain phone numbers that users can immediately store in their smart phones, as well as text messages. Instead of telling users to “Text the phrase “I’m a winner” to the number #####”, you can simply program this message and number into the code and allow your customers to simply scan and send.

While I DON’T believe that QR codes, at least as they exist now, are going to revolutionize the Internet as we know it, they are a novel way to present information, and may just help you promote your website, sale, or articles. Give it a shot, what do you have to lose? To create your own QR code, check out the URL below.

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/