What is a QR Code and how will it help to increase sales and generate new customers to your business. QR Codes or Quick Response Codes were invent in Japan by Denso Wave a subsidiary of Toyota. They hold the registered trademark but decided against using their patent rights. QR Codes are similar to Bar Codes but are two dimensional and can hold a thousands of more characters of information. They have widely used in Japan for over 10 years. They are just gaining some popularity in the United States and should gain widespread use in the next few years.  The ability of holding more information is what makes it very practical to be used by small business and entrepreneurs.

EdDrostQR1 Are You Using QR Codes to Market Your Business?
This is a QR Code

With the popularity of cell phones and more and more people are using Smart Phone’s like the iPhone, Android and the Blackberry. These QR Codes can be scanned into a smart phone and all your business information along with your current promotions are at the finger tips of your potential customer. These codes can be added to business cards, brochures, flyer’s, websites or store front signs.  Many savvy Realtors are using QR Codes to help increase the exposure of their listings and to generate more sales. This is true for most entrepreneurs who have decided to embrace this new technology along with the Internet and the rise in popularity of social media.

These codes are being linked to websites, or Face book fan pages and even videos or landing pages to capture a lead. They can include coupons or discounts on products and services. Store Fronts and Restaurants are placing QR Codes in the Front Windows with daily specials and discounts.  The business person or entrepreneur that embraces this new technology will be on the cutting edge of innovations that will help their business survive this tough economy.

The applications for QR Codes are many including sharing information, brochures, videos that tell the story about your enterprise. This sharing of information through the community by way of cell phone, text  and word of mouth will help you establish your Face Book fan page and keep your loyal following growing and happy. This will also allow you to stay in touch with your customers and clients on a daily or weekly basis with updates and promotions.

The other great aspect of The QR Code is you can give your potential new customer or client an immediate call to action with your discounts, specials,  and coupons.

How can you create a QR code for your business? You can easily create a QR Code through Google’s  QR Code creator or try a site like Kaywa.com to create your QR Code. I Personally use a software called IMtools Suite to create my own QR Codes. They can be use again on brochures, business cards, websites, I have even seen them on tee shirts.

The QR Code will be common place in a the next year get on board now and see the advantages that these simple codes give your business or enterprise by being on the cutty edge.