From retailers and restaurants to law firms and local churches, the typically not so attractive QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) are everywhere.

But, why are they being used?

If you’ve ever typed in a search term, a new contact or a URL on a smart phone, you will appreciate the benefit of QR Codes. QR Codes enable smart phone users to replace typing with scanning.  How do you scan? EASY! Once you install a QR Code Reader app (there are many to choose from) , you simply open the app and point your phone’s camera at the code and off you go to perform the QR Code’s instructions.

Need an QR Code app? I use the free version of QR Reader for Iphone by TapMedia Ltd.
There is a premium version available for $.99. To learn more about advanced QR Code Scanning functionality,  check out QRPal.

QR Codes can take you EASILY to all kinds of virtual destinations on your smart phone: websites, PDF docs or contact info to be added to your contact list.

Let me give you some examples:

Retailer:  A Nursery can place QR Codes on the plastic plant tabs with a link to a website with info on what is required to care for that plant.

Restaurant: A restaurant can place a QR Code on the table signage with a question like “What do you want for dessert?” The QR code links to a video or image gallery of dessert choices. Want to make it social? Ask them to LIKE or SHARE on your Facebook page which dessert looks best to them.

Law Firm: A law firm can make it easy for attorneys to share contact info on business cards by adding a QR Code that stores contact data in the VCard file format.

Religious Institutions: Churches can make it easy for people to take the message home by using a QR Code on the Sunday bulletins or worship folders. The QR Code links to a PDF of sermon notes or a website that archives videos of sermons.

QR Codes help smart phone users access information with ease. Ready to create one of your own? That’s EASY too.  Check out these QR Code Creation tools: QR Stuff (VERY Easy)  Raco Industries (Advanced.)

As you explore the use of QR Codes for your business, think first about the kind of information people are looking for in a mobile setting when they are engaging with your business.  One of the primary ways to make QR Codes helpful is to use them to link mobile users to info they want and need without having type on their mobile phones.

Are you using QR Codes in your business? I’d love to hear how. Share your ideas here!