Mystery of QR Codes unveiled!!!!!

QR codes are indeed one of the most innovative tools in the technology world. Despite the fact that they have been around for quite some time, they recently gained popularity and are being leveraged for marketing and creating brand awareness in several companies all over the world.

The secret behind having a successful QR code is making it in such a way that it will not only look enticing and capture one’s attention, but will also make them willing to take their time and follow the link to what you want them to see. Boy did Victoria Secret go all out on this!! They managed to come up with one of the best QR campaign strategy that I have come across. Oookay, Tesco’s idea was good too. (to watch more on Tesco’s idea click here) but this one deserves a stand innovation. Have a look:

There also seems to be a hint of mystery with Calvin Klein's campaigns that replaced the usually racy Calvin Klein billboards we are used to.

So who should use QR Codes?

1. Food and beverage Industry like Starbucks are using QR codes to help their customers buy food easily. Same case applies to large malls such as Wall mart and Tesco. Tesco managed to triple its sells by placing their merchandise on paper on the subways in the exact manner they would look like in an actual supermarket. Shoppers can actually shop at these places without having to visit stores and have their goods delivered safely to them; talk of literal window shopping.
2.   Real estate agencies have started to place the codes on some of the property bill boards and signs that they put up.
3.   Personal codes can be used to show your Curriculum Vitae or Portfolio in case you have to show one to potential clients or prospective business associates. Placing the codes on your business card is a good way of avoiding clutter and ensuring that your business profile summary on social networks can be accessed.
4.  Restaurants can include QR codes to show their official website, historical information about themselves, more information about the kind of meals they serve as well as bookings and reservations(Contact Information). Discounts, promotions and recipes can be included as well from time to time.

Lessons learned

1.   Ensure that you include your brand into the QR code or if not, ensure that it is well represented in the background.
2.  Make sure to incorporate the company logo and colors so as to make it appealing and create some kind of familiarity with your brand.  
3.  Customizing the QR code goes a long way in making your brand consistent and reliable (With consistency comes trust.) At times, consumers have gotten links that directed them to harmful sites and viruses so a little assurance would go a long way. 
4. Make sure to keep the design as simple as possible because it may be difficult for code readers to interpret complex code.
5. Ensure that the codes are thoroughly tested and are functional. Almost all QR codes are scanned by mobile devices, it would be senseless to link the codes to a desktop website version that is standard as mobile is what will be used to access the link. 
6. In most cases, QR codes, for a user , are set to be as a form of reward for the person who unveils it. Its like being on a treasure hunt and discovering gold. In the same light, it is highly important to ensure that there is a form of reward waiting for the user on the other side, for instance, free downloads, exclusive media, coupons, gifts, special offers and exclusive information.

How to make a QR code.

This can be made using different kinds of QR code generators such as TapReader, QR Pro and SmallQR. They are all free of charge and will help you get a code in a number of minutes. So you do not have an excuse. Get one for your business now!! Ensure to place all the necessary details needed such as URLs and above all, ensure that the QR Code is thoroughly tested before putting it out for the public.