Quick Response Codes! I think they are also called 'Semapedia Tags'. They are those two-dimensional, square bar codes, with lots of tiny boxes, that can be read by most smart phones. You put them on physical things, like business cards, posters, t-shirts, books, stickers (to stick on things!), billboards, etc.
The smart phone user scans the code and POOF!!! There are a number of things that can happen! They can instantly "Like" your Facebook page, tweet a pre-composed message (you create it!), and much more. QR codes can also work with YouTube, websites and blogs. You can also just make it into a message that shows up on their phone when it is scanned.
For example, here is the QR Code that links to my facebook page:
How do you get one? Easy!! Go to http://www.qurify.com/en/
According to Qurify.com:
What is a QR Code?
QR Codes are 2 dimensional barcodes that are easily scanned using any modern mobile phone. This code will then be converted (called "dequrified") into a piece of (interactive) text and/or link. For instance, you walk around in the city and notice a poster for an event that seems interesting. You take out your mobile phone, scan the QR Code and will instantly get more information and a link to a website where you can book your tickets. You don't have to type or remember anything and because QR Codes can be very small, this saves a lot of space on the product as well.
What to do with QR Codes?
By creating your own QR Codes (called "qurifying") you can make whatever you want more interactive. Put one on your business card, on flyers for a party or poster to promote your products or services. Or use them to help sorting your books or CD's, put them on your keys or tools so you know what they are for. Just qurify any text or website url, put the QR Code on a product and make everything you have more interactive!
Source: http://www.qurify.com
Have you used QR Codes? I am totally new at this, so please share any experience you have had - advice and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Hi Kenra! I am in the same boat as you! I have the code, but now what do I do with it? One thing I thought of was to order some business cards from vistaprint and put in on there, along with just a little info - then you can give them to your friends, leave them at coffee shops, or wherever they let you! You can have your code take them to a page about your book, with links to follow you on twitter and facebook, join a mailing list, etc. (potential buyers later!) and when your book is published, update that page with a link to where they can buy your book???
I stumbled across another blog post about them a few weeks ago, with less information. Since I'm still unpublished, I'm trying to decide how to use them now, rather than waiting to use them for marketing my books later on. If anyone has any bright ideas, I'm all ears!
Hi Deborah, thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Krista! I was in the same boat as you as of two weeks ago! Now we know! : )
I first discovered QR via a very cool MOMA exhibit -- Talk to Me: Design and the Communication between People and Objects -- which closes Nov. 7, btw. Then I got the iPhone app and created a code for my husband's website . . .it's really pretty easy.
Thanks Jan! I always wondered where you got those and exactly what they were for! You're so helpful :-)