QR codes are resurging in popularity with the COVID-19 pandemic as they give businesses a way to connect with customers in a touchless world. They act as dynamic, two-dimensional call-to-action buttons that can be used to link directly to a company website or social media profile, share an email or text message, or even redirect a customer to the nearest store location.
The QR code was invented in 1994 by a Japanese company, Denso Wave, to improve the speed and accuracy of tracking parts during the manufacturing process. It is a two-dimensional barcode that can be read by smartphones, with each dot and blank corresponding to a one or zero in binary code. The patterns in a QR code can be encoded with sets of numbers, letters or both, and the dots are usually black squares on a white background to make them easier to scan.
When scanned, a QR code will automatically redirect a customer to a URL address, which can be anything from a product page to a branded YouTube video. The code can also direct people to download a specific app or to authenticate their online accounts. This technology gives brands a new way to encourage interactions with their brand in the real world, which can be difficult to accomplish via traditional advertising methods.
In addition to directing people to websites, QR codes can also be used to share an email or text message, contact information, and store coupons. They are often seen on billboards, business cards, clothing, and product packaging as a fast and easy way for people to share information. They are also commonly used in stores to let customers know about current promotions or deals.
For marketers, QR codes offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between offline and online marketing by creating interactive, dynamic content that can be easily tracked and measured. They can also be used to deliver a custom mobile experience that provides a richer and more engaging content marketing campaign.
While it may seem complicated to create a qr code, there are only 7 basic elements that make up this 2-D matrix of black and white modules. The quiet zone, format patterns, error tolerance and data area all come together to form a crossword puzzle-like pixel pattern that can be scanned using most smartphone cameras.
Whether you’re an experienced user or just starting out, it’s easy to create your own QR code with our free qr code generator. Simply enter your data and select a resolution. Then click the “Create QR Code” button to view a preview of your qr code. Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can download your qr code as a png, svg, jpg or pdf file. You can even embed it on your website or blog!