QR CodesFor those of you out there that don’t know what a QR code is; you are not alone.

You may have run across a QR code and never realized the brilliance that lay behind the small square of black and white. While these codes look simple from the outside, they hold a host of information and are the leading source of mobile tagging. QR codes are specific matrix barcodes that are made up of black modules arranged in a square pattern. Once scanned by the average smart phone, the user is automatically connected to informational text, contact information, a wireless network or web page. Scanning a QR code allows you to gain more information on the tagged product or brand in a fast and convenient way.

QR codes that store addresses and URL links to websites are appearing more often in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or on just about any object that you can think of. QR codes are being integrated into lots of promotional campaigns and once you know what they are, you seem to notice them everywhere! It is allowing marketers to measure their audience’s response very precisely; gaining a clearer idea of how much and in which way they should spend their marketing dollars.

While the idea originated in Japan, the use of these codes in America is increasing rapidly. Used mainly for marketing, thoughts of employing them for informational purposes is gaining momentum. In fact, QR codes can even be found at historical locations and nature trails in place of signage. QR codes store more data and can be scanned quicker than the standard barcode reader or typing in a URL on your mobile device—it’s safe to say that they’re here to stay.

You too can join the fun of QR coding and can make your code by using one of the many free code generators, like this one! http://qrcode.kaywa.com/