Decoding QR Codes

You’ve probably seen the square barcodes known as QR codes by now. But what are these funny-looking boxes? How do they work? And most importantly, how can they help your business?

At Signs By Tomorrow, we were early adopters of this new technology, and with nearly two years experience under our belts we want to share some of our knowledge and insight with our valued customers.

What Are QR Codes & How Do They Work?

QR—or “quick response” – codes are two-dimensional barcodes capable of holding significantly more data than the traditional UPC barcode. They are a quick and convenient marketing tool used to transfer specific information to any smart phone or digital device with a camera and QR reader application.

How QR Codes Can Help Businesses

Information encoded in the QR code can link users to website URLs, a phone number, email and more. This versatility offers nearly unlimited applications ranging from sharing contact information or registering for an event to offering point-of-sale discounts, collecting email addresses, providing real time updates or even tracking ROI.

Where to Use QR Codes

Here are just a few examples of the many creative places and ways customers are using QR codes with the help of their local Signs By Tomorrow center:

Tom Hooley Construction. Looking for a way to prompt immediate action, Scott Hooley of Tom Hooley Construction consulted with his local Signs By Tomorrow for ideas. Since incorporating a QR code linked to his business phone into a vehicle wrap on his company truck, Scott’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing with positive feedback.

America's Best Defense. In an effort to spark interaction with current and potential clients, America’s Best Defense added QR codes developed by Signs By Tomorrow to marketing pieces including window and door stickers, promotional banners and its website. “The QR codes have not only made things easier – they have also made things more interactive,” says owner Paul Garcia. 

Oakbrook Center Mall. To promote a month-long series of fashion and music events, Oakbrook Center mall and its local Signs By Tomorrow put a QR code on floor signs to direct shoppers to more information about associated events and promotions. After a high success rate, Oakbrook Center added the QR code to other event literature and continues to see positive results.

 


Top 5 Tips For Creating A QR Code

  • Make it Valuable. Only a small percentage of smart phone users actually scan QR codes, so encourage your target audience to scan yours by offering something of value to them.
  • Size Matters. The viewing distance will dictate how large the code should be. QR codes should never be smaller than one square inch.
  • Keep it Simple. While you can incorporate branding, don’t cover the corner blocks and remember, the more characters, the greater the chance for reader error.
  • Don’t Go Home. Don’t link your QR code to your home page, and make sure wherever you send them is mobile-friendly.
  • Test, Test, Test. Test your code on several different phone platforms and readers before producing.


For more information about using QR codes on any of our full line of products or services, contact the knowledgeable staff at Signs By Tomorrow by calling 877.728.7446 or by Requesting A Quote Online.