They’re on billboards in Bangkok and two liters of Pepsi in Portland, and they look kind of like a really hard level in Pac-Man. They’re called QR Codes.

QR What?

A QR code is similar to a bar code in that it stores information and can link to a mobile website. Most all smartphones today have the option of a free downloadable QR code reader so you can see whats beyond the pixels.

How can I use QR codes?

Anything you can do to drive traffic to your site is usually a good thing. What’s even better about QR codes is that you can direct the user to whatever page/site/video that you’d like, without appearing to be just another advertisement link. QR codes give users a way to take a physical product or experience and learn more about with the snap of their phone.

Some creative uses of QR Codes

Sporting Event Tickets – While advertising on the back of ticket stubs is nothing new, putting QR codes on them that lead customers to eCommerce or special coupons take that marketing a step further.

Business Cards – Ever wish you could give your clients more than a business card, but don’t want to feel like you’re spamming them with brochures and handouts? Put a QR code on your business card and that client can access all that info, while you come off looking like a modern day tech wiz.

Resumes – As mobile is huge in the staffing industry, QR codes on resumes leading to LinkedIn profiles or personal websites let recruits offer the ‘wow’ factor to potential employers, and recruiters attract higher quality recruits with that same wowness.

The possibilities are endless and companies are taking stabs at using QR codes in marketing. As long as people search for reasons to fiddle with their smartphones, QR codes will be a great marketing resource for companies that utilize mobile.

-Adam