Have you ever been to a restaurant where the waiter directs you to use your phone to scan a small black and white square? Or maybe you’ve seen something similar on a business card or social media? That is called a QR code, a small yet powerful tool in the marketing world. 

The QR code has been around for longer than you might think. According to the North Coast Journal, it was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara after playing a game of Go, made of black and white stones. He developed the QR code to be read from different angles, unlike a barcode. It wasn’t until 2002 that a QR code reader became integrated into a cell phone. 

So, what is the importance of a QR code, you might ask? The short answer is that it gets you to what you are looking for fast. It is literally in the name; QR stands for “Quick Response.” While there are payment plans to create QR codes, most platforms allow you to create one for free, just as Hara intended at the onset of his invention. 

Almost 30 years later, there are many uses for the QR code. You can connect your users to your web page, social media, contact information, or online marketing materials such as brochures, menus, and coupons. It even allows you to direct multiple users at once. 

These days, we are looking for the quickest way to get information. This new tool has revolutionized the way we get there, and it is spreading fast. Businesses need to use QR codes to keep up with the fast-paced culture. Most people now have a QR code scanner on their smartphone, allowing them to scan anywhere and everywhere. 

QR codes are customizable, which means you can direct your audience to whatever information you want. You can change the color, add an image, or resize it to fit your needs. If you are looking to connect your audience to your business fast, QR codes might be just the right thing for you. 

Source: North Coast Journal

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Michelle Yardumian

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