Explode Your Business with Custom QR codes
In the same way that websites, then MySpace URLs, and more recently Facebook pages started appearing in TV, magazine and newspapers ads, we’re starting to see more QR codes appear in traditional advertisements.
QR codes have been spotted on direct mail pieces, movie posters, business cards and in Times Square. Take advantage of QR codes in marketing your small business.
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a 2-D barcode that can be scanned by a smart phone’s camera and transfer information. Based on the type of code it is, it might direct the viewer to a website, make a phone call, deliver a vCard or more.
How can I market my small business with QR codes?
QR codes are fairly new here in the states (no surprise, they’re big in Japan), so many people won’t recognize them when they see them or won’t have a smart phone with a QR reader installed, which limits their impact. Most current advertisements that use QR codes still have to explain how they work, and the steps the person has to take to access this additional information.
This in why customization is so important for your QR Code. It give you the opportunity to add this all in the same image.
QR codes can provide additional information, including photos, reviews, directions and event dates and times. There’s a certain amount of fun and surprise with QR Codes, so that you can take advantage of a “what’s behind door number one” mentality.
QR Reader Scanner Apps
KAYWA Reader
Instructions:
You can download the KAYWA reader directly to your PC or MAC and then use bluetooth or a USB cable to transfer the files to your mobile phone (requires registration) or you can download it directly to your mobile phone by visiting the following web address: http://reader.kaywa.com/ – Kaywa will then check to see if your mobile phone is compatible with their software.
Compatibility
From the KAYWA website, it appears that only Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson mobile phones are supported. If your phone isn’t listed, provide your email to receive updates on new launches.
Quick Links
Nokia Reader
Instructions:
Alternatively, if you do not have the software, you can use the following method to download it; please visit the Nokia N80 device page on the Nokia website. On the left hand menu, select ‘Phone Software’, then ‘Smartphone’. Scroll down the page until you see ‘Barcode reader’. Follow the link and instructions and you can download the software to your PC. You will then need to download the Nokia PC Suite in order to transfer the files to your mobile phone.
Additionally, if you have the download application on your mobile phone, you can use that to get the reader.
Compatibility
From the Nokia website, it appears that only the Nokia N80, N93, N93i, N95 and E90 support the reader. This will more than likely change as new phones are released with better image capturing software.
i-nigma Reader
Instructions:
You can download the reader directly to your mobile phone by visiting the web address: http://www.i-nigma.mobi/ which will automatically detect if your mobile phone is compatible – or you can send a SMS (text message) containing i-nigma to: +44 7797 882325 and you will be sent the link to the software.
Compatibility
The i-nigma reader is supported by the following mobile phone manufacturers: Dopod, HTC, i-mate, LG, Mio, Motorola, Nokia, Orange SPV, Palm, QTek, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, T-Mobile, Cingular, O2, Sprint, Swisscom, Verizon, Vodafone and more.
Quick Links
Lynkee Reader
Instructions:
If you are looking to download the lynkee reader, point your mobile phone at http://m.lynkee.com/ and once loaded, select your device from the drop down list.
Compatibility
The lynkee reader can scan multiple forms of mobile barcode, including QR-Codes, Datamatrix and EAN13. The lynkee reader is available on a wide variety of modern smartphones including iPhone, Blackberry, Sony Ericsson, HTC, Motorola and Nokia.
Quick Links
UpCode
Instructions:
You can download the reader directly to your mobile phone by visiting the web address: http://www.upcode.mobi/ - or you can send a SMS (text message) containing to: +358 50 3100075 (no word required) and you will be sent the link to the software. Alternatively, you can download the software directly to your PC or MAC via the UpCode website.
The UpCode reader is supported by the following mobile phone manufacturers: Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Panasonic, Blackberry, LG, HTC and Vodafone.
Quick Links
QuickMark
Instructions:
In order to download the reader, you are required to register for an account before you get access to the download.
Compatibility
The QuickMark reader is supported by the following mobile phone manufacturers: Apple, ASUS, AT&T, BenQ, CHT, Cingular, CMCC, Dopod, Emobile, ETEN, Fujitsu-Siemens, GIGABYTE, HP, HTC, HUAWEI, iDo, i-mate, Lenovo, LG, Lobster, Mio, Motorola, Nokia, O2, OKWAP, Orange, Panasonic, Pantech, Qtek, Samsung, Siemens, SoftBank, Sony Ericsson, Sprint, Swisscom, T-Mobile, UBiQUiO, UTStarcom and Vodafone.
Quick Links
SnapMaze
Instructions:
To download the SnapMaze QR-Code reader, please visit http://mobile.snapmaze.com/jar/ directly via your mobile phone. You will then be presented with a link that once selected will begin the download of the reader to your mobile phone. You can also download the software to your PC and then transfer it your mobile phone via bluetooth/infrared.
The SnapMaze reader is compatible with all J2ME MIDP 2.0 , CLDC 1.1 mobile phones. Basically, you must have a Java enabled mobile phone. Most Nokia 6XXX and NXX series, Sony Ericsson KXXX and WXXX series. Also limited Motorola and Samsung models.
Quick Links
BeeTagg
Instructions:
Downloading the BeeTagg reader can be done via four simple methods: visit http://get.beetagg.com/ directly via your mobile phone for a download link. Visit their website, enter your mobile phone number and BeeTagg will send you a SMS along with a link to the reader. You can also send a SMS with text BEE to +44 762 480 24 86 and they will send you a SMS back with a link to the reader.
Compatibility
The BeeTagg QR-Code reader is compatible with over 50 mobile phones including major brands such as Apple, Blackberry, HTC, LG, Mio, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, Siemens, SonyEricsson and SPV.
Quick Links
NeoReader
Instructions:
Users looking to download the NeoReader must access the following URL on their mobile phones browser http://get.neoreader.com/ – after doing so, NeoReader will automatically detect your mobile phones manufacturer. Next, follow the quick and easy installation instructions.
Compatibility
The NeoReader QR-Code software is compatible with a number of popular handsets including Apple, Blackberry, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
Quick Links
ScanLife
Instructions:
In order to download the ScanLife barcode reader, connect to the internet on your mobile phone and then visit http://www.getscanlife.com/ – the website will then automatically detect if your mobile is supported. Alternatively, you will be shown a list of manufacturers – simply choose yours from the list to begin the download.
The ScanLife software is compatible with a large set of manufacturers including Apple, BlackBerry, Nokia and Samsung. ScanLife can be used on major operating systems such as Android, iPhone, Palm and Windows.
Quick Links
MobileTag
Instructions:
To download the MobileTag QR-Code reader, it’s easiest to visit http://m.mobiletag.com/ on your mobile phone. The MobileTag website is initially loaded in Spanish, but don’t let that put you off; simply select English (if desired) to change language and begin the download.
There is no definitive list of supported models of mobile phone, however the MobileTag reader is available on iPhone, Blackberry, Android Windows and most Nokia’s via the Ovi store.
Quick Links
