QR codes have been the buzz in mobile marketing circles for last few years and it appears their time has finally come. While they're not exactly mainstream(yet), once you know they exist, you'll start noticing them everywhere. QR codes are already starting to appear in magazines, on product packaging and even on storefronts and buildings. The best way to wrap your head around the basic concept, is to think of QR codes as paper-based hyperlinks.

Where did they come from?

Originally developed in Japan by a subsidary of Toyota back in 1994, QR is the abbreviation for Quick Respose. While QR codes were initially developed to track vehicle manufacturing parts, today these little square pixel jumbles can be used to open a URL, display text, add vCard information to a users device, compose a email, send a SMS message, or dial a phone number.

How do you scan a QR code?

Thanks in part to the popularity of the iPhone and the subsequent influx of other new smart phones with built in cameras entering the market, as many as 45 million people have access to a smart phone capable of scanning QR codes.

QR code scanner applications are easy to find on your devices app store. Apple's iPhone store has more that 50 currently available. 

Here are a couple we've tried:

AT&T Code scanner(Free)

Quickmark QR Code Reader 4($0.99)

 How do you create a QR code?

A quick Google search of "QR Code Gernerator" will yield a wealth of sites offering free generators.

Here are a couple for your tinkering pleasure:

Kaywa QR-Code

GoQR.me

Mobile Barcodes

Once you've downloaded a scanner app for your phone, give it a try here and be sure to "Like" our Facebook page.

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QR Scanner Applications are easy to find. Do a quick search on your phones app store and you'll find plenty to choose from.

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Parkmobile, one of the largest providers of cashless parking, has added QR Codes to some signage to make parking even easier.

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How can you use QR codes?

This is where it gets really exciting for marketers, manufactures, retailers, and service providers. We're only beginning to scratch the surface of how QR codes can be used now and in the future. 

Here are a couple of ideas to get your wheels turning:

Business Cards

The tried and true relic of the previous century, the business card, can become relevant all over again by adding a QR code. Embed a link to your company's web site or better yet directly link your social media presence into a QR code and slap it on your cards. Giving your acquaintances a direct path to your social media streams will give them the immediate opportunity to "Like" or "Follow" your brand, and that means a connection that will last a lot longer than that pocket full of business cards at the end of that tradeshow or meetup.

Print Advertising 

The death of print and especially magazines has been greatly exagerated. Many advertisers are finding that QR codes are the perfect bridge between physical and digital messaging. QR codes could prove effective in monitoring the effectiveness of print ads by driving traffic to custom landing pages where a clickthrough rates can be measured and reported.

Magazine Content

Print advertising and magazine publishing typically go hand in hand, so while I have the attention of every publisher, editor and art director reading this... For the last few years, magazines have sought to marry both their printed and digital content in hopes of building stronger and more flexible brands should print actually begin to fade away. QR codes may just be the perfect solution. Instead of adding "read more online" or even a URL to the end of a story, adding a QR code with a direct link to that additional online only content would get the reader from point a to point b much faster. And what's better yet, the readers movements and interests would be trackable. 

Packaging

It's already happening. Imagine walking down the eisle of your local grocery store, scan the QR code on that can, box or bag and go straight to a page featuring recipes that call for that ingredient. Packaging could also feature a QR code linking to a digital coupon driving home a sale at the point of purchase. Adding a QR code with a link to a information or reviews section on a manufacturers site that would better inform the consumer about a products superiority and features.

Now that we've got your wheels turning, what are some ways you could use QR codes to improve your visibilty, add people to your social graph, and make your business stronger?

Coment below and let us know what you're thinking and if we can help make it happen.