Have you heard of QR codes?

They are little bar graph looking squares that contain information when scanned by a cell phone with a camera and an app that reads them.  QR stands for quick response and they are really gaining popularity.

Are they a fad?  Or should you expect to see more of them all over the place?  I don’t now. I don’t think they are a fad because they are free to generate and can be used for most any kind of formatted information.

What can you do with a QR CODE?

A. What can you encode:

I have searched around for the best QR code generator and the best hands down is Kerem Erkans… What makes it the best is that you can generate the code as a PDF, PNG, and even EPS for you vector art lovers.  It also includes a bunch of cool presets like:

• Browse to a website
• Bookmark a website
• Make a phone call
• Send an SMS (text)
• Send an Email
• Create a Vcard (will import contact info into the scanner’s phone)
• Create a meCard (like a simplified Vcard)
• Create a vCalendar event (import events into the scanner’s calendar program)
• Google Maps
• Android Market Search
• Youtube URL for iphone
• Encode the latest tweet of a user
• Tweet on Twitter
• or jut put in some text

B. What can it be used for:

Here are a couple ideas that I can think of off the top of my head feel free to leave some comments if you think I’ve left out something important.

• Place event info on an event flyer or poster
• Tape a “Tweet This” QR code to a kick me sign on someone’s back (make sure to include a hashtag so you can see how many people did it)
• Follow me on twitter Tshirt
• Real estate signs for more info about the house
• Put your contact info on your business card
• Market your Apps for quick download (place QR code on web site, stickers, stamps, toilet paper, etc)
• Link to landing pages to track with google analytics with coupons, info, forms, etc.
• Shave phone number into your dogs fur in case Fido get’s lost
• Full back tattoo to your blog (just make sure you have the domain set on auto-renew)
• Temporary Tattoos to promote your latest sermon series at your church
• Try to make your video go viral
• Use them on a scavenger hunt
• Cashless fundraisers (just print giving page URL on shirts/signs)

C. Coolest uses I’ve seen:

Image from http://2d-code.co.uk/

Hyundai car campaign.

QR Code Trucker Hat

Image from theminthouse.com

Kanye West Ringtone Billboard

My contact card in this web site sidebar (I know, shameless)

Also for more information on QR codes you should check out  2d-code.co.uk. They have a lot of great content about this new tech with lists of the best QR code generators and QR code readers.