QR Codes, or “Quick Response Codes”, are becoming more popular as a marketing tool to communicate a company's message. These barcodes were initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, but with the incorporation of QR Code readers in mobile phones, their use has expanded well beyond their initial purpose. This article explores possible use, and how you might incorporate QR Codes use in signage as part of your overall marketing plan. Though a type of barcode, a QR Code is more useful than a standard barcode because QR Codes can store much more data, including url links, geo coordinates, and text. Another benefit of QR Codes is that no dedicated hand-held scanner is needed. A QR Code can be scanned with an iPhone, Blackberry, Android and other mobile phones. Scanning a QR Code allows you to obtain instant answers and can link you directly to content on the Internet. These codes have become mobile-friendly ways to direct people to online resources. Traditional wisdom in vehicle wraps and other signage has been to keep the design simple and attractive to best convey your message. Lately however, the popularity of enabled applications on mobile phones has many reconsidering, with significant justification to incorporate QR Codes in signage. QR Code Generation - It's Free! Published as an ISO standard, QR Codes may be generated and used free of any licensing. A search for 'QR Code Generator" on Google or Yahoo will present a number of sites that can generate a code with your URL, company name, full contact information or other message. One such site that will generated your QR Code is http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ Once generated, you can save the generated image to be used subsequently. QR Code Use The uses for QR Codes are limited only by your imagination. A QR Code representing a coupon can drive buyers to your website. This code can be in printed marketing material, magazines, on billboards, in-store displays and coupons, or incorporated in vehicle graphics. Since a QR Code has a relatively fixed shape, yesterday's promotions can easily be overlaid with another. Adding convenience can improve your marketing efforts and make a prospective customer take action they may otherwise delay. For example, your code may have a URL that directs a prospective customer to an online appointment calendar. Careful planning can help you track the effectiveness of a given marketing campaign. By directing customers to a specific page on your website, you can easily track how many have responded to your message. A matter of convenience, scanning a QR Code takes less effort than typing a URL. Your message can contain thousands of characters, captured instantly by prospective customers. For contractors, yard signs placed at customer sites might direct viewers to an online gallery of your work. Though expanding in popularity, the use of QR Codes is still novel enough that many consumers may scan your QR Code just to reveal the message. These may be consumers that wouldn't otherwise take a second glance at a traditional printed message. QR Codes can include a promotion such as an electronic coupon that may direct an otherwise passive viewer to take immediate action; to make a purchase, take a survey, or register for an event. While not particularly appealing visually, QR Codes do serve a purpose. If you're considering adding QR Codes to your signage, we'd be happy to help communicate your message more effectively. About Spectrum Signs Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County - Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service. For more information, contact: Spectrum Signs 23382 Madero Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 297-3800 Spectrum Signs