How to make money with QR Codes

255 replies
You've probably seen these little black and white "stamps", called QR (quick response) Codes and I bet you've been hearing some buzz about how cool they are and why you should 'get on board' and start using them.

The truth is they are pretty cool, and yes you can make money using them but NOT perhaps in the way you initially thought

Let's start by clearing up a few things:

(1) Creating a QR Code is free. Don't fall for offers from companies that tell you that you need their 'special service' to create one. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I create my QR Codes using two free services:

(a) goqr.me -- create QR Codes online and

(b) bit.ly -- yup, bit.ly the URL shortener. Most don't realize they actually give you a QR Code of the shortened URL for tracking purposes ... it's awesome and that's how I came to discover this little known fact.

Anyway, onward and upward ...

QR Codes can be created (currently) with 4 types of data encoded:

(1) a website URL

(2) a phone number

(3) an SMS message

(4) a vCard (this one's very cool.)

Hint: To get the best results on older cell phones, keep the URL below 300 chars to get a less complex QR Code. Use an URL shortener like bit.ly if necessary.

Let's talk about each type of creation and how you can use it to help make money for you (or your client's) business.

Embedding a website URL:

First off, no-one said you had to embed an obvious or public URL. How neat is it to offer a link to a part of your site that they can only get to with the QR Code

That's great for creating special offers, generating that sense of "special" we all want and quite frankly it's just cool at the moment.

*FACTOID* In the last 12 months the use of QR Codes has exploded. Do a google search and see for yourself. It's early days yet and the whole MOBILE MARKETING thing is just getting going. You'll see.

Anyway, embedding a phone number is easy (kinda boring if you ask me - but hey) and when scanned by a smart phone it will usually dial right away.

No more fat fingering those fiddly keyboards and missing the moment. Point scan and they're dialling. Again, the number in the QR Code should be a trackable number so you can evaluate use of the QR Code, but it's not mandatory (just good marketing).

Embedding an SMS code was what got me into QR Codes in the first place. I was consulting with a client create about creating an integrated SMS campaign and I wanted to step it up a bit, that's when I found QR Codes.

The cool thing about using a QR Code is that you can use it to BUILD A MOBILE MARKETING LIST.

Here's the scenario: person sees your QR Code and scans it with their smart phone. The phone automatically texts the embedded number and the message and presto! the person is now added to your mobile marketing list.

Did you know reports indicate that the open rate for SMS marketing messages is something like 60 or 70%. Do you get anything like that with your email open rates ... I didn't think so.

So anyway, you can use q QR Code to build a list. And if you're using an autoresponder enabled SMS system you can have the autoresponder handle sending scheduled text messages to your new subscriber.

And when you think that e-commerce and mobile payments are become more and more common, you can imagine the possibilities.

Did I mention that there's very little competition out there right now?

Finally you can embed a vCard (business card) into a QR Code. That one blew me away when I saw it. In fact I'm in the process of getting some new business cards printed with nothing but a QR Code on them

Sure, not everyone will 'get it' (I am also using regular cards too) but those who do see the QR Code and scan it ... well, they'll be on my new mobile list, or sent to a special offer page on my website or they'll auto-dial a pre-recorded message where I "welcome them and make them an offer they can't refuse" etc.

Exciting isn't it?

Of course, I'm only scratching the surface here. If you integrate using a QR Code with your other classical and internet marketing the effects can be mind-blowingly powerful.

So how can you best use a QR Code? How can you get them out there?

*TIP* Do you advertise on free classified sites that offer to share your message but they won't let you include an active hyper-link unless you pay them. But they will let you upload 1 or 2 "free" pictures to help sell what ever you're selling.... I've begun uploading QR Codes instead of pictures :rolleyes:

Putting a QR Code on a t-shirt is kinda obvious, but works well from what I hear. Bill boards and poster work too. You don't need to be close to a QR Code to scan it. The QR Code could be across the street on the side of a building and as long as you can get a clear shot with your camera phone, you're good.

And before I forget ... you can embed QR Codes into all the "other" types of traditional web advertising you see. Consider including it in your banner advert, your skyscraper advert and just about anywhere you can host an image advert.

The use of 2d barcodes is not new, they're just beginning to gain main-stream attention and now's the time to begin using them in your promotional and marketing efforts.

Happy to keep the dialogue going if you comment below ... enjoy your day, and why not share your most creative money-making ideas about how you use (or would use) QR Codes in the comments below.
#2d barcodes #codes #make #money #qr code
  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

    QR Codes can be created (currently) with 4 types of data encoded:

    (1) a website URL

    (2) a phone number

    (3) an SMS message

    (4) a vCard (this one's very cool.)
    Actually there are a lot more things that you can create QR codes for:

    - Calendar Event
    - Contact Information
    - Email Address
    - Geo Location
    - Phone Number
    - SMS
    - Text
    - URL

    and currently one of the most popular and advanced free online QR code generators is found at:

    Zxing Project QR Code Generator
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      Actually there are a lot more things that you can create QR codes for:

      - Calendar Event
      - Contact Information
      - Email Address
      - Geo Location
      - Phone Number
      - SMS
      - Text
      - URL
      Absolutely! I should have been more specific - those are the 4 things that the generator GoQR.me will currently create for free. Naturally you can get creative and pretty much link to anything. Thanks for the feedback.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Interesting, but no I don't have a WSO for making money with QR Codes. I simply woke up this morning, was reviewing my email and saw something that made me want to share some content about this topic with the folks on this forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Another great way to make money is to track those QR Codes for your customers and then charge them a fee for doing it.

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      Another great way to make money is to track those QR Codes for your customers and then charge them a fee for doing it.

      Quentin
      True, but as the market gets more sophisticated many will realize that this can be done for free and stop buying into it. I guess there will always be some businesses that will pay, but I'm dubious as to the long term. Just thinking out loud ... this whole thing is so new it's anyones game at the moment.
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      • Profile picture of the author dwooding
        There are people who will pay for the convenience even if they can do it themselves.

        Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

        True, but as the market gets more sophisticated many will realize that this can be done for free and stop buying into it. I guess there will always be some businesses that will pay, but I'm dubious as to the long term. Just thinking out loud ... this whole thing is so new it's anyones game at the moment.
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        • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
          Originally Posted by dwooding View Post

          There are people who will pay for the convenience even if they can do it themselves.
          So true ... so true. In fact it is one of the EASIER ways to make money :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author gigim17
      Excuse me for my ignorance Quentin-but how do you track QR codes?
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    You know when Google is getting onboard something that it is bound to take off:
    QR Code - Google Favorite Places

    They recently sent out something like 40,000 free stickers to business owners in the US that had a QR code on the sticker which leads people to the Google Places listing for that business. The idea is the business puts the sticker up in their front window and people can then scan the code and read more about the business - reviews, opening hours, coupons, etc.

    They also did this because many Google places listings that are currently showing in Google have still not been claimed and verified by the actual business. By sending out these stickers they are hoping to have the listings in Google Places become a lot more accurate.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      You know when Google is getting onboard something that it is bound to take off:
      QR Code - Google Favorite Places

      They recently sent out something like 40,000 free stickers to business owners in the US that had a QR code on the sticker which leads people to the Google Places listing for that business. The idea is the business puts the sticker up in their front window and people can then scan the code and read more about the business - reviews, opening hours, coupons, etc.

      They also did this because many Google places listings that are currently showing in Google have still not been claimed and verified by the actual business. By sending out these stickers they are hoping to have the listings in Google Places become a lot more accurate.
      That is awesome. If google is doing this, then that is awesome. I think the whole point of this is to improve business.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Originally Posted by JsamsonNJ View Post

    WARNING I did not read anything...and I forgot how I came to this thread...well whatever I came to this thread and seen the users QR code....since I have educated myself on these as a marketer...we need to enure that out clients do

    Whatever the bottom line is I scanned in your user QR code and to me your website was not mobile ready

    I have the best smartphone in the world IMO ----- Sprint HTC EVO
    LOL -- correct, that one isn't. Still working on that Like I say in the post -- I woke up, saw something that made me want to share about QR Codes and so I wrote the post. I needed a QR Code to show, so I grabbed one for my site as an example (I simply snagged the image from Bit.Ly)

    Either way, thanks for participating.

    PS. I am an Applie iPhone fan. I hear good things about the EVO
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  • Profile picture of the author AceOfShirts
    That is the reason I registered

    QR Code Shirts

    last week. It's probably my 12th niche shirt site. I'm still working on the site but should have it finished in a day or two. Maybe I'll run a WSO for the shirts. I don't know if I have ever seen a physical product WSO.

    Dennis Graves
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by dnsg View Post

      That is the reason I registered

      QR Code Shirts

      last week. It's probably my 12th niche shirt site. I'm still working on the site but should have it finished in a day or two. Maybe I'll run a WSO for the shirts. I don't know if I have ever seen a physical product WSO.

      Dennis Graves
      This would really go over well with the geeks who can now boast that they don't need business cards anymore, as they're literally wearing them on their shirts! lol
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

        This would really go over well with the geeks who can now boast that they don't need business cards anymore, as they're literally wearing them on their shirts! lol
        Definitely a fun thing to do, however I'm confident if I showed up to Chair a business meeting at our local Chamber of Commerce dressed this way, the 'T-Shirt' look would be frowned upon
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        • Profile picture of the author paulie888
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

          Definitely a fun thing to do, however I'm confident if I showed up to Chair a business meeting at our local Chamber of Commerce dressed this way, the 'T-Shirt' look would be frowned upon
          This is true in general, but I think you could get away with this look at least once - when you make a presentation to them about QR codes! You'd make an unforgettable and memorable impression that would be seared into their minds for a long time...lol.
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          • Profile picture of the author WillR
            QR code tshirts bring one word to my mind - tacky. If you want to do this type of thing get business cards printed.
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            • Profile picture of the author Rashell
              Definitely a fun thing to do, however I'm confident if I showed up to Chair a business meeting at our local Chamber of Commerce dressed this way, the 'T-Shirt' look would be frowned upon
              if they don't have to be too big, have one made into a tie clip

              Rashell
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              • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
                Originally Posted by Rashell View Post

                if they don't have to be too big, have one made into a tie clip

                Rashell
                Clever!
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  • Profile picture of the author mclpro
    Have a way different idea.

    Let's think beyond the obvious here. Let's consider that a mobile revolution is about to take place.

    Smart brands like Starbucks are coming out with a line of products that don't sell coffee.

    You see, instead of a loyalty program that scans barcodes, why aren't you just selling the consumer 50 songs for $5 via promotional product with a QR Code on it in the cashier aisle as a grab item?

    You make profit on the product after production, and when people buy it, they can get linked to an external mobile promotion- they could enter to win a contest or daily prizes!

    And that might be the incentive needed to get people to buy the 50 songs!

    Once your customer's in your loop of marketing promotions, it'll be tough for them to forget all the value you've created for them!
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    • Profile picture of the author Donna Hamer
      I think QR Codes are really cool and I have tried to encourage a few local businesses to implement them into their marketing strategies.

      The problem I am currently faced with is that QR Codes are really not that big in Australia and secondly if I ask people about them... they say oh yer heard about them, but they have no idea how to read one.

      So for me - its educating people to download an app to your smartphone and showing people what these codes do and how they can implement them into their marketing strategy.

      Would really enjoy seeing how others are implementing them and the results they are getting.
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by Donna Hamer View Post

        The problem I am currently faced with is that QR Codes are really not that big in Australia and secondly if I ask people about them... they say oh yer heard about them, but they have no idea how to read one.
        Being from Australia I know this to be very true - most people have never even heard of them before. But they will catch on soon enough. Once Google does what they did in the US and start sending out the free QR code stickers to businesses it will spread fairly fast I imagine.
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        • Profile picture of the author itsallwhite
          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          Being from Australia I know this to be very true - most people have never even heard of them before. But they will catch on soon enough. Once Google does what they did in the US and start sending out the free QR code stickers to businesses it will spread fairly fast I imagine.
          I am also from Australia and experienced the same problem, I'm trying to get business to use PURLs (personalised URLs) and even that is difficult, QR codes have so much potential but will be a while before they take off.
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    • Profile picture of the author iaroca
      Originally Posted by mclpro View Post

      Have a way different idea.

      Let's think beyond the obvious here. Let's consider that a mobile revolution is about to take place.

      Smart brands like Starbucks are coming out with a line of products that don't sell coffee.

      You see, instead of a loyalty program that scans barcodes, why aren't you just selling the consumer 50 songs for $5 via promotional product with a QR Code on it in the cashier aisle as a grab item?

      You make profit on the product after production, and when people buy it, they can get linked to an external mobile promotion- they could enter to win a contest or daily prizes!

      And that might be the incentive needed to get people to buy the 50 songs!

      Once your customer's in your loop of marketing promotions, it'll be tough for them to forget all the value you've created for them!
      Very very good idea. I can see this happening in the near future. Maybe you should start that
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    QR Codes are great for local businesses to implement them into their marketing strategies, and I feel once they catch on every business will find ways to implement even more.

    I have been doing offline marketing for local business for about 24 months and in my area of Atlanta businesses are loving them.

    just like cell phones business are going to love them
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    I wonder what would happen if we used a qr-code to link directly to a facebook (sales) page. Perhaps you could even use a FBML reveal logic to uncover another qr-code that "took" them somewhere else... Then you'd get a LIKE and a more qualified lead.

    Thoughts?
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

      I wonder what would happen if we used a qr-code to link directly to a facebook (sales) page. Perhaps you could even use a FBML reveal logic to uncover another qr-code that "took" them somewhere else... Then you'd get a LIKE and a more qualified lead.

      Thoughts?
      Thoughts is not so good. The whole point of QR codes is for mobile use. If someone is out on the street and scans a QR code and is taken to a Facebook fan page, that's fine. But you are talking about having another QR code for them to scan on the page. How are they going to scan that code that is showing on the screen of their phone on a webpage??!
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        Thoughts is not so good. The whole point of QR codes is for mobile use. If someone is out on the street and scans a QR code and is taken to a Facebook fan page, that's fine. But you are talking about having another QR code for them to scan on the page. How are they going to scan that code that is showing on the screen of their phone on a webpage??!
        I've wondered about the "one scan" issues. I suppose in my mind I imagined a scenario that might include scanning to get to the FB Page and at a later stage accessing the other page from their non-mobile device so that they would then be able to scan on to the next part.

        This whole "one scan" and the "interaction mode changes" is an issue that I think will limit creativity for a while. I wonder, do you think that people will use their smart phone and their laptop in tandem -- I do. It's like the number of people who watch TV and have their laptop with them and Tweet, surf and do other social things.
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      • Profile picture of the author mclpro
        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        Thoughts is not so good. The whole point of QR codes is for mobile use. If someone is out on the street and scans a QR code and is taken to a Facebook fan page, that's fine. But you are talking about having another QR code for them to scan on the page. How are they going to scan that code that is showing on the screen of their phone on a webpage??!
        Well, Facebook is so messy with mobile and QR codes that it's really not the best option atm- we explained how you could generate Facebook Likes though...it would be less messy this way- Promo Products + QR Codes = Facebook Likes » McLoughlin | Promotional Marketing Done Right.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

      I wonder what would happen if we used a qr-code to link directly to a facebook (sales) page. Perhaps you could even use a FBML reveal logic to uncover another qr-code that "took" them somewhere else... Then you'd get a LIKE and a more qualified lead.

      Thoughts?
      James, I was wondering if you've ever printed these QR codes on flyers as well as business cards? Are they easily scanned when printed on these media? Just wondering about it, as I have several ideas up my sleeve that involve these.

      Paul
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

        James, I was wondering if you've ever printed these QR codes on flyers as well as business cards? Are they easily scanned when printed on these media? Just wondering about it, as I have several ideas up my sleeve that involve these.

        Paul
        Yes I have printed qr codes and placed them in high visibility areas with some text saying things like "Scan here..."

        The results are still compiling but it looks like the novelty effect is possibly influencing the data. We will see.
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        • Profile picture of the author paulie888
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

          Yes I have printed qr codes and placed them in high visibility areas with some text saying things like "Scan here..."

          The results are still compiling but it looks like the novelty effect is possibly influencing the data. We will see.
          For the next year or two, I have no doubt that it'll have a strong novelty effect that'll undeniably increase conversions/response. People will want to show off and demonstrate what these QR codes can do in front of others, and I can see this being a great opportunity to jump on the bandwagon while the trend is so hot right now.

          Of course, a lot of this is driven by rapid smartphone penetration in North America, making it a lot more mainstream and accessible than before. Besides iPhones, Android and Blackberry devices, what are some of the other phones that allow you to read these QR codes?

          Paul
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          • Profile picture of the author myob
            Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

            Besides iPhones, Android and Blackberry devices, what are some of the other phones that allow you to read these QR codes?

            Paul
            Symbian OS by Nokia is a major player, having been dethroned only recently by the Android OS a few months ago. And don't forget Windows Mobile Phone 7, running up to 5th place.
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            • Profile picture of the author paulie888
              Originally Posted by myob View Post

              Symbian OS by Nokia is a major player, having been dethroned only recently by the Android OS a few months ago. And don't forget Windows Mobile Phone 7, running up to 5th place.
              I know the Symbian OS is a non-player in the US market due to Nokia's inability to get their high-end smartphones offered on contract by any of the major carriers here. Microsoft appears to be trying hard to make Windows Mobile Phone 7 a viable alternative to the major players, but that still remains to be seen.

              Of course, let's not forget Palm with its WebOS - I'm sure HP will not let it fall by the wayside and squander their $1.2 billion investment.
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              • Profile picture of the author myob
                Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

                I know the Symbian OS is a non-player in the US market due to Nokia's inability to get their high-end smartphones offered on contract by any of the major carriers here. Microsoft appears to be trying hard to make Windows Mobile Phone 7 a viable alternative to the major players, but that still remains to be seen.

                Of course, let's not forget Palm with its WebOS - I'm sure HP will not let it fall by the wayside and squander their $1.2 billion investment.
                Just sayin, don't discount these other markets just because they may not be the major players in the US. It so easy, think of offering this service globally, not just in the US. For example Nokia does in fact have a significant presence in the US, although in other countries it is far more popular. And their technology for this "new" mobile technology is also far more advanced and entrenched than any other major smartphone available in the US.
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                • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
                  Originally Posted by myob View Post

                  Just sayin, don't discount these other markets just because they may not be the major players in the US. It so easy, think of offering this service globally, not just in the US. For example Nokia does in fact have a significant presence in the US, although in other countries it is far more popular. And their technology for this "new" mobile technology is also far more advanced than any other major smartphone available in the US.
                  Agreed! I live in Canada and it might only be about 34MM people (give or take) and that's a fraction of the USA ... but there's always opportunity if you get creative and there's plenty of room for platforms, ideas and technology

                  I imagine that the "winner" will be the one that provides a seamless solution that works without ties to platform, proprietary process or other limitations. Just think about previous successes and you'll notice that many of them demonstrate such qualities.
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                • Profile picture of the author paulie888
                  Originally Posted by myob View Post

                  Just sayin, don't discount these other markets just because they may not be the major players in the US. It so easy, think of offering this service globally, not just in the US. For example Nokia does in fact have a significant presence in the US, although in other countries it is far more popular. And their technology for this "new" mobile technology is also far more advanced and entrenched than any other major smartphone available in the US.
                  Of course, but for now my main focus is on offline marketing in the US. While Nokia may sell some feature (i.e. "dumb") phones here in the US, these generally do not have the ability to read QR codes.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    There is no need for multiple scans and that is not what QR codes were designed for. QR codes are used to make obtaining information, whether it be a website url, contact details, etc much easier for those with mobile phones.

    If someone scans your QR code and it takes them to your Facebook fan page, what is the need for the second QR code? IMO, there isn't a need. If you want to get people to like your page once they are there then offer them a coupon or something if they become a fan of your page.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      There is no need for multiple scans and that is not what QR codes were designed for. QR codes are used to make obtaining information, whether it be a website url, contact details, etc much easier for those with mobile phones.

      If someone scans your QR code and it takes them to your Facebook fan page, what is the need for the second QR code? IMO, there isn't a need. If you want to get people to like your page once they are there then offer them a coupon or something if they become a fan of your page.
      I hear what you're saying and don't disagree. I'm trying to find this darned report on my HD that had some interesting stats on the actual ways people were using their phones (specially with scanning). If I find it I'll share the cool parts.

      Hopefully back in a moment :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Lauryn
    Thanks so much! I needed a QRcode for some projects.
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  • Profile picture of the author makemoneywithqrcodes
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by makemoneywithqrcodes View Post

      If you want really make money with qr codes , I found an interested website.

      Go to makemoneywithqrcodes com
      For the record this is NOT my website. It looks like a very creative person may have created this site in response to this thread. Clever ~
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      James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Colle
    What QR codes? sorry I can't follow.
    I think I need to take a class oh!!! sorry take a rest and come back later.
    But interesting news oh!!! sorry post. eh!!! I really need some rest.
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    • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
      Originally Posted by Robert Colle View Post

      What QR codes? sorry I can't follow.
      I think I need to take a class oh!!! sorry take a rest and come back later.
      But interesting news oh!!! sorry post. eh!!! I really need some rest.
      QR Codes are coded tags that can be scanned by a mobile phone with a QR app.
      Once the Qr tags are scanned it provides all the details about that product or service involved. Simliar to the cloth tag on the back of your t-shirt with size and company brand BUT with QR codes it consist of the information you provided at goqr.me or any other QR creator.

      You will find these on Real Estate signs in your local community and if not then you have a great chance in making some money.

      Find more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code
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  • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
    You can now add graphics to your QR code at QReaCode.com: Designed QRCode and Mobile Marketing - not my site.
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  • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
    As a content marketer I'm extremely excited about QR Codes. May be a while before we see much traction here in the US, but I believe it to the be the next generation in content delivery, limited only by us.

    I've taken Quentin's idea for self promotion and offered to share it with a local sign shop, they'll do the printing. As far as use in print you want to be sure to generate them in a format and resolution for print. Well, at least I'm a stickler for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author onlytim
    I can print QR code on almost anything flat. Still trying to find the right angle. If you have Ideas... we should talk.

    -Tim
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  • Profile picture of the author joshimo
    Great post! You could've brought in $5 a pop in a wso for this post and the comments that followed, that's how to make money with QR codes... LOL
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by joshimo View Post

      Great post! You could've brought in $5 a pop in a wso for this post and the comments that followed, that's how to make money with QR codes... LOL
      Yes, I suppose I could have used this a pre-launch for a WSO, however I really hadn't thought that far ahead when I began the thread. Somedays I just get a bit tired of all the mis-information and "it's easy to make money" promises floating around the web and wanted to add a dose of clarity and sanity to it all.

      "It's not the technology that makes you successful, it's the psychology that makes you successful." ~ me
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  • Profile picture of the author darkwizgemz
    Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author iSoftware
    Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

    .
    Great free content and contribution james...
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  • Profile picture of the author TrueClove
    Thank you for this cool info. I'm new but I have learned so much since finding this site thank you everyone. Really amazing...
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Funny what you find in your email, here's a link I was sent today. It's to a report/free webinar about the power and potential of "mobile barcodes" (aka qr codes)

    Mobile Barcodes: An Unprecedented Marketing Vehicle!

    * Not affiliated, haven't had a chance to look closely but the site seems to have some good info. Let me know ...
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  • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
    I can't seem to get my hands on how anyone can make money from this when its free and available to the public like air. Of course you can add it to your business package but as a stand alone product to sells I don't think so. Well maybe there's a WF genius who will come up with something soon. Let me know first ok.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior View Post

      I can't seem to get my hands on how anyone can make money from this when its free and available to the public like air. Of course you can add it to your business package but as a stand alone product to sells I don't think so. Well maybe there's a WF genius who will come up with something soon. Let me know first ok.
      Most people just don't want to bother with it. It's like going to a restaurant; anyone can be taught how to cook a hamburger, but many people want it done for them. And, it's not only about hamburgers. Would you like fries with that? Supersize it? This is how you market your services. Don't offer it as just a standalone product.
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior View Post

      I can't seem to get my hands on how anyone can make money from this when its free and available to the public like air. Of course you can add it to your business package but as a stand alone product to sells I don't think so. Well maybe there's a WF genius who will come up with something soon. Let me know first ok.
      Imagine walking into your favorite bar. On the beer coasters is a weird looking barcode that says "Scan me for a free beer". You scan the code and it then automatically comes up with a text message ready to send. You send the text message and you receive a text message back with a special voucher code. You then go up to the bar, show them the text message, and claim your free beer.

      That bar now has your mobile details and can follow up with you using text messages - much more effective than email. Lets say that bar knows that Tuesday nights are always a little slow. On a Tuesday afternoon they can send out a text message saying "Do You Have Plans After Work? Come To X Bar Show This Message And Get Your Meal Half Price. Offer Only Valid Tonight!" Something like that but you get the idea.

      You start to see how effective this can be? Although the QR code is not really the make or break part of this process. You could do the same type of thing and just have a number for people to text a word to on the beer coasters. The QR codes are good though in that they stick out more and peak curiosity.
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    • Profile picture of the author halmo
      Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior View Post

      I can't seem to get my hands on how anyone can make money from this when its free and available to the public like air. Of course you can add it to your business package but as a stand alone product to sells I don't think so. Well maybe there's a WF genius who will come up with something soon. Let me know first ok.
      A standalone product idea could be to create a QR code generating software that can be uploaded to your server. By buying this software you would have full control of the QR code and the information embedded into it rather than having to depend on a free QR code generated by a third party business that doesn't let you edit the information, and you don't know whether that business will be around a few months later.

      Say, the QR codes suddenly become very popular, and many free services appear, but only some will survive. If you happened to create your QR codes through one of those free services that disappeared a few months later, all your QR codes would become useless, and all the QR codes that are already in your customers phones are suddenly useless. You just lost business, and created frustration for your customers.

      On the other hand, if you have your own QR code generating software on your own server, you can change the info embedded into a specific QR code any time (e.g. enter a new offer for your customers, change the correlating URL, etc.),, and your customers can use the same QR code over and over. And, you will know that your QR codes will not become useless in the middle of a large marketing effort because of a third party.

      I am sure someone will develop a software something like this. This could the the "shovel" to sell to the "gold seekers."
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        I hope readers of this thread remember that the QR CODE is nothing more than a formulaic process for encoding textual data into a picture.

        It's just another means unto an end ... like any "shorthand notation"

        What makes QR CODES so damn popular at the moment are many reasons, not to mention the fact that Google got behind them with their initiatives to help local business establish themselves online.

        Retail (and other business) are loving them because as I understand, you can actually encode more data (words) than the traditional barcodes (a few numbers.)

        The "secret" to making money with QR CODES is simply in their application or use. If what you conceive using QR CODES is more valuable than the cost someone has to pay you to, then you have a winner.

        There have been many practical examples of using QR CODES to make money in this thread and I just wanted to thank everyone for their input so far.
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        • Profile picture of the author paulie888
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

          I hope readers of this thread remember that the QR CODE is nothing more than a formulaic process for encoding textual data into a picture.

          It's just another means unto an end ... like any "shorthand notation"

          What makes QR CODES so damn popular at the moment are many reasons, not to mention the fact that Google got behind them with their initiatives to help local business establish themselves online.

          Retail (and other business) are loving them because as I understand, you can actually encode more data (words) than the traditional barcodes (a few numbers.)

          The "secret" to making money with QR CODES is simply in their application or use. If what you conceive using QR CODES is more valuable than the cost someone has to pay you to, then you have a winner.

          There have been many practical examples of using QR CODES to make money in this thread and I just wanted to thank everyone for their input so far.
          People would do well to remember this. QR codes by themselves aren't going to make you any money. The money comes from explaining profitable/useful applications of these codes to business owners in a way that they can understand!

          There are so many useful/profitable applications of QR codes for offline businesses, and it is up to you to figure out what they are and then show business owners how they can benefit from them - without being able to do this, these codes are nothing more than a technological gimmick.

          Paul
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      • Profile picture of the author XXXXXXXX
        I dont quite understand this so help me out. I generate a qr code with my info in it. I print it out on a business card. The image is not hosted anywhere...it just printed on a bus card. The qr image is read by the reader in the phone. How could this be edited later by the software that generated it? I could see a code being edited later if it was hosted and put on a website or something. But most of these codes are printed out on cards, coupons, ads in magazines etc. Am I missing something here.

        Thanks X



        Originally Posted by halmo View Post

        A standalone product idea could be to create a QR code generating software that can be uploaded to your server. By buying this software you would have full control of the QR code and the information embedded into it rather than having to depend on a free QR code generated by a third party business that doesn't let you edit the information, and you don't know whether that business will be around a few months later.

        Say, the QR codes suddenly become very popular, and many free services appear, but only some will survive. If you happened to create your QR codes through one of those free services that disappeared a few months later, all your QR codes would become useless, and all the QR codes that are already in your customers phones are suddenly useless. You just lost business, and created frustration for your customers.

        On the other hand, if you have your own QR code generating software on your own server, you can change the info embedded into a specific QR code any time (e.g. enter a new offer for your customers, change the correlating URL, etc.),, and your customers can use the same QR code over and over. And, you will know that your QR codes will not become useless in the middle of a large marketing effort because of a third party.

        I am sure someone will develop a software something like this. This could the the "shovel" to sell to the "gold seekers."
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    • Profile picture of the author bgean
      Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior View Post

      I can't seem to get my hands on how anyone can make money from this when its free and available to the public like air. Of course you can add it to your business package but as a stand alone product to sells I don't think so. Well maybe there's a WF genius who will come up with something soon. Let me know first ok.
      I would imagine, as time goes on, the innovative person will no doubt find a way to corner the market on how to make a killing with QR codes.

      I just spotted this thread today so I haven't had a chance to let every tidbit of information absorb into the brain yet - but just reading what I have... there is a ton of information in this thread alone that could be compiled into a short report.

      A lot of it may be speculation at this point, but you can't deny the fact that newcomers (who haven't read this forum or know it exists) would be highly interested in downloading a FREE report on the possibilities.
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        Originally Posted by bgean View Post

        A lot of it may be speculation at this point, but you can't deny the fact that newcomers (who haven't read this forum or know it exists) would be highly interested in downloading a FREE report on the possibilities.
        LOL ... just working on putting together a killer FREE REPORT on this topic. Currently collating information that I can share.

        Will keep you posted.

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  • Profile picture of the author scdayton
    I can see that there is a QR Code forest in front of me, but I still can't seem to see the trees!

    Maybe someone could give some examples of how this can be turned into an offline business venture?

    Say I tried to sell this idea to a restaurant what could I tell them this can do for them? They can make it so that the customer can bring up their menu perhaps? If so why? the menu is right there in front of them. Address, phone number? Who cares, I'm already sitting in the restaurant and I already know how to get there.

    And even if there is a good reason for a restaurant to use these (I'm sure there is, just can't see the trees right now) then it's more than just how to create one of these, you still need to create the landing/destination point (mobile sites '.mobi') these people are going to end up at right and that's a whole other skill set you'll need to conquer first.

    Maybe to get the people onto a list of some sort (SMS) well then that requires a whole other setup you'll need to learn and make available to the business client.

    Now don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the QR code potential, and in fact I want to grasp it, but I think there is a whole lot more needed to create a viable business out of this. I've tried hard to find a complete solution that can help me to turn this into a viable service I could provide to offline clients, but despite looking high and low I've yet to find one.

    I'm sure there is a great opportunity here somewhere. Can someone help me to see the trees!

    -Stephen
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Right now you should be selling your clients on the idea of using mobile marketing in general. As a minimum, get them to start using SMS texting. You will then have them locked in for coming added features. The technology itself has been around for many years, much like the UPC barcodes you see on every product in stores. They get scanned, the price is displayed and the inventory is adjusted. While using this on smartphones is new in the US, QR codes is very popular in other countries, especially in Japan and Korea. Another similar technology, called NFC (Near Field Communication) is here already, but the QR codes are far more dynamic in that it can provide video, audio, and large amounts of data just by pointing at it with a smartphone. A menu at a restaurant for example, could have a payment option included right from the user's phone. Product catalogs could be updated immediately with price changes or features just by changing the landing page of the image.
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      • Profile picture of the author scdayton
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        Right now you should be selling your clients on the idea of using mobile marketing in general. As a minimum, get them to start using SMS texting. You will then have them locked in for coming added features. The technology itself has been around for many years, much like the UPC barcodes you see on every product in stores. They get scanned, the price is displayed and the inventory is adjusted. While using this on smartphones is new in the US, QR codes is very popular in other countries, especially in Japan and Korea. Another similar technology, called NFC (Near Field Communication) is here already, but the QR codes are far more dynamic in that it can provide video, audio, and large amounts of data just by pointing at it with a smartphone. A menu at a restaurant for example, could have a payment option included right from the user's phone. Product catalogs could be updated immediately with price changes or features just by changing the landing page of the image.
        Hey Paul,

        I've seen you comment on a lot of mobile stuff in other threads and I know you're into the SMS stuff.

        Your comment "A menu at a restaurant for example, could have a payment option included right from the user's phone. Product catalogs could be updated immediately with price changes or features just by changing the landing page of the image." is a good one and I figured stuff like this is possible. I guess the question then is HOW?

        Is there a system/membership out there already where someone like me can not only get the marketing material on how we can help local businesses using QR codes as well as have the technical stuff at our disposal? For example creating really cool and unique QR Codes like this company does, to making it so that when the customer does do a scan then the functionality you mentioned above can also be completed by me on behalf of my business client?

        I mean sure there are free QR code creators out there where I could create a code for a business then charge them for it, but what's the point? It's where the code takes these people and how it can make the business money that is most important. Being able to setup the technology behind the QR Code that makes the business money that is the big selling point.

        -Stephen
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by scdayton View Post

          Hey Paul,

          I've seen you comment on a lot of mobile stuff in other threads and I know you're into the SMS stuff.

          Your comment "A menu at a restaurant for example, could have a payment option included right from the user's phone. Product catalogs could be updated immediately with price changes or features just by changing the landing page of the image." is a good one and I figured stuff like this is possible. I guess the question then is HOW?

          Is there a system/membership out there already where someone like me can not only get the marketing material on how we can help local businesses using QR codes as well as have the technical stuff at our disposal? For example creating really cool and unique QR Codes like this company does, to making it so that when the customer does do a scan then the functionality you mentioned above can also be completed by me on behalf of my business client?

          I mean sure there are free QR code creators out there where I could create a code for a business then charge them for it, but what's the point? It's where the code takes these people and how it can make the business money that is most important. Being able to setup the technology behind the QR Code that makes the business money that is the big selling point.

          -Stephen
          Check out the Tappinn Platform. That is who I use. Go beyond the code. It's about mobile content. Check out the Tappinn blog BEYOND the QR CODE
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          • Profile picture of the author myob
            The reference link by the OP gives a good overview. There are tons of free QR generators, just do a quick google search for "qr code generator".

            Also here's something you can try out to learn and get familiar with it's applications:

            Nokia Mobile Codes - Create, Share and Scan QR and Datamatrix barcodes

            Your prospect decides what they want in the code, you generate the graphic from any of a number of generators, then print it out. Advertising then can be placed on storefront windows, automobiles, print media, business cards, promotion items, you name it. Some warriors as noted here can even add more colorful enhancements. But I just use the black and white format.

            For example Starbucks has a payment system for smartphone as an app download, and we are working with them, as well as several McDonalds franchisees, realtors, insurance companies, auto dealers, etc.

            As a lead in, get prospects on SMS texting for right now. It's hot and more on the minds of businesses, then you can add value from there. Even though it is easy, many businesses do not want to do this themselves. That is how you market it, as among the many other services you provide. It does not stand alone.
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          • Profile picture of the author scdayton
            Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

            Check out the Tappinn Platform. That is who I use. Go beyond the code. It's about mobile content. Check out the Tappinn blog BEYOND the QR CODE

            This looks very cool, thank you for sharing.

            Do you have any samples of work you've created using TappInn?

            Are you using it for yourself or to use as a a means to make money with the offline businesses?


            -Stephen
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            • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
              Originally Posted by scdayton View Post

              This looks very cool, thank you for sharing.

              Do you have any samples of work you've created using TappInn?

              Are you using it for yourself or to use as a a means to make money with the offline businesses?


              -Stephen
              This is a basic one that attached. I created this through Tappinn. I put it like this. You can do anything you want with QR Codes. CPA, affliate marketing etc. I am using them for myself and as a means to make money introducing QR Codes to offline businesses. These businesses are going to need a smartsite (mobile website) this year. Now is the time. Google is about to launch Google Offers. A simple Groupon like clone since they couldn't buy Groupon. They are cold calling businesses about this. All that to say, this offline market is prime. Even though I can host everything on the Tappinn site. I also invested in Quentin's course about how to build mobile websites which is excellent. He also goes over QR Codes. I need those skills. Just in case a client wants to host there own mobile sites or anything happens to Tappinn. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Are yeah Mark Ress and Jubilee just came out with a WSO called QR Codes Madness. Over 500 have been sold already. I got my copy my man. The videos and the resource file is worth thousands. He goes into making money with QR codes, pricing and all that good stuff. I suggest anyone that is learning and trying to make money with QR codes invest in that WSO.

              Much success to you.

              Simon
              EyeMobilize Marketing
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              • Profile picture of the author anthonyjames
                Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

                This is a basic one that attached. I created this through Tappinn. I put it like this. You can do anything you want with QR Codes. CPA, affliate marketing etc. I am using them for myself and as a means to make money introducing QR Codes to offline businesses. These businesses are going to need a smartsite (mobile website) this year. Now is the time. Google is about to launch Google Offers. A simple Groupon like clone since they couldn't buy Groupon. They are cold calling businesses about this. All that to say, this offline market is prime. Even though I can host everything on the Tappinn site. I also invested in Quentin's course about how to build mobile websites which is excellent. He also goes over QR Codes. I need those skills. Just in case a client wants to host there own mobile sites or anything happens to Tappinn. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Are yeah Mark Ress and Jubilee just came out with a WSO called QR Codes Madness. Over 500 have been sold already. I got my copy my man. The videos and the resource file is worth thousands. He goes into making money with QR codes, pricing and all that good stuff. I suggest anyone that is learning and trying to make money with QR codes invest in that WSO.

                Much success to you.

                Simon
                EyeMobilize Marketing
                They also just came out with an add on to this about making mobile sites. Great value. I got mine.

                AJ
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    • Originally Posted by scdayton View Post

      I can see that there is a QR Code forest in front of me, but I still can't seem to see the trees!

      Maybe someone could give some examples of how this can be turned into an offline business venture?

      Say I tried to sell this idea to a restaurant what could I tell them this can do for them? They can make it so that the customer can bring up their menu perhaps? If so why? the menu is right there in front of them. Address, phone number? Who cares, I'm already sitting in the restaurant and I already know how to get there.

      And even if there is a good reason for a restaurant to use these (I'm sure there is, just can't see the trees right now) then it's more than just how to create one of these, you still need to create the landing/destination point (mobile sites '.mobi') these people are going to end up at right and that's a whole other skill set you'll need to conquer first.

      Maybe to get the people onto a list of some sort (SMS) well then that requires a whole other setup you'll need to learn and make available to the business client.

      Now don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the QR code potential, and in fact I want to grasp it, but I think there is a whole lot more needed to create a viable business out of this. I've tried hard to find a complete solution that can help me to turn this into a viable service I could provide to offline clients, but despite looking high and low I've yet to find one.

      I'm sure there is a great opportunity here somewhere. Can someone help me to see the trees!

      -Stephen
      Hi Stephen,

      I'm sure there are lots of applications for this. I know people can also do it for free but I still think its a viable paid service.

      Two areas that immediately spring to mind are real estate and car dealers. Done correctly it can be like having a member of staff available 24/7.

      On the real estate board outside a house, a QR code could link through to a video tour of the house or a page with listing details with a prompt by the agent to book a tour of the house. Similarly the same could be done with the car dealer. If the dealer creates and uploads a video to a sharing site showing the car in more detail with a little bit of sales pitch and you create a QR code for it, that can be on the car even when the dealer is closed for business.

      Think how many people come by houses and cars when further viewing is not possible. This could be the answer.

      One other area that springs to mind are businesses that advertise in free newspapers or on coupon sheets. Their ads are often costed on the dimensions. The advertisers choice is to either pay for a greater area to get more sales message in or compromise on their sales message. They don't need to now. They can have a smaller ad with a QR code as their artwork that takes the reader to either a site or a video where it can be further sold.

      Hope that helps.

      Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author jackheape
        Here is how I just recently used QR codes for a restaurant. Sure the menu is in front of the customer, as is the address etc. But the business has no effective way of capturing the customers personal info for further marketing. Voila'. The QR code. The customer scans the code, is taken to the Facebook fan page of the business, likes the business, and gets a coupon, in this case $5 off. And now you have a way to market to that customer for future promotions, menu changes, etc. See this that a local TV station did on this restaurant (my client). They also talk about sports calendars, and believe it or not, people are tattooing QR codes on their bods now.
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by jackheape View Post

          Here is how I just recently used QR codes for a restaurant. Sure the menu is in front of the customer, as is the address etc. But the business has no effective way of capturing the customers personal info for further marketing. Voila'. The QR code. The customer scans the code, is taken to the Facebook fan page of the business, likes the business, and gets a coupon, in this case $5 off. And now you have a way to market to that customer for future promotions, menu changes, etc. See this news story video on QR Codes that a local TV station did on this restaurant (my client). They also talk about sports calendars, and believe it or not, people are tattooing QR codes on their bods now.
          Hey Jack do you mind sharing that flyer card that was used for the pizza parlor on the tables for customers to scan the QR codes? That was some excellent marketing materials
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          • Profile picture of the author jackheape
            Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

            Hey Jack do you mind sharing that flyer card that was used for the pizza parlor on the tables for customers to scan the QR codes? That was some excellent marketing materials
            Sure, here are the two layouts I used. I made them up myself and then went to Kinko's and used their color printer.

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  • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
    Also, I see James avatar idea is a good one for forums that doesn't like signatures. Create your own QR code and use it as an avatar. I bet this will catch on soon.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author webapex
    James:
    Laura Betterly went into some detail as to the future of mobile marketing at Ryan Deiss's Traffic & Conversion Summit 2.0 in the first half of 2010, the new domain land grab may be in the form of cell short codes "text Zits to 67777", she demonstrated QR and showed slides of european applications of it.

    Google mentions sending 100,000 stickers to companies.

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    • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
      Originally Posted by webapex View Post

      James:
      Laura Betterly went into some detail as to the future of mobile marketing at Ryan Deiss's Traffic & Conversion Summit 2.0 in the first half of 2010, the new domain land grab may be in the form of cell short codes "text Zits to 67777", she demonstrated QR and showed slides of european applications of it.

      Google mentions sending 100,000 stickers to companies.

      Hey James, this sounds interesting. Is there a video of the seminar?.

      On another note, check this out at Google's Favorite Places.
      http://www.google.com/help/maps/favo...los-angeles-ca
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      • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
        Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior View Post

        Hey James, this sounds interesting. Is there a video of the seminar?.

        On another note, check this out at Google's Favorite Places.
        Favorite Places on Google
        The course is called Mobile Local Fusion. That is where the information he is talking about comes from. I have the course and it is very informative.

        Simon
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        • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
          Thanks for all the great replies. I see Jubilee and Mark's WSO is going well (and NO ... I'm not affiliated to them, although I guess I should have used this thread to pre-launch my own - LOL)

          Anyway, I've noted folks "seeing" the fusion effect kick in. Yes, mobile marketing plus local marketing is happening, and yes there is a great deal of buzz surrounding the whole "tactical choices" we can make.

          In truth, NO TECHNOLOGY will make you money (in the long run) just because you have it. You need to apply it and while QR CODES are new and cool and definitely 'on the cusp', it's what you do with them that counts.

          As an aside, do a bit of research on "social fusion" and see what you find :rolleyes:

          I think I'm going to add a QR CODE to the image on my Facebook page and see what happens.

          Have a great Sunday, and apologies for the delay in writing back - it's been a crazy week (I was training).
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  • Profile picture of the author Ronn
    I keep seeing that these qr codes are free, but some sites say "not for commercial use".
    I have the opportunity to "sell" these to my clients as advertising tools, do I have to buy software in order to do this?
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Hi Ronn

    These are free to use any way your want. You do not need any software to make them.

    If you are selling to clients then it might be a good idea to get tracking software so you can offer as an ongoing monthly or yearly service.

    QR Codes Australia | QR Code Generator and Tracking Service

    Quentin
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  • Profile picture of the author KirkMcD
    Let me just throw this out there.
    I don't trust them.
    I keep having a feeling that it is too easily exploited and it will take me to some site that will install a virus.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by KirkMcD View Post

      Let me just throw this out there.
      I don't trust them.
      I keep having a feeling that it is too easily exploited and it will take me to some site that will install a virus.
      You raise a very good point. The abstract "coded" nature of the QR CODE could be used for nefarious means.

      However... the same can be said of many new technologies.

      I'd remind you that QR Codes are really only encoded information and not an executable program. The scanner may or may not execute the instructions within the code, but that's a personal choice.

      I have 3 scanners I use. One automatically opens a browser or sends an SMS message, the others wait for further confirmation from me.

      I like both options. Thanks for the input.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ronn
    I appreciate all your feedback.
    I would like to have more info on tracking software as there is so much out there and I am new at this.

    I don't know where to begin.

    Can anyone help?
    Thanks, Ronn
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      What are you tracking? If you're asking about QR COde tracking, then most of the major players offer tracking as part of their service offerings. If you want to track for free then simply explore Bit.Ly as they not only track - but they provide the QR Code too!

      PS. I use their PRO version (no $$$) and it allows me to have my own vanity URL with the commensurate tracking.
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  • Profile picture of the author corycrabb
    awesome thank you for this information
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  • Profile picture of the author Ronn
    Thank you so much for the info - I am going to look into it right now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Capitalist_Pig
    Ive made a bit selling vinyl 4" QR code stickers - they seem to work now, but I think they'll fade away.

    Anyone remember the CueCat?
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Remember you are sending the visitor to a mobile website in most cases. The QR Code once it is created can not be edited however if you send them to a landing page this is where you can change anything you want.

    So when you put it on a business card I like to send them to a contact page that I can change any time.

    QUentin
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    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      Remember you are sending the visitor to a mobile website in most cases. The QR Code once it is created can not be edited however if you send them to a landing page this is where you can change anything you want.

      So when you put it on a business card I like to send them to a contact page that I can change any time.

      QUentin
      Quentin please explain a little more when you say once the "QR code is created, it cannot be edited".

      Thanks

      Simon
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by halmo View Post

        A standalone product idea could be to create a QR code generating software that can be uploaded to your server. By buying this software you would have full control of the QR code and the information embedded into it rather than having to depend on a free QR code generated by a third party business that doesn't let you edit the information, and you don't know whether that business will be around a few months later.
        You do not understand how QR codes work. A QR code is just like a regular barcode you will find on any product you buy at the supermarket. It does not matter which program or which website you use to create the QR code, once it is created it is created. It does NOT matter if the website you used to create your QR code was to shut down the very next day - it is totally irrelevant and will not effect your code.

        The information is contained inside the barcode itself - not on a website or anywhere else for that matter. All those little black and white squares tell the QR bar code readers what information is stored inside that code.

        Originally Posted by halmo View Post

        and all the QR codes that are already in your customers phones are suddenly useless. You just lost business, and created frustration for your customers.
        What do you mean by this? QR codes are not stored in anyone's phones. They are displayed whether it be on your business card, shop window, a sticker, wherever, and people simply scan the QR code once and are then taken to a website, shown a message, or whatever. Nothing gets saved in your phone. You simply scan the code to get the hidden message or url.

        Originally Posted by halmo View Post

        On the other hand, if you have your own QR code generating software on your own server, you can change the info embedded into a specific QR code any time (e.g. enter a new offer for your customers, change the correlating URL, etc.),, and your customers can use the same QR code over and over. And, you will know that your QR codes will not become useless in the middle of a large marketing effort because of a third party.
        Once again your are incorrect. You cannot edit a QR code. Once a QR code has been generated the information inside it cannot be changed. As I stated earlier, all those combinations of tiny black and white boxes tell the QR code reader what information to display. The only way you can change the information stored in a QR code is to create a new one. And since it is free to do it is not a problem at all.

        Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

        Quentin please explain a little more when you say once the "QR code is created, it cannot be edited".
        Please see my comment above.
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          You do not understand how QR codes work. A QR code is just like a regular barcode you will find on any product you buy at the supermarket. It does not matter which program or which website you use to create the QR code, once it is created it is created. It does NOT matter if the website you used to create your QR code was to shut down the very next day - it is totally irrelevant and will not effect your code.

          The information is contained inside the barcode itself - not on a website or anywhere else for that matter. All those little black and white squares tell the QR bar code readers what information is stored inside that code.



          What do you mean by this? QR codes are not stored in anyone's phones. They are displayed whether it be on your business card, shop window, a sticker, wherever, and people simply scan the QR code once and are then taken to a website, shown a message, or whatever. Nothing gets saved in your phone. You simply scan the code to get the hidden message or url.



          Once again your are incorrect. You cannot edit a QR code. Once a QR code has been generated the information inside it cannot be changed. As I stated earlier, all those combinations of tiny black and white boxes tell the QR code reader what information to display. The only way you can change the information stored in a QR code is to create a new one. And since it is free to do it is not a problem at all.



          Please see my comment above.
          I think for one people have to do there research about editing QR codes. Now a typical QR code generator you can not go back and edit what the QR code is going to read. Now on the other hand when you are using a sophisticated platform like the one I use called Tappinn, I can edit my QR codes. Now take that to the bank...

          Simon
          EyeMobilize Marketing
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          • Profile picture of the author WillR
            Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

            I think for one people have to do there research about editing QR codes. Now a typical QR code generator you can not go back and edit what the QR code is going to read. Now on the other hand when you are using a sophisticated platform like the one I use called Tappinn, I can edit my QR codes. Now take that to the bank...

            Simon
            EyeMobilize Marketing
            You are incorrect. You don't EDIT a QR code, you just create a new one. It doesn't matter what platform you are using and how sophisticated it is, you cannot edit the information inside a QR code without changing the actual look of the QR code itself - it's impossible. So the only way to edit a QR code is by changing the look of the QR code thus, in essence, creating a new QR code.
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            • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
              Originally Posted by WillR View Post

              You are incorrect. You don't EDIT a QR code, you just create a new one. It doesn't matter what platform you are using and how sophisticated it is, you cannot edit the information inside a QR code without changing the actual look of the QR code itself - it's impossible. So the only way to edit a QR code is by changing the look of the QR code thus, in essence, creating a new QR code.
              How are you going to tell me what I can and can not do. You don't know everything there is to know about QR codes. If you did you would'nt be here or you would be giving seminars around the world. Anyway I can. You want proof. Here is proof. Scan this code and you will see something I came up with. After you scan it please text my cell phone at 216-526-9320 and let me know you scannes it. Then I will edit the INFO inside the QR code so I can make a believer out of you Mr No it all. Then I will text you back and ask you to scan the SAME QR code and just like magic it will look different. Y want to bet against that? Because I can use some extra cash.

              Simon
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              • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
                Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

                How are you going to tell me what I can and can not do. You don't know everything there is to know about QR codes. If you did you would'nt be here or you would be giving seminars around the world. Anyway I can. You want proof. Here is proof. Scan this code and you will see something I came up with. After you scan it please text my cell phone at 216-526-9320 and let me know you scannes it. Then I will edit the INFO inside the QR code so I can make a believer out of you Mr No it all. Then I will text you back and ask you to scan the SAME QR code and just like magic it will look different. Y want to bet against that? Because I can use some extra cash.

                Simon
                What Will is trying to say and I will back him on this is this:

                Once you make any changes to a QR code, it is no longer the same QR code. So you are not really making changes to it, you are creating a new one. If I scan a QR code and then you make a change to it, the end result will be a different looking QR code, hence it is a NEW QR code not an edited one. Each individual code represents what is embedded in it, so if you make changes to what is embedded you are then creating a new code because you are changing the core of the code. The image you see is just a picture representation of the code inside it. If you make a one character change, the end result is a new image.
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                • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
                  Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

                  What Will is trying to say and I will back him on this is this:

                  Once you make any changes to a QR code, it is no longer the same QR code. So you are not really making changes to it, you are creating a new one. If I scan a QR code and then you make a change to it, the end result will be a different looking QR code, hence it is a NEW QR code not an edited one. Each individual code represents what is embedded in it, so if you make changes to what is embedded you are then creating a new code because you are changing the core of the code. The image you see is just a picture representation of the code inside it. If you make a one character change, the end result is a new image.
                  Your explaination is a little better Mike. But WillR's is confusing when he says "you cannot edit the information inside a QR code without changing the actual look of the QR code itself - it's impossible. So the only way to edit a QR code is by changing the look of the QR code thus, in essence, creating a new QR code."

                  I am not changing the look of the QR code. I am only editing the page that the QR code you are scanning is going to look like. I hope eveyone is clear on that. So in my case I give you a QR code to scan. When you scan it you will see my vcard, name, email etc. Now without giving you a different QR code, two weeks later, I now tell you to scan the same QR code that I gave you. When you scan it this time I have a video up, and other content using the same QR code. So in essence I don't have to keep creating QR code after QR code. I'm just doing maintenance changes to my pages like you would do your website only through QR codes. This is for real people.

                  Simon
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                  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
                    Can I see an example?
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                    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
                      Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

                      Can I see an example?

                      Okay Mike I now added a sample QR code that I am working on for myself to my profile picture. Scan that code then text me at 216-526-9320 and I will change it in real time. Give me about 15 min. from the text and then scan it again. You will see for yourself that I never have to change QR codes. Make sure you click my name eyesocialize then select view profile. You will see the QR code. Oh yeah, I see your in Australia. You can skype me if you want Mike. Search for rah343.

                      Simon
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                  • Profile picture of the author halmo
                    Quite a few interesting posts here since I set off a bit of a fire with mine. I think WillR was thinking more on the offline side of marketing. I guess QR codes are still new enough that all the possibilities they could hold might not be so obvious yet. Maybe I am wrong about that (I am not a QR code expert), but then again, who knows?.

                    I know some people here said QR codes are very simple (little more than barcodes), but I tend to think there is more to them. I wish I could find an article I read a few years ago, describing all the uses of a small image tied to products. The article was describing how some European companies were using that technology. I am not sure it was referring to QR codes or some other technology (I am guessing it might have been QR codes), but the uses for this small image the article was describing were quite fascinating (more than what has been discussed in this thread). I will try to find that article, however, it was in a printed newspaper, so it could be a challenge -- but I'll give it a try.

                    What I was referring to in my earlier post was what Simon (eyesocialize) described.

                    Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post


                    I am not changing the look of the QR code. I am only editing the page that the QR code you are scanning is going to look like. I hope eveyone is clear on that. So in my case I give you a QR code to scan. When you scan it you will see my vcard, name, email etc. Now without giving you a different QR code, two weeks later, I now tell you to scan the same QR code that I gave you. When you scan it this time I have a video up, and other content using the same QR code. So in essence I don't have to keep creating QR code after QR code. I'm just doing maintenance changes to my pages like you would do your website only through QR codes.

                    Simon
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  • Profile picture of the author scdayton
    Does Tappinn built (hosted) mobile sites end up on some Tappinn sub-domain like businessowner.Tappinn.com or can the traffic go to the business owners own mobile domain such as businessowner.mobi?

    I think there is a lot of value in the .mobi domains being owned by the businesses owner and the traffic going to their own site rather than a hosts sub-domain.

    -Stephen
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
    I'm not sure if this has been touched on already. I've read a bulk of the posts, but I gotta run shortly.

    Anyway...

    I've heard some concepts about creating a "loyalty" club, which people give their e-mail address, etc and receive special offers.

    In line with the whole URL shortener idea, you could also use your own hosted URL shortener to create links for the QR codes. In that case, you would be able to modify where all of your links redirect to, at the click of the mouse.

    So (and correct me if I'm wrong)...

    Could you not put a twist on this and create little "insider" discount cards that give access to exclusive deals each day, week, whatever?

    Whenever you would have to change where their QR code/card goes to, simply log in to your URL shortener and modify the redirect.

    Brad Gosse has a video that shows how to get a shortener, which is the service I had in mind...

    Setup Your Own URL Shortener For Free | Brad Gosse

    Any thoughts on this idea?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
    Would prefer to just let you know that I have scanned it here, which I have.
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    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
      Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

      Would prefer to just let you know that I have scanned it here, which I have.
      Okay Scan it now Mike, but if you don't see a change once you scan it, please refresh you screen. Then Please report back. Make sure you read the top of the page Mike.

      Simon
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
        Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

        Okay Scan it now Mike, but if you don't see a change once you scan it, please refresh you screen. Then Please report back. Make sure you read the top of the page Mike.

        Simon
        Wow! There you go hey. I don't know how they do it, but it does what you say.
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

          Wow! There you go hey. I don't know how they do it, but it does what you say.
          Thank you very much Mike. It just pisses me off when people think they no everything. You have to be humble in life. Remember anything is possible. For that person to say that's impossible is a sign of arrogance. Do your research before you make claims that you can't do this or that. I wish he would of bet me.

          Thanks again.

          Any more people want to see the power of Tappinn let me know.

          Simon
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

          Wow! There you go hey. I don't know how they do it, but it does what you say.
          Hey Mike if you want to have some more proof so you can let our fellow warriors no, how bout you save my Qr code then edit it to your liking with color etc with your photoshop or gimp etc. Scan that code and see if it will take you to the same page you was brought to when you scanned my plain jane QR code. Once you do that I will go back in and change the page. Scan that edited code again and see what happens. Want to go for it?
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          • Profile picture of the author XXXXXXXX
            Are you just re-directing the url??

            Thanks X



            Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

            Hey Mike if you want to have some more proof so you can let our fellow warriors no, how bout you save my Qr code then edit it to your liking with color etc with your photoshop or gimp etc. Scan that code and see if it will take you to the same page you was brought to when you scanned my plain jane QR code. Once you do that I will go back in and change the page. Scan that edited code again and see what happens. Want to go for it?
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          • Profile picture of the author XXXXXXXX
            Are you just re-directing the url to a different landing page??

            Thanks X



            Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

            Hey Mike if you want to have some more proof so you can let our fellow warriors no, how bout you save my Qr code then edit it to your liking with color etc with your photoshop or gimp etc. Scan that code and see if it will take you to the same page you was brought to when you scanned my plain jane QR code. Once you do that I will go back in and change the page. Scan that edited code again and see what happens. Want to go for it?
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            • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
              Originally Posted by XXXXXXXX View Post

              Are you just re-directing the url to a different landing page??

              Thanks X
              No. I am using the same URL. It's just part of the management package that is included with the Tappinn platform. I am just editing the mobile pages. The url the QR code goes to never changes. Here is the url that Mike scanned on my QR code. Welcome. That's what you see now. I have the luxury to make the page look different. I can have that page look different every time I go into my platform and edit the page the QR Code is linked to. I hope this answers your question.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    I didn't realize bit.ly provided a QR Code. Quite accidentally, I found a QR code on the bit.ly shorted URL statistics page.

    The statistics page can be found by adding a "+" to the end of the bit.ly URL. This tip about adding the "+" was from (I think) Kim Roach and is proving fun to check out.

    Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author Pursuit2Success
    Is that really possible? I thought it was like a bar scanner for verification of purchase lol
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    • Profile picture of the author dudeontheweb
      In the past I used google's chart api to create QR codes dynamically, but really had no use for them or knew what to do with them. This thread has now got me thinking. I'm going to have to go back and revisit some of my old projects and code.
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  • Profile picture of the author johninmn
    I don't mean to beat a dead horse here in case everyone now understands but in Simon's case all that is embedded in the QR Code is the URL address, not all of his contact info. Simon can go in and edit the page that the URL address goes to. Simply put, if you read the New York Times online everyday you go to the same URL (hence, same QR code) but the page is different. Sorry if this seems remedial, just trying to help.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
      Originally Posted by johninmn View Post

      I don't mean to beat a dead horse here in case everyone now understands but in Simon's case all that is embedded in the QR Code is the URL address, not all of his contact info. Simon can go in and edit the page that the URL address goes to. Simply put, if you read the New York Times online everyday you go to the same URL (hence, same QR code) but the page is different. Sorry if this seems remedial, just trying to help.
      John, you are correct. Now that I realize that it was a web page I was being sent to, I was right about not being able to edit a qr code without it becoming a new one. Seeing as though Simon was only changing the page that the code was sending us to this does not affect the qr code at all. The qr code is not changing but the html/css of the web page that the qr code directs us to.

      So Simon, Will and I were correct and I will stand by those statements.
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      • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
        Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

        John, you are correct. Now that I realize that it was a web page I was being sent to, I was right about not being able to edit a qr code without it becoming a new one. Seeing as though Simon was only changing the page that the code was sending us to this does not affect the qr code at all. The qr code is not changing but the html/css of the web page that the qr code directs us to.

        So Simon, Will and I were correct and I will stand by those statements.
        Do we have to go through this again Mike? Okay, hit my username again and you will see the qr code that says Mike. It is the same QR code that you scanned earlier. The only difference is that I EDITED the same QR code you scanned earlier in Photoshop. It will take you to the page you saw earlier. Also you must have missed my post earlier when I asked you if you wanted more proof that you can save that QR code and then put it in photoshop, gimp etc and add some color to it to see what happens. But here we are anyway once again proving the know it alls wrong.
        Oh yeah, have any of you actually sat down and tried to edit a QR code? Or are you on the sidelines just talking jibberish?
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
          Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

          Do we have to go through this again Mike? Okay, hit my username again and you will see the qr code that says Mike. It is the same QR code that you scanned earlier. The only difference is that I EDITED the same QR code you scanned earlier in Photoshop. It will take you to the page you saw earlier. Also you must have missed my post earlier when I asked you if you wanted more proof that you can save that QR code and then put it in photoshop, gimp etc and add some color to it to see what happens. But here we are anyway once again proving the know it alls wrong.
          All you have done is edit the image in an image editing program. You have not actually changed the code. I don't need any more proof mate, you are showing that you are missing the whole point. QR codes are the same as a normal barcode, where each barcode has a unique number on it which related to only 1 product. If you edit the barcode, it will no longer be associated with that product. QR codes work the same. You type information into a QR generator and it will give you an image that represents the information you entered. That image will only ever be linked to whatever it was you entered. You can draw and doodle on the image all you want, but as long as the main squares on the image are not obscured then any QR code reader will be able to read what the image represents.

          Here is an image which I just generated that contains only text. The text will read "This is sample 1".



          Now If I go back and change the text to "This is sample 2", you will see a different image.



          No matter what you do, those 2 images will only ever represent the text that was entered the generator and nothing more.
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        • Profile picture of the author WillR
          Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

          Do we have to go through this again Mike? Okay, hit my username again and you will see the qr code that says Mike. It is the same QR code that you scanned earlier. The only difference is that I EDITED the same QR code you scanned earlier in Photoshop. It will take you to the page you saw earlier. Also you must have missed my post earlier when I asked you if you wanted more proof that you can save that QR code and then put it in photoshop, gimp etc and add some color to it to see what happens. But here we are anyway once again proving the know it alls wrong.
          Oh yeah, have any of you actually sat down and tried to edit a QR code? Or are you on the sidelines just talking jibberish?
          Your argument is blowing up in your face and just showing YOUR lack of understanding regarding QR codes. If a shop has a QR code stuck up in their show window that points to a url like website1.com, there is no way you can 'edit' that same QR code to go to website2.com WITHOUT changing the look of that QR code - it will not be the same QR code it will be a NEW one.

          The only way you can do what you are saying is to either embed a url in the QR code and edit the content on that page or embed a redirect url in the QR code that redirects to whatever information it is you want to share. You are not editing the QR code itself, you are just editing the destination/page.

          The ONLY way to change the information stored inside a QR code is to create a new one which will have a different combination of black/white boxes.

          It just pisses me off when people think they no everything. You have to be humble in life. Remember anything is possible. For that person to say that's impossible is a sign of arrogance. Do your research before you make claims that you can't do this or that. I wish he would of bet me.
          Exactly, you should take your own advice. By the way, know is spelt K.N.O.W not N.O. but I probably shouldn't tell you that or you might think I am a know it all.
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          • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
            Originally Posted by WillR View Post

            Your argument is blowing up in your face and just showing YOUR lack of understanding regarding QR codes. If a shop has a QR code stuck up in their show window that points to a url like website1.com, there is no way you can 'edit' that same QR code to go to website2.com WITHOUT changing the look of that QR code - it will not be the same QR code it will be a NEW one.

            The only way you can do what you are saying is to either embed a url in the QR code and edit the content on that page. or embed a redirect url in the QR code that redirects to whatever information it is you want to share. You are not editing the QR code itself, you are just editing the destination/page.

            The ONLY way to change the information stored inside a QR code is to create a new one which will have a different combination of black/white boxes.



            Exactly, you should take your own advice. By the way, know is spelt K.N.O.W not N.O.
            Have you tried it?
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      • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
        Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

        John, you are correct. Now that I realize that it was a web page I was being sent to, I was right about not being able to edit a qr code without it becoming a new one. Seeing as though Simon was only changing the page that the code was sending us to this does not affect the qr code at all. The qr code is not changing but the html/css of the web page that the qr code directs us to.

        So Simon, Will and I were correct and I will stand by those statements.
        Oh yeah, one other thing Mike. I really doubt that you read over what WillR was saying was incorrect when he posted to first halmo and then to me. Because if you did you would see that what we did proved him wrong. So I don't know how you can say he is correct.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
          Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

          Oh yeah, one other thing Mike. I really doubt that you read over what WillR was saying was incorrect when he posted to first halmo and then to me. Because if you did you would see that what we did proved him wrong. So I don't know how you can say he is correct.
          When I said you proved me wrong was before I realized that the code was sending me to a web page. The web page was not embedded in your image so it can be edited to whatever you like, so as I said previously, I am standing by my original argument that you CANNOT edit the code without changing the look of the image. It's that simple!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

    Have you tried it?
    Ok, here is my challenge to you if you would like to prove me wrong and prove how much you know about QR codes. If I am wrong I will graciously apologise and close my mouth.

    Please post 2 QR code images here that are both identical to one another however have one of the QR codes go to somewhere like Google.com and have the other QR code have an sms or contact card embedded in it. I will then scan both those images and see where they take me.

    Now remember, both these QR codes have to be 100% identical to back up your argument. I will check them very thoroughly to make sure they are. And there are to be no redirect urls or anything else like that used.

    Only if you can do that will you have proven me wrong.
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    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      Ok, here is my challenge to you if you would like to prove me wrong and prove how much you know about QR codes. If I am wrong I will graciously apologise and close my mouth.

      Please post 2 QR code images here that are both identical to one another however have one of the QR codes go to somewhere like Google.com and have the other QR code have an sms or contact card embedded in it. I will then scan both those images and see where they take me.

      Now remember, both these QR codes have to be 100% identical to back up your argument. I will check them very thoroughly to make sure they are. And there are to be no redirect urls or anything else like that used.

      Only if you can do that will you have proven me wrong.
      Okay, for one I would never take that challenge because from the little knowledge that I have, that can't be done. I think we got off on the wrong foot first and foremost is because I asked Quentin a question and you rudely answered the question for him that was even more confusing. My argument was yes I can edit the information inside the QR code. And I quote this is how it all started

      "Your explaination is a little better Mike. But WillR's is confusing when he says "you cannot edit the information inside a QR code without changing the actual look of the QR code itself - it's impossible. So the only way to edit a QR code is by changing the look of the QR code thus, in essence, creating a new QR code." You said it's impossible to edit the information inside a Qr code. I don't know what you figured it meant, but I took it like you was saying a person could not go back in and edit the page the Qr code lands on. Then I clearly stated below what I was doing:

      I am not changing the look of the QR code. I am only editing the page that the QR code you are scanning is going to look like. I hope eveyone is clear on that. So in my case I give you a QR code to scan. When you scan it you will see my vcard, name, email etc. Now without giving you a different QR code, two weeks later, I now tell you to scan the same QR code that I gave you. When you scan it this time I have a video up, and other content using the same QR code. So in essence I don't have to keep creating QR code after QR code. I'm just doing maintenance changes to my pages like you would do your website only through QR codes. This is for real people.

      So I hope we can continue to learn from one another and be humble in our endeavors. And thank you WillR for pointing out my spelling mistakes. Forgive my honesty. That's what makes us better people when we can take constructive criticism. Sometimes it's hard for us to understand another person's point of view through our typed words in forums. So I apologize to any and everyone if I made things confusing. I also hope some of you was able to understand where I was coming from.

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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by eyesocialize View Post

        Okay, for one I would never take that challenge because from the little knowledge that I have, that can't be done. I think we got off on the wrong foot first and foremost is because I asked Quentin a question and you rudely answered the question for him that was even more confusing. My argument was yes I can edit the information inside the QR code. And I quote this is how it all started

        "Your explaination is a little better Mike. But WillR's is confusing when he says "you cannot edit the information inside a QR code without changing the actual look of the QR code itself - it's impossible. So the only way to edit a QR code is by changing the look of the QR code thus, in essence, creating a new QR code." You said it's impossible to edit the information inside a Qr code. I don't know what you figured it meant, but I took it like you was saying a person could not go back in and edit the page the Qr code lands on. Then I clearly stated below what I was doing:

        I am not changing the look of the QR code. I am only editing the page that the QR code you are scanning is going to look like. I hope eveyone is clear on that. So in my case I give you a QR code to scan. When you scan it you will see my vcard, name, email etc. Now without giving you a different QR code, two weeks later, I now tell you to scan the same QR code that I gave you. When you scan it this time I have a video up, and other content using the same QR code. So in essence I don't have to keep creating QR code after QR code. I'm just doing maintenance changes to my pages like you would do your website only through QR codes. This is for real people.

        So I hope we can continue to learn from one another and be humble in our endeavors. And thank you WillR for pointing out my spelling mistakes. Forgive my honesty. That's what makes us better people when we can take constructive criticism. Sometimes it's hard for us to understand another person's point of view through our typed words in forums. So I apologize to any and everyone if I made things confusing. I also hope some of you was able to understand where I was coming from.

        Simon
        Simon,

        No hard feelings I hope. As you say we are here to learn from one another - sometimes I can get a little carried away trying to prove a point.

        I think the way you are using QR codes is the most sensible way to use them and people should take note of it. If you are going to spend money having these codes printed on stationery, stickers, whatever, you should use this method so you always have control over the information the code will deliver to the customer.

        I was just trying to get my point across and explain to people that you can't just edit the actual code without changing the look UNLESS you are using a method like yours.

        Hopefully we've given people a little laugh for the day.
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        • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          Simon,

          No hard feelings I hope. As you say we are here to learn from one another - sometimes I can get a little carried away trying to prove a point.

          I think the way you are using QR codes is the most sensible way to use them and people should take note of it. If you are going to spend money having these codes printed on stationery, stickers, whatever, you should use this method so you always have control over the information the code will deliver to the customer.

          I was just trying to get my point across and explain to people that you can't just edit the actual code without changing the look UNLESS you are using a method like yours.

          Hopefully we've given people a little laugh for the day.
          Thanks WillR. I love this forum. If that would not have happened, I would not have understood what you was talking about. We Americans interpret things different at times

          Simon
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
    I stand and applaud you for apologizing openly Simon.
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    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
      Originally Posted by mikescos View Post

      I stand and applaud you for apologizing openly Simon.
      Oh no problem. That's life. I am here to learn and share the little knowledge that I do have. I realized I interpreted WillR's "you can not edit the information inside the QR Code" the wrong way.

      Thanks

      Simon
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        This is certainly ONE HOT TOPIC. In fact I was in the mall yesterday (taking my iMac in for repairs no less ... ) when I saw a QR CODE in the window of a retail store.

        It said "QR ious? Scan me ..."

        I thought that was pretty cool. Anyway, just thought I'd share. And speaking of sharing, I just noticed this article on Aweber's site:

        Build Your List With QR Codes

        Enjoy, and keep up the dialogue on QR Codes.
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  • Profile picture of the author scdayton
    I'm not sure using an email service like Aweber is the best answer for mobile marketing and QR codes because if I'm not mistaken there would still be the need for a double opt-in to get this person o your list so you can market to them this way is there not?

    Also isn't there still a delivery issue or something when dealing with email messaging through mobile as opposed to SMS?

    And lets say you get them on a great SMS service then there would still seem to be some obstacles I have yet to figure out such as......

    1. Is there a way to add a page with a redeemable coupon for that local business?



    2. How does a person redeem a coupon so that is can be tractable for the business owner to A.) measure results and B.) make sure that customers can't use it more than once per promotion (ie free latte so they can't come in and get more than one that day)?



    3. Is there a way to add these people to a list so the business owner can now market to these people when ever they want?


    I'm curious how people are making use of QR codes to help businesses ultimately reduce their advertising costs by building a mobile list and how a person makes money providing this service to local businesses.

    -Stephen
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  • Profile picture of the author RedHat39
    Ok guys, I've read this whole thread and here is the problem with QR codes. They aren't user friendly in most countries right now. By that I mean the bulk of the smartphones out today DO NOT come with a QR reader already installed. Sure they do in China and Japan, but in most other countries they do not.

    Now if you ask people if they could install a QR code reader on to their phones themselves I'll bet you 80% will say they have no clue how to do so. In fact almost 90% of the people will tell you they barely know how to send, or in a lot of cases even read, a text message.

    I know my wife is this way, if she doesn't catch a text message just as she gets it she has no clue how to find it later and read it and forget about sending one she just can't do it. Her phone has a camera on it - she has no idea how to use it. So forget her installing a QR code reader.

    So until QR code readers are preloaded on smartphones and automatically activated when a snapshot is taken this technology will be slow to grow. I'm not saying that this won't all come about, because I'm sure it will eventually.

    But you have to keep in mind QR codes have been around for about 15 years and it is a technology that businesses will be slow to adapt to until it becomes common place, for now it's a fad marketing gimmick.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by RedHat39 View Post

      Ok guys, I've read this whole thread and here is the problem with QR codes. They aren't user friendly in most countries right now. By that I mean the bulk of the smartphones out today DO NOT come with a QR reader already installed. Sure they do in China and Japan, but in most other countries they do not.

      Now if you ask people if they could install a QR code reader on to their phones themselves I'll bet you 80% will say they have no clue how to do so. In fact almost 90% of the people will tell you they barely know how to send, or in a lot of cases even read, a text message.

      I know my wife is this way, if she doesn't catch a text message just as she gets it she has no clue how to find it later and read it and forget about sending one she just can't do it. Her phone has a camera on it - she has no idea how to use it. So forget her installing a QR code reader.

      So until QR code readers are preloaded on smartphones and automatically activated when a snapshot is taken this technology will be slow to grow. I'm not saying that this won't all come about, because I'm sure it will eventually.

      But you have to keep in mind QR codes have been around for about 15 years and it is a technology that businesses will be slow to adapt to until it becomes common place, for now it's a fad marketing gimmick.
      Excellent observations!

      However the data is actually showing this (surprisingly) to not be quite as gloomy as you'd think.

      I believe certain Android phones ARE pre-loaded with QR Readers and the folks that are early adopters usually have the skills required to add such an app to their smart phone.

      That is certainly what one report is showing.

      Either way, you are correct that until this becomes "brain dead easy" it will remain the purview of the early adopter crowd.

      By the way, this "early" crowd is huge. Of course the next wave will be awesomer
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    • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
      Originally Posted by RedHat39 View Post

      Ok guys, I've read this whole thread and here is the problem with QR codes. They aren't user friendly in most countries right now. By that I mean the bulk of the smartphones out today DO NOT come with a QR reader already installed. Sure they do in China and Japan, but in most other countries they do not.

      Now if you ask people if they could install a QR code reader on to their phones themselves I'll bet you 80% will say they have no clue how to do so. In fact almost 90% of the people will tell you they barely know how to send, or in a lot of cases even read, a text message.

      I know my wife is this way, if she doesn't catch a text message just as she gets it she has no clue how to find it later and read it and forget about sending one she just can't do it. Her phone has a camera on it - she has no idea how to use it. So forget her installing a QR code reader.

      So until QR code readers are preloaded on smartphones and automatically activated when a snapshot is taken this technology will be slow to grow. I'm not saying that this won't all come about, because I'm sure it will eventually.

      But you have to keep in mind QR codes have been around for about 15 years and it is a technology that businesses will be slow to adapt to until it becomes common place, for now it's a fad marketing gimmick.
      If you put them out there, the scans will come. Be ahead of the crowd and not be behind. This video was done at Union Square in NY last week. Just look at how the people adapted.
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  • Profile picture of the author notionphil
    bookmarked this thread...awesome info. I do alot of SMS development and was trying to figure out how to work qr codes into it!
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Email Marketing & QR Codes: 5 Ways To Use Them Together
    by Hal Licino, Tuesday, February 8, 2011 (MediaPost)

    If the UPC code was the salient product symbol icon of the last century, the QR code will surely represent the 21st century. This two-dimensional matrix barcode is universally readable by camera or scanner-equipped mobile devices, and is becoming so prominent it is featured on everything from magazine pages to billboards.

    With the increasing popularity of mobile web access, QR codes are becoming an integral component to any successful email marketing strategy. Here are five ways to apply the synergy between email and QR codes to your brand's benefit.

    1. Integrate the QR code into your email content. Placing a QR code as an integral part of your email campaign content is a tip that should be adopted by any savvy marketer. The QR code in your email should link to a specific landing page that will facilitate your review of your tracking and analytics, allowing you to identify the precise response being provided by the mobile devices reading the code.

    To read the other 4 tips from MediaPost click here...


    *ps - it's worth the trip off-site :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author poWderKeg
    Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

    First off, no-one said you had to embed an obvious or public URL. How neat is it to offer a link to a part of your site that they can only get to with the QR Code

    That's great for creating special offers, generating that sense of "special" we all want and quite frankly it's just cool at the moment.
    The Bill Johnson's restaurant by my office had "feedback cards" with the QR code on it. Scanning the code was supposed to take me to a special page to get XX% off of my next visit, but the landing page was a total #fail.

    ^& yes, going to Bill Johnson's is a #fail in the first place. (it was a networking event)
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  • Profile picture of the author lxzer
    i was wondering something, i dont really understand how this appeals to companies/businesses if you must have a QR code reader on your phone already, and since QR codes are basically unheard of no one really has them on there phone let alone know what they are. can anyone give me some feedback on this? do companies actually eat this up?
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by lxzer View Post

      i was wondering something, i dont really understand how this appeals to companies/businesses if you must have a QR code reader on your phone already, and since QR codes are basically unheard of no one really has them on there phone let alone know what they are. can anyone give me some feedback on this? do companies actually eat this up?
      In 1995 no one had ever heard of a company called Google.

      In 2000 no one had ever heard of an iPod.

      In 2002 no one had ever heard of a website called Facebook.

      In 2005 no one had ever heard of a website called Twitter.

      In 2006 no one had ever heard of an iPhone.

      In 2009 no one had ever heard of an iPad.

      Need I go on...?
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    I think Redhat and others maybe missing the point.

    99% of people buy smartphones for just that reason to use apps. Why on earth would you spend that amount of money to just have a phone.

    Not meaning to say anything against your wife but from my observation the first thing most people do when they get a smartphone is add apps. Thats part of its attractions.

    The fact that lots of people still need to learn about QR Codes is great as this gives you the early adoption advantage.

    Here are some stats.

    *52% have seen or heard of QR codes
    *28% have actually scanned a code
    *6% say QR code has led to a purchase
    *mostly from ads, brochures, magazines

    Austin Williams Research

    28% of smartphone users have scanned a barcode.

    And just today it was reported that Android has surpassed IPhones in terms of total market share for mobile smartphone operating systems that Android users are 3X more likely to scan a barcode than IPhone users.

    McLoughlin Research

    Sparqcode is getting over 10 million scans a month and that is just one company

    Here is their stats in PDF Download

    In what can only be called a stroke of genius Tesco has QR Coded print ads (image below) for "Call of Duty - Black Ops" with the bit.ly url shortener so that anyone can see the campaign statistics (image below).



    Also if you go to google trends this really shows what is happening. It in absolute breakout.



    Quentin
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    A few years ago Radio Shack came out with a catalog and a mouse they gave a way
    to customers so that they cold scan the catalog and it would take the customer to the
    sites catalog page.

    Was that also using this technology?

    I have one some where, just curious.

    Thanks,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author KirkMcD
      Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

      Was that also using this technology?
      The CueCat?
      Yes, it read bar codes. No, they weren't QRCodes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Couldn't remember if they were or not Thanks!

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      A few Warriors asked if I could suggest a service (and costs) for SMS messaging and give an idea of how to connect it to QR CODES. Here's my answer:
      There are lots of services (in the USA) providing the SMS marketing service you seek. I'm in Canada so it was a bit more challenging locating a service up here but I found a great one in the end.

      However, in the USA you'll probably pay between $50 and $200 a month for a service depending on what features you want.
      *TIP* Ensure it has a web form opt-in feature.

      *Mega Tip* Also, if you can, get a service that has an auto-responder built in.
      Typically your fee includes the "rental" of a KEYWORD and the shared use of a SHORT CODE.

      For example, you've probably seen this type of advert: "Text WINNER to 1234567 and you're entered to win a million."

      Just Google SMS or TXT Marketing and you'll be set for a list of providers.

      As you may know (if you've been reading this thread) the actual QR Code part is not really part of the SMS text marketing system and is handled independently.

      Here's how you put it all together.

      Using your favourite QR Code generator you simply provide the SMS KEYWORD and the SMS SHORTCODE.

      The resulting QR CODE is the encoded "opt-in" via SMS for anyone scanning that image!

      Presto! When someone SCANS the QR CODE they OPT-IN to your MOBILE SMS LIST.

      Which then enables you to (a) auto-respond to their action [yes, there are auto SMS responders!] or (b) broadcast messages directly to their smart phones when you need to.
      My apologies if this example seems a bit wordy, but it's early and we English dudes are known for 'waxing lyrical' before our first cup of tea ...

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      • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
        Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

        A few Warriors asked if I could suggest a service (and costs) for SMS messaging and give an idea of how to connect it to QR CODES. Here's my answer:
        There are lots of services (in the USA) providing the SMS marketing service you seek. I'm in Canada so it was a bit more challenging locating a service up here but I found a great one in the end.

        However, in the USA you'll probably pay between $50 and $200 a month for a service depending on what features you want.
        *TIP* Ensure it has a web form opt-in feature.

        *Mega Tip* Also, if you can, get a service that has an auto-responder built in.
        Typically your fee includes the "rental" of a KEYWORD and the shared use of a SHORT CODE.

        For example, you've probably seen this type of advert: "Text WINNER to 1234567 and you're entered to win a million."

        Just Google SMS or TXT Marketing and you'll be set for a list of providers.

        As you may know (if you've been reading this thread) the actual QR Code part is not really part of the SMS text marketing system and is handled independently.

        Here's how you put it all together.

        Using your favourite QR Code generator you simply provide the SMS KEYWORD and the SMS SHORTCODE.

        The resulting QR CODE is the encoded "opt-in" via SMS for anyone scanning that image!

        Presto! When someone SCANS the QR CODE they OPT-IN to your MOBILE SMS LIST.

        Which then enables you to (a) auto-respond to their action [yes, there are auto SMS responders!] or (b) broadcast messages directly to their smart phones when you need to.
        My apologies if this example seems a bit wordy, but it's early and we English dudes are known for 'waxing lyrical' before our first cup of tea ...

        James,

        What is the SHORTCODE part of your post here?

        LOL I get the code generator...and I get it's coded...but the "Text NY DELI to 1234567" is the part that is confusing as ****.

        Do I just put that on every receipt or should I put the QR Code on the window?

        Thanks for the reply.

        Cheers,

        Brad
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        • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
          Brad, (see question above)

          The "Text KEYWORD to NUMBER" is your call to action. It puts the person (subscriber) into your mobile mailing list.

          Since a QR CODE is a "visual representation of encoded data" it is simply a shorter way of getting a person to act on your request.

          Instead of them "thumbling" their way through typing on their smart phone, they simply 'point and scan' and presto, the phone (typically) does the rest and decodes the data (the message) and if it can take further action like opening a browser or sending a text message, it does.

          And I'd put the QR CODE in the shop window for this offer. You might consider also creating one and putting it on the counter and say something like:

          "Scan to receive an instant $5 in-store discount!"

          Behind the scenes you'll have it 'text KEYWORD2 to NUMBER' and auto-reply with your "coupon" they can then show the cashier... Works like a charm. Just remember to tell your cashier!

          Does that help any?
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          • Profile picture of the author osterude
            The last time I spoke at a seminar I used a QR code on my order form to link to video testimonials of past customers. I'm not so sure if it increased conversion but it was cool and had ppl talking.
            Something else I'm going to do is add a QR code on the back of a book I'm writing and have a personal video linked too it to greet new buyers or prospects.

            I haven't read the full thread but if you don't have a smart phone and want to see the content of a QR code you can use this site: ZXing Decoder Online
            just link to the QR code or upload the pic.
            Cheers,

            Richard
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          • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
            Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

            Brad, (see question above)

            The "Text KEYWORD to NUMBER" is your call to action. It puts the person (subscriber) into your mobile mailing list.

            Since a QR CODE is a "visual representation of encoded data" it is simply a shorter way of getting a person to act on your request.

            Instead of them "thumbling" their way through typing on their smart phone, they simply 'point and scan' and presto, the phone (typically) does the rest and decodes the data (the message) and if it can take further action like opening a browser or sending a text message, it does.

            And I'd put the QR CODE in the shop window for this offer. You might consider also creating one and putting it on the counter and say something like:

            "Scan to receive an instant $5 in-store discount!"

            Behind the scenes you'll have it 'text KEYWORD2 to NUMBER' and auto-reply with your "coupon" they can then show the cashier... Works like a charm. Just remember to tell your cashier!

            Does that help any?
            Good idea...so this is a simple service to search for that'll do this...i.e. there's competition etc?

            Thanks for your assistance.

            Cheers,

            Brad
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Doh! It just occurred to me that we can stack QR CODES into an animated GIF so that instead of just one code, you could have many.

    Not sure how much use this is, but you could rotate QR CODES easily this way and I suppose you could sell inclusion in the rotation sequence ???

    Just thinking aloud.
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  • Profile picture of the author AceOfShirts
    This may come as a shock to some people, it certainly shocked me, but it seems there is a world that exists outside of Internet Marketing. Not everything has to be done with the end result making money, some things can be done just for fun.

    Since I launched my new Custom QR Code Shirt site last month:

    QR Code Shirts

    I have printed about just as many fun (or stupid) shirts as I have shirts with business intentions. If you have been in a Spencers lately I'm sure you have a idea of some of the "wild" sayings that are on shirts these days. Just imagine what people would put on the shirts if they knew kids and "older" people wouldn't be able to read it.
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    • Profile picture of the author drmani
      This morning, I read this thread.

      In the afternoon, I did these things:

      * created a QR code for my book, "47 Hearts", which is launching as a
      Kindle ebook soon

      * designed a mobile-friendly landing page for the URL to which the QR
      code points

      * included a direct link from the landing page to the Kindle store

      * created a regular HTML page which said: "Is Your Phone SMART?"
      (Point it at the picture below, and if it takes you to "47 Hearts"
      then it is!)

      * posted a link to it on Twitter and Facebook - which got some
      discussion going

      In fact, James read my post on Facebook and suggested that I post
      about the Amazon.com integration here. All I did was to include a
      link to the book's sales page on the Kindle store from the landing
      mobile-optimized HTML page.

      So when you point a smart phone at the QR code, you'll (hopefully)
      be whisked away to the landing page, where you see the ebook cover
      graphic and text links - that, when clicked, lead you to Amazon's
      sales page.

      An interesting twist would be to go to a landing page where a
      button to accept phone payments for micro-content is presented,
      making it even easier for smart phone users to buy.

      It's time to explore CCAvenue.com in greater depth, it offers such
      payment options...

      CCAvenue:: Online Credit Card Processing Service accepts Visa, and all Cards Valid In India.

      All success
      Dr.Mani

      P.S. - If you've just been reading this discussion, go ACT on it.
      That's more likely to be profitable

      P.P.S. - Here's the QR code, if you want to see it in action:

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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Just read an article about USA Today putting 2d barcodes in their print magazine.

    http://www.mediapost.com/publication...art_aid=144727

    You'll notice that they're NOT using QR Codes but a proprietary version from Microsoft.
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  • Profile picture of the author lcombs
    JEEZ-LOUIS! You go away for a couple of days and come back and find a thread
    with 3,000 some views and a couple hundred responses!

    AND, the reason I've been outta the WF for a while is I've been taking a course
    called Mobile Local Fusion.
    QR codes is one of the modules of the course.

    The uses are virtually endless.

    This site is must for succeeding in IM from here on out.
    Mobile IS the future of the internet.

    Mobile Commerce Daily

    If you're a beginner, then forget everything you know, hear, or read about
    internet marketing and start with mobile.

    LC
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    • Profile picture of the author eshera
      Originally Posted by lcombs View Post

      JEEZ-LOUIS! You go away for a couple of days and come back and find a thread
      with 3,000 some views and a couple hundred responses!

      AND, the reason I've been outta the WF for a while is I've been taking a course
      called Mobile Local Fusion.
      QR codes is one of the modules of the course.

      The uses are virtually endless.

      This site is must for succeeding in IM from here on out.
      Mobile IS the future of the internet.

      Mobile Commerce Daily

      If you're a beginner, then forget everything you know, hear, or read about
      internet marketing and start with mobile.

      LC
      Thanks LC, I agree, and would like to add two more that I have found to be helpful:

      Mobile Marketing Watch

      Mobile Marketer
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  • Profile picture of the author thegamecat
    QR Codes have a limited lifespan. Bottom line is RFID/NFC + Google/Others new phone swipe payment systems + Androids support of NFC + new phones supporting bi-directional NFC with hardware means QR Codes are maybe 5 years from death.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Signature
    James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    Maybe I will eat my words but this is going nowhere.

    I mean...right now there is "novelty" for some people but what happens when you see them everywhere?

    I have never, ever scanned a QR code and I've seen them everywhere. Nobody I know has scanned them or even cares. I have asked around.

    I have zero desire to install a QR app. I just don't get it.

    Are people seriously getting wrapped up in this and wasting time on this fad? If a consultant was trying to get me to pay him for this, it would change my perception of his advice.

    First, you have to have a smartphone. Second, you have to download an app. Third, you have to actually care.

    Barcode reading apps are available, and barcodes are EVERYWHERE yet most people don't care about scanning them. Who cares?

    Do you run around scanning every barcode you see?
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by Daniel McCoy View Post

      Maybe I will eat my words but this is going nowhere.

      I mean...right now there is "novelty" for some people but what happens when you see them everywhere?

      I have never, ever scanned a QR code and I've seen them everywhere. Nobody I know has scanned them or even cares. I have asked around.

      I have zero desire to install a QR app. I just don't get it.

      Are people seriously getting wrapped up in this and wasting time on this fad? If a consultant was trying to get me to pay him for this, it would change my perception of his advice.

      First, you have to have a smartphone. Second, you have to download an app. Third, you have to actually care.

      Barcode reading apps are available, and barcodes are EVERYWHERE yet most people don't care about scanning them. Who cares?

      Do you run around scanning every barcode you see?
      Interesting perspective, thank you for sharing.

      There will always be those that doubt a technology, those that are slow to adopt and even slower to promote.

      The 'classic' barcode is popular but one might argue that it is heavily tied to retail and most folks know that the barcode is just a number.

      QR Codes are capable of encoding a lot more data - complete chunks of text and information actually.

      Yes, it's early days and you are correct about the various requirements about needing a smart phone etc. A new report I read yesterday showed that the next generation are embracing their mobile (smart) phones more than laptops in many cases and the wave to mobilize and break from the desktop is gaining traction.

      Will QR Codes be that next revolution? Who knows. So far the signs are good but the road to tomorrow is littered with the corpses of promising technology that never quite gained traction.

      One thing I know for sure is this, unless we keep an open mind and explore new ideas and new possibilities, we will never see the next great idea and our lives will be the lesser for it.

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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Wright
        As a loooongtime Warrior (and an ancient one as well lol), I find this thread to be a great source of information.

        Earlier this year, I decided that it was time to get ahead in the UK via mobile marketing ... as we are a nation of mobile device users (except me). It has been an interesting project.

        I snaffled a nice short xxxx.mobi domain which was good because folks just do not like tapping in longtail urls. The biggest problem was finding a
        good auto-switching mobile template which worked with the majority of
        mobile phones and tablets "out of the box". The freebie ones never quite
        cut it for me .... so in the end paid up for a Pro template which did cover
        most mobile devices over here. There were some very spendy ones which
        looked impressively beautiful ...but did not have the range of device
        compatibility that I needed or the tweaking features. The new site has
        been now field-tested by some UK folks on a range of devices and works
        well in autodetect mode.

        This week has been all about configuring content appropriately ....
        and whether/how to use QR codes to best effect. This thread has proved
        very useful thanks to the OP and other contributors

        back to the grindstone .....
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        • Profile picture of the author jprano
          Excellent thread...
          Can anyone tell me when a QR code scanned opens up a video,
          ex. a Realtor showing the actual property listed, will the video be auto optimized to display on a smart phone?

          I understand that if you scan to a website that is not mobile ready, it will not be viewed properly. Just wondering how this plays with video.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I have a feeling smart phones will start to come with QR readers pre-installed. After the money and time Google has already invested in QR codes I have no doubt they will be adding the feature as standard to their phones. It'll only be a matter of time before the others follow on.
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    • Profile picture of the author CeceJoseva
      We had QR SMS campaign, but without reporting . Now we can not know the response. Please, tell if there is a way of tracking QR SMS campaigns?

      tnx
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    Hmmm...like I said it is entirely possible I will eat my words. I'm just frustrated by this one because a client brought it up to me about 6 months ago that a friend of his was excited about it.

    I have read all I can and all the links in this thread...and I just don't get it. I fail to see the usefulness. It can't be remembered, it can't be interpreted, it wont make an impression on the customer unless they take an extra step. It jut adds another step for the customer to do business when you could just spell it out to them in English or a good image they will remember.

    Perhaps I'm not one of the "cool" kids when it comes to things like this LOL.
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by Daniel McCoy View Post

      Hmmm...like I said it is entirely possible I will eat my words. I'm just frustrated by this one because a client brought it up to me about 6 months ago that a friend of his was excited about it.

      I have read all I can and all the links in this thread...and I just don't get it. I fail to see the usefulness. It can't be remembered, it can't be interpreted, it wont make an impression on the customer unless they take an extra step. It jut adds another step for the customer to do business when you could just spell it out to them in English or a good image they will remember.

      Perhaps I'm not one of the "cool" kids when it comes to things like this LOL.
      In its simplest form, think of things like this. You are at a big event/conference, every attendee has a name tag as usual. On each name tag next to their name is a QR code. When you scan that code it gives you the persons contact details and a little bit about that person.

      There is definitely a novelty factor to it but think back to all those times when you have had to type things manually into your phone, whether it be an email address someone is giving you, a phone number, a website, whatever. Using QR codes all you need is a quick scan and that information is already stored in your phone - along with a whole lot more if you want. This would also be very useful for the older generation who find it a difficult process typing on those small keyboards.

      Imagine I have just finished at the dentist and I have just made my followup appointment. Instead of the lady writing the time and date all out on a business card for me that I will probably lose on the way home anyway, she presses a button, a QR code is created, and I scan it with my phone. The details of that appointment have now been stored straight into my calendar.

      And on and on it goes.
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      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by Daniel McCoy View Post

        Perhaps I'm not one of the "cool" kids when it comes to things like this LOL.
        Well, I guess I am not a "kewl" kid either... especially, not a kid, LOL

        However, I love my iPhone: it's one of the most useful gizmos I ever got!
        I keep all my appointments in its calendar; all my friends are in the Contacts list with their phone, cell phone, email, address etc.; my shirt and pants sizes in the Notes (because I can never remember these crazy North-American size numbers when shopping for new jeans, LOL); use it as my GPS, as my 'mobile' dictionary, as my mobile translator... I read magazines and newspapers through apps in waiting rooms... and so on.

        Well, while waiting for a flight last year there was this newspaper showing a QR code saying: download the app for reading it > URL and if you scan the code it will take you to XYZ section of the online edition. Of course, I installed it in minutes and it worked "as advertized"

        Since then I learned a lot about QR and I do see a potential to use it in very different settings.
        (see below)

        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        Imagine I have just finished at the dentist and I have just made my followup appointment. Instead of the lady writing the time and date all out on a business card for me that I will probably lose on the way home anyway, she presses a button, a QR code is created, and I scan it with my phone. The details of that appointment have now been stored straight into my calendar.
        Exactly my thoughts yesterday before leaving the doctor's office. I was standing there in front of the receptionist/secretary desk checking the calendar on my iPhone for the opening suggested by the clerk: am I free or not? - and after taking my payment and printing out some full page instructions she gave me the receipt, theinstructions, the invoice AND the doctor's card with the date and time of the appointment (lost among those big papers)... and I was thinking: oh, I have to get out my glasses again and type all that stuff into my calendar.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Ok lets set up a scenario for you.

    37% of people looking for a car visit car yards when there is no salesperson present. A QR code on the car lets you pull out your mobile and scan the code to get full details.


    Your standing at the bus stop and there is no timetable available however there is a QR Code which you scan giving you the full timetable for that route.

    Your out looking for a house to buy and you see a sign with a QR Code. You scan it and get lots of detail about the house and a tap to phone to book an inspection.


    You can see a lot more samples at Video Examples | QR Codes Australia

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Hlatky
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      Ok lets set up a scenario for you.

      37% of people looking for a car visit car yards when there is no salesperson present. A QR code on the car lets you pull out your mobile and scan the code to get full details.

      Your standing at the bus stop and there is no timetable available however there is a QR Code which you scan giving you the full timetable for that route.

      Your out looking for a house to buy and you see a sign with a QR Code. You scan it and get lots of detail about the house and a tap to phone to book an inspection.

      Why don't they just put the timecard at the bus stop so everyone can read it?

      Why don't they just put all the information about the car anyway?

      Shouldn't there be flyers with information in front of the house?
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        Originally Posted by Mike Hlatky View Post

        Why don't they just put the timecard at the bus stop so everyone can read it?

        Why don't they just put all the information about the car anyway?

        Shouldn't there be flyers with information in front of the house?
        QR Codes are NOT a replacement, they're just an additional way to get more information.

        Printed material cannot be updated easily if things change. The QR code could point to a web page that displays the latest information.

        QR Codes don't get wet and soggy outside houses or left at bus stops ;-)

        Using QR Codes on cars simply helps capture and engage the prospect. Remember that QR Codes can be used to build a mobile list too...

        Hope that helps.
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        • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
          Ok...I get that it is a novel way transmit info to a phone.

          But the real questions are these:
          Are you going to buy that car BECAUSE it had a cool QR code? I say no. You already know which car you are looking for.

          Is having a code on their tags at my conference gonna make me money? Nope...its just "cool."

          Should a consultant be trying to convince a business owner of the "cool" factor of something that won't add to the bottom line? No way!

          I doubt most business ownwers will give a hoot about these codes and trying to talk them into things is a no-win for the consultant.

          Am I really gonna clutter up my business card with an ugly symbol for 6 people I MIGHT come across who know what to do with it? Again...nope.
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          • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
            Originally Posted by Daniel McCoy View Post

            Ok...I get that it is a novel way transmit info to a phone.

            But the real questions are these:
            Are you going to buy that car BECAUSE it had a cool QR code? I say no. You already know which car you are looking for.

            Is having a code on their tags at my conference gonna make me money? Nope...its just "cool."

            Should a consultant be trying to convince a business owner of the "cool" factor of something that won't add to the bottom line? No way!

            I doubt most business ownwers will give a hoot about these codes and trying to talk them into things is a no-win for the consultant.

            Am I really gonna clutter up my business card with an ugly symbol for 6 people I MIGHT come across who know what to do with it? Again...nope.
            Just like anything else in life, QR Codes may not be your niche. Facebook marketing, Twitter marketing, SEO, google places etc may not be your niche. But reality is some consultants, marketers etc. are making it happen. We live in a follow the crowd world. Some businesses will benefit from QR codes and some will not. We live in a digital world and 18-35 yr. olds and younger are the ones these local businesses want to market too nowadays. They have to get in the know to prosper.
            Why don't you check out this page here from Michael Weir about QR codes marketing. Download his book to. I am not affiliated. Just some info I found productive. sp15 | Mobile Marketing for Small Business

            Simon
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Hlatky
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

          QR Codes are NOT a replacement, they're just an additional way to get more information.
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post


          Printed material cannot be updated easily if things change. The QR code could point to a web page that displays the latest information.

          QR Codes don't get wet and soggy outside houses or left at bus stops ;-)

          Using QR Codes on cars simply helps capture and engage the prospect. Remember that QR Codes can be used to build a mobile list too...

          Hope that helps.


          Yes it did. Thanks.

          The post I was referring to made it sound like QR codes were going to be used as a replacement, and I just didn't see the point in that.

          I do not own a smart phone, so I am not that familiar with them. I tried to find a percentage, but to no avail. It seems like there are some conflicting "guesses":
          http://www.google.com/search?q=percent+of+people+with+smartphone&rls=com .microsoft:*&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

          After reading a bit more about QR codes, they do have the ability to become big very soon (or so it seems like).

          Are there an unlimited amount of QR codes that can be created? Are you able to change one pixel and have a completely different QR code?

          Any guesses about how long they will take to come out in color? :p
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  • Profile picture of the author Duccorleone
    i still dont understand how to make money with qr code.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Question Daniel

    Do you have a smart Phone?

    Pretty well most people who don't own one misunderstand why people would want one. I know that I was a skeptic until I got one at Christmas.

    Then a whole new would opened up as I was not longer tied to my desktop computer. I could go out for coffee and still stayed connected. Why would I want to do this. Simply because I have a lot of clients and need to be contacted at various times but now I can go out.

    I don't allow people to contact me after hours etc except for family and as they live all over the place this is another benefit.

    Is scanning QR Codes going to change my life?

    No

    But it has sure made things easier and more fun and is an added benefit.

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      Question Daniel

      Do you have a smart Phone?
      Yes...and love it too. I sell people on them all the time!

      I'm probably just being a blowhard about the QR codes. I avoid fads in general and tend to find people who wait in a line all day for the new iPhone to be unreliable and easily influenced, therefore not to be trusted for much LOL.

      OK that is a huge generalization but...useful and cool as these things may be...there was only one idea in this thread that makes money (the coaster/free beer/SMS marketing idea). The rest are just "nifty" and I would feel very self-conscious trying to get a business owner to pay me for something that doesn't directly make them money.

      After all...isn't that why they pay us? Then again, I have totally missed out on some trends until late in the game.
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  • Profile picture of the author edsaco
    Hi James,
    I signed up for the report on your website, but haven't received it yet.

    What's the best way to get it?
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  • Profile picture of the author DrDion
    How can i get more information on how to make money with qr codes
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    Any of you old enough to remember the John 3:16 guy at the ball games? Imagine what he could do w/ a qr code. Or how about the streaking guy, w/ a qr code instead of just a url plastered on his chest. Of course I don't know how easy it would be to scan a jiggling naked guy... lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author theemperor
    You can create them for free at:



    They are quite cool. I imagine if you have a mobile-targeted site or squeeze page it could be very good.

    They are kind of pretty to.

    I think this could be great for coupon codes! Gives me an idea....

    Ah also Facebook ads and any kind of banner ads - you could get 'clicks' for free via this, although I am sure the networks would catch on fast.
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    Learn to code faster, and remove the roadblocks. Get stuff done and shipped! PM me and I can help you with programming tutoring, specialising in Web and the following languages: Javascript ~ HTML ~ CSS ~ React ~ JQuery ~ Typescript ~ NodeJS ~ C#.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jolina Roxas
    Interesting but firstly i dont know about QR, WSO for making money with QR Codes.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarkWrites
    Talked an offline client (local retail) into putting a prominent QR code on his closed sign. It says "Sorry We Missed You" and then prompts them to scan the code. Once they do they are taken to his new mobile friendly order site that also has info on his business there for them to read.

    He says he's already seen a few sales and heard customers talking about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Wow, I take a break from the forum for a few days to get some work done ... and when I return, Blammo! Lots of cool content on QR Codes. Anyhoo, I was surfing around and discovered this report:

    HOW TO: Grow Your Sales and Revenue Using 2D Codes
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    James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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  • Profile picture of the author fgrimes
    This posting helped me realize some additional options to use QR Codes.
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    • Profile picture of the author kharrison
      Good thread. Thoughts:

      Google Places is free yet businesses pay marketing companies to get a great listing.

      YouTube is free yet companies hire out the video work to get leads and business.

      Wordpress.com, Blogger, etc. Free! Most businesses still pay to have their own site.

      2D Barcodes like QR codes and Microsoft tags are free but you don't own the codes and can't measure results, so the savvy will again pay other people to use these to the best advantage.

      They can split-test how a code did in magazine A compared to magazine B. You need dynamic codes.

      Both businesses and consumers need to be educated on what the codes are and how to use them; a small black-and-white square on the inside page of a magazine with no way to scan it because of the placement, no explanation of what it is, or why we should care only compounds the problem.

      There are compelling reasons to use them.

      One is, barcodes are a green solution. Look at the amount of paper saved if you DID NOT have to keep printing flyers, or directions, or user manuals for the stereo system you bought. They scan the code and read it on their phone, or store it for later.

      Business cards will be plastic, scanned into a smartphone and stored; no more forgetting your business card.

      What if you are visiting your grandma and see the baffling array of prescriptions and ointments? Ack! But not a problem if you could scan the prescription info. For that matter entire life-saving records retrieved by a barcode on your health card.

      Educational systems could use codes everywhere; they would save substantially with the student database alone.

      Museums are enriching visitor experience - scan anything and learn more about its origin, find books about it, see a video...

      Visiting a new city: Maps, historical walks, restaurants, hotels, activities, attractions, coupons, etc. The city's Chamber of Commerce could sell ad space to merchants to be included on the landing pages.

      Bands could place codes on promo posters that link to a music video, music samples, concert ticket purchases, playdates.

      Tickets could be sold via 2d barcodes and instant upsells for better seats, food, t-shirts, limos...?

      Newspapers and magazines could add codes to get more classifieds listings, help authors share more about themselves, expand on articles -

      Groceries: codes that link to nutritional info, recipes, alternatives (for diabetics, etc).

      Building citations: send the code to the most appropriate place to leave a testimonial.

      2D Barcodes could act as translators for tourists.

      Any business can send out coupons, run contests, send out SMS with specials, sales, free samples ("act now!") etc.

      Doctor's offices could have scannable codes for any freaking thing they want to their patients to know: pre-op instructions, healthy tips, medical advice - it would save them on time and materials, and what a captive audience a waiting room makes. hmmm...

      Non profits can get 'spontaneous' donations.

      I'm thinking if the marketers do it right, people will not become immune to seeing barcodes; rather they will look forward to using them because they can find out 'what's in it for me?'

      And it has to be worth their while; always giving them something. (My only fear really, that scammers will wreck it for everyone.)

      I'm also in Laura Betterly's course which was excellent, plus multiple sites online, and couple of courses here. Get Ken Santucci's WF course for sure!

      Thanks all for the helpful info here.
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      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        Originally Posted by kharrison View Post


        Both businesses and consumers need to be educated on what the codes are and how to use them; a small black-and-white square on the inside page of a magazine with no way to scan it because of the placement, no explanation of what it is, or why we should care only compounds the problem.

        There are compelling reasons to use them.

        One is, barcodes are a green solution. Look at the amount of paper saved if you DID NOT have to keep printing flyers, or directions, or user manuals for the stereo system you bought. They scan the code and read it on their phone, or store it for later.

        Business cards will be plastic, scanned into a smartphone and stored; no more forgetting your business card.

        What if you are visiting your grandma and see the baffling array of prescriptions and ointments? Ack! But not a problem if you could scan the prescription info. For that matter entire life-saving records retrieved by a barcode on your health card.

        Educational systems could use codes everywhere; they would save substantially with the student database alone.

        Museums are enriching visitor experience - scan anything and learn more about its origin, find books about it, see a video...

        Visiting a new city: Maps, historical walks, restaurants, hotels, activities, attractions, coupons, etc. The city's Chamber of Commerce could sell ad space to merchants to be included on the landing pages.

        Bands could place codes on promo posters that link to a music video, music samples, concert ticket purchases, playdates.

        Tickets could be sold via 2d barcodes and instant upsells for better seats, food, t-shirts, limos...?

        Newspapers and magazines could add codes to get more classifieds listings, help authors share more about themselves, expand on articles -

        Groceries: codes that link to nutritional info, recipes, alternatives (for diabetics, etc).

        Building citations: send the code to the most appropriate place to leave a testimonial.

        2D Barcodes could act as translators for tourists.

        Any business can send out coupons, run contests, send out SMS with specials, sales, free samples ("act now!") etc.

        Doctor's offices could have scannable codes for any freaking thing they want to their patients to know: pre-op instructions, healthy tips, medical advice - it would save them on time and materials, and what a captive audience a waiting room makes. hmmm...

        Non profits can get 'spontaneous' donations.

        I'm thinking if the marketers do it right, people will not become immune to seeing barcodes; rather they will look forward to using them because they can find out 'what's in it for me?'

        And it has to be worth their while; always giving them something. (My only fear really, that scammers will wreck it for everyone.)

        I'm also in Laura Betterly's course which was excellent, plus multiple sites online, and couple of courses here. Get Ken Santucci's WF course for sure!

        Thanks all for the helpful info here.
        I have Laura's course as well, and it's truly an eye-opener. I love how she integrates it with Google Places, and it's truly only a matter of time before QR codes explode and make it into mainstream businesses! With smartphone penetration poised to reach new highs in 2011 and 2012, this is only going to increase the adoption and use of QR codes everywhere.

        Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Flora Hazel Tysee
    Excellent!!! Your explanations are so clear and concise. It cleared alot of questions for me. Thank you so much.

    Flora
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Here's an amazing report that shows Mobile Barcode Usage report for the month of February. Ooraa! 2D barcodes are rocking it big time:

    3GVision Releases Barcode Stats |
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    I'm going to get a QR code tattoo...
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    • Profile picture of the author Mobi Websites
      Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly View Post

      I'm going to get a QR code tattoo...

      Lol this would be interesting to see
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  • Profile picture of the author webapex
    I created sample codes to a couple of local real estate agents who have added lead capture short codes like: Text House45 to 444888 to their signs, that leaves a big blank space after the # that a QR code neatly fits into.



    The Realtor short code service is:
    Mobile Marketing for Realtors - WHAMagent
    1 listing $24.95 / mo, 2 - 10 listings $49.95 / mo

    They refer clients to separate sign services who could provide the QR codes.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by webapex View Post

      I created sample codes to a couple of local real estate agents who have added lead capture short codes like: Text House45 to 444888 to their signs, that leaves a big blank space after the # that a QR code neatly fits into.



      The Realtor short code service is:
      Mobile Marketing for Realtors - WHAMagent
      1 listing $24.95 / mo, 2 - 10 listings $49.95 / mo

      They refer clients to separate sign services who could provide the QR codes.
      Thanks for sharing this. In your case, are the realtors paying for the short code services themselves, or are you paying for it yourself and then passing on the cost to them?

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Mobilize
    Hi James,

    Thanks for starting this thread, lots of actionable ideas!

    You mentioned earlier that you have found a great canadian sms provider.
    Do you mind sharing this info?

    I was thinking of signing up for BizM3, heard they're great but US based. I prefer to have a Canadian provider to minimize cost.

    Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author StevenJones
    Anyone tried this yet?

    1. Make a QR code that leads to your your OPT in page
    2. Print this QR code out as stickers
    3. Stick those stickers at relevant places

    For example, if you are in the MMO niche stick your stickers at ATM machines! If you are in the weightloss scene, stick your stickers and gyms! etc.

    Steven
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    • Profile picture of the author fisherwoman
      Originally Posted by StevenJones View Post

      Anyone tried this yet?

      1. Make a QR code that leads to your your OPT in page
      2. Print this QR code out as stickers
      3. Stick those stickers at relevant places

      For example, if you are in the MMO niche stick your stickers at ATM machines! If you are in the weightloss scene, stick your stickers and gyms! etc.

      Steven

      Excellent idea, Steven! Never too many ideas for QR Codes...the more the better!

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      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by fisherwoman View Post

        Never too many ideas for QR Codes...the more the better!

        I'd definitely get a normal website that is optimized for mobile for that QR code in your avatar
        Just think about it: people "read" your QR code with their smartphone - so it makes sense to have a site optimized for mobile devices, don't you think?

        [Normal website = your own domain not a free blogspot blog. ]
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    • Profile picture of the author gigim17
      Originally Posted by StevenJones View Post

      Anyone tried this yet?

      1. Make a QR code that leads to your your OPT in page
      2. Print this QR code out as stickers
      3. Stick those stickers at relevant places

      For example, if you are in the MMO niche stick your stickers at ATM machines! If you are in the weightloss scene, stick your stickers and gyms! etc.

      Steven
      Another fantastic idea!
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by StevenJones View Post

      Anyone tried this yet?

      1. Make a QR code that leads to your your OPT in page
      2. Print this QR code out as stickers
      3. Stick those stickers at relevant places

      For example, if you are in the MMO niche stick your stickers at ATM machines! If you are in the weightloss scene, stick your stickers and gyms! etc.

      Steven
      This is a great idea. I think there are still many people out there who are not aware of what QR codes are though, so this might be a little more effective if you had a couple of lines of text instructing them what to do around/on your QR code stickers.

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    I just posted a few pics that I took while at the Toronto International Auto Show...
    QR Code at work during Autoshow | Facebook
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  • Profile picture of the author SolidSolutions
    A quick test:

    I just created a QR code and pasted to my FB page. The content of the QR code is text stating: "If you can read this, 'like' it"

    It will be interesting to see the dialogue and how many likes it gets.

    Try it out on your FB page and see what happens.
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    • Profile picture of the author gigim17
      Originally Posted by SolidSolutions View Post

      A quick test:

      I just created a QR code and pasted to my FB page. The content of the QR code is text stating: "If you can read this, 'like' it"

      It will be interesting to see the dialogue and how many likes it gets.

      Try it out on you FB page and see what happens.

      Cool Idea! I LIKE that! LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Mobilize
    @gigim17
    Thanks for the links, checking it out now.
    Looking to get my own short code so I can have control of the keywords.
    I am in Calgary btw.
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    • Profile picture of the author gigim17
      Get out!! I'm in Calgary too!! We are competitors LOL!!
      Wanna start a biz together?? mymobilemarketing.ca is a
      Calgary co.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jack Zenert
        Originally Posted by gigim17 View Post

        Get out!! I'm in Calgary too!! We are competitors LOL!!
        Wanna start a biz together?? mymobilemarketing.ca is a
        Calgary co.
        I am at there too!

        Who did you guys find for good SMS providers here in Alberta?

        Thanks
        Jack
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  • Profile picture of the author Mobilize
    Hey that's great!
    I'll shoot you a PM.
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    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      Here's how I'm planning on making MORE money with Mobile Marketing (QRCodes);

      One of my advertising projects is to provide FREE "TV Channel Guides" to hotels.

      These are Laminated Cards with all the TV Channels shown (on the front side) along with a Photo of a Pizza and phone # on how to get it delivered to your room.

      Hotels love these because they provide MORE info to their guests PLUS, makes the hotel appear MORE interested and MORE professional!

      On backside are ads for other restaurants, gifts shops, realtors, attractions...etc. These businesses pay a fee to have their ads IN THE HANDS OF HOTEL GUESTS.

      (When Hotel Guests enter their room for the evening, they
      1) set down their bags
      2) go potty
      3) pick up tv remote and click on tv. When they find the channels on the tv in their room are different than those at home...they get frustrated and oft-times phone the front desk asking for a "TV Guide" so they can find their favorite channels.

      However....when they pick up the remote....underneath is our laminated TV Channel Guide (or it's on a Plastic Stand)....saving frustration and calls to the front desk!

      To order the Pizza on the front of the TV Channel Guide....the Room Guest must ....
      1) Go to the room phone on the desk
      2) Pick up receiver
      3) Dial 9 for outside line....then dial the number to talk to the pizzeria

      However....since MOST travelers nowadays have a Cell Phone...if there was a "Text #" or a "QR Code" on the ad....they could simply scan it in and whala....see the menu and place their order...RIGHT ON THEIR CELL!

      Also...the QRCode can SHOW...a WHOLE LOT MORE info about a Gift Shop, or Real Estate Agent or Restaurant....than what is on a 2" by 2" Ad on a Card in their room.

      So....I will be offering advertisers an extra service of making their business AVAILABLE TO TOURISTS....ON THEIR CELL PHONE!

      These businesses, I'm sure,...will GLADLY PAY more for this extra service.

      Thanks much for starting this thread. It's gonna make me a lotsa dough!

      Don Alm...Midas Man
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    OK so after all my questions and doubts...I must eat crowe.

    There have been some great ideas posted here and I am now seeing QR codes everywhere! They were totally off my radar screen until now.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by Daniel McCoy View Post

      OK so after all my questions and doubts...I must eat crowe.

      There have been some great ideas posted here and I am now seeing QR codes everywhere! They were totally off my radar screen until now.
      Daniel, it's funny how you don't 'see' certain things until you've become aware of them. I'm sure that before, you probably weren't paying any attention to these strange looking codes, but now that you're aware of what they represent, you're seeing them everywhere you look!

      QR codes are an amazing opportunity, and the right time to jump on it is now, while smartphone adoption is increasing everywhere.

      Paul
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      • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
        I just created this QR code to donate $10 to the Red Cross Japanese relief effort!

        I posted it to my facebook...thought you guys might be interested. I wonder if Red Cross even knows about these.

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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    this is a great post!

    i noticed some debate about what can and cant be done with QR codes

    you can actually change the destination url of a QR code but its a different approach than whats been discussed so far as you have to do it with redirects - you dont change the QR code or the URL it points to - but you tell the server where to direct the traffic when it hits the URL

    if your not very technical you may struggle with this - the best option is to find a service that will do this for you

    i will be offering that service soon with a lot of other features too but i just wanted to put it out there that it can be done

    hth
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  • Profile picture of the author anthonyjames
    Anybody know if there is a company in UK that does the SMS sending? What I mean is that when someone texts a keywords to a number to join a list, that number is not a regular mobile number. What company provides these numbers in the UK?

    AJ

    ps. can you pm me with answers also as I may not find this great post again.
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  • Profile picture of the author kcgeorge
    The QR code thing is all new to me. I think lots of people are yet to know about it too. I will do a read up for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author scarab
    Originally Posted by gobin805 View Post

    True, but as the market gets more sophisticated many will realize that this can be done for free and stop buying into it. I guess there will always be some businesses that will pay, but I'm dubious as to the long term. Just thinking out loud ... This whole thing is so new it's anyones game at the moment.
    This type of marketing and technology is wide open, wide open for abuse but also wide open to doing good business and for anyone who can make use of the opportunities. Some businesses will have the staff to handle the tech side will in fact implement it for them selves. Others businesses will try to implement themselves and end up doing the 'face palm fail'. Why.. because they still need the idea man(marketer) to come up their ideas, to implement them, and to lead these early adopters to where their new clients are. There's still enough of a market out there to do a lot of business.

    Long term? I would bet that QR code marketing will outlast me. I will of course either morph into another technology or evolve on it's own but this really is the next big step. It's not just about the QR code, but rather using the cell phone as the delivery agent. What is left to us is to research and develop methods to enhance the delivery in ways that the consumer is not afraid to scan a QR code or receive a txt message.

    This new delivery has to be better than the typical NAME BRAND email list marketing campaigns. I have a feeling this new group of online customers can be easily turned off by 4 or 5 SMS text a week with each asking them to sign up for something. While some of the IM's I know can probably use this technology to keep selling paper I think this is a perfect way to market tangible goods and enhance the customer experience in doing so.

    We are are not at the very beginning of this marketing model but we do have the opportunity to join in to help mold and prepare this massive group of consumers who want to do everything from their mobile devices. The new message is - This is the way they will be marketed to in the future.
    You could say that this is the training period for IM people, business people and consumers.

    Feel free to use the above ramblings anywhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    QR Codes are free but it is the service and added value you attach to the QR Code where the money really is.

    For example we had a trade show organizer ring us to day about a QR Code for the event and so we produced one for him but then it was the mobile website linked to the QR Code where it really got interesting.

    They do about 50 trade shows a year for different clients so we now provide the QR Code, the mobile website and all additional materials for these shows.

    This is the true value of providing the service.

    Quentin
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Don Crowther just posted a video about cool ways to use QR Codes, here's the link:

    QR Codes – 21 Ways To Use Them To Build Your Business | Don Crowther

    Enjoy,
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  • Profile picture of the author jackheape
    The cool thing about using a QR Code is that you can use it to BUILD A MOBILE MARKETING LIST.

    Here's the scenario: person sees your QR Code and scans it with their smart phone. The phone automatically texts the embedded number and the message and presto! the person is now added to your mobile marketing list.


    Did you know reports indicate that the open rate for SMS marketing messages is something like 60 or 70%. Do you get anything like that with your email open rates ... I didn't think so.


    That is a great concept! Thanks for the info! I will put it to use.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Well, Google may have turned their back on QR codes for now, but Bing has made them part of their local marketing platform for small business :-)

    Also, I'm getting a lot more people email, message and contact me about using them. My company is currently helping select open minded clients who wanted to explore this "add on" technology. Each one is experiencing different levels of success with them.

    For now, I am happy to help clients leverage this 'edge' over other businesses, even if it eventually fades away. And frankly, what does it matter? Other tactical solutions come and go and we marketers keep on keeping on. It's what we do. QR codes are no different.

    And finally, here's an article that caught my attention:

    Can QR codes work for luxury brands? - Mobile Commerce Daily - Marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    just fyi - i think you will find the sms message just gets auto populated and still needs user interaction to send it, it wont auto send it but it is a means to adding people to a list

    there is several ways you can get visitor leads with similar interaction it just depends on how and who you are dealing with for your SMS gateway
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  • Profile picture of the author thehypnoguy
    What a resource for QR Codes.

    Real Estate Agents Need them to redirect the guy standing outside his listing to a virtual tour.

    Any business can use them to market after hours. Their front window becomes a billboard with links just waiting to redirect window shoppers to all the info they could possibly need.

    The uses are endless and so are the sales.

    Martin
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  • Just out of interest - how are people pricing services around this?
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      The fee you're able to charge is directly proportional to the value you represent to the buyer. Since the "fee" is a number and the value is a "feeling," your ability to make money quite literally depends on how you make people feel. The stronger the feeling, the larger the difference between your costs and the "feeling" of value and you have your sale price

      Remember ... "Don't Price Your Offers, Value Them!"

      PS. And if all that fails, and you don't quite get what I was trying to explain *grin* then simply price according to the following strategy:

      (1) To be the low cost provider - price lower than everybody else. Keep the solution "bare bones" and promote it as such.

      (2) Match the market price - Not my favourite, but popular because people are afraid to go with option 3. With option 2 you will however need another point of differentiation to stand out.

      (3) Price high - My favourite. All things being equal, people assume price equals value and since we're all "ego" driven on some level we want the best for ourselves and our friends/family etc. With a high price you can deliver superior service, work less for more money, and stake out some rather cool mental marketing territory.

      And guess how many marketers make their choice about options 1 through 3? Fear ... uhuh, an emotion. Feelings are the #1 reason you don't get paid nearly what you're worth.

      Think about it ... or rather, pay attention to how you feel about it
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      • Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

        The fee you're able to charge is directly proportional to the value you represent to the buyer. Since the "fee" is a number and the value is a "feeling," your ability to make money quite literally depends on how you make people feel. The stronger the feeling, the larger the difference between your costs and the "feeling" of value and you have your sale price

        Remember ... "Don't Price Your Offers, Value Them!"

        PS. And if all that fails, and you don't quite get what I was trying to explain *grin* then simply price according to the following strategy:

        (1) To be the low cost provider - price lower than everybody else. Keep the solution "bare bones" and promote it as such.

        (2) Match the market price - Not my favourite, but popular because people are afraid to go with option 3. With option 2 you will however need another point of differentiation to stand out.

        (3) Price high - My favourite. All things being equal, people assume price equals value and since we're all "ego" driven on some level we want the best for ourselves and our friends/family etc. With a high price you can deliver superior service, work less for more money, and stake out some rather cool mental marketing territory.

        And guess how many marketers make their choice about options 1 through 3? Fear ... uhuh, an emotion. Feelings are the #1 reason you don't get paid nearly what you're worth.

        Think about it ... or rather, pay attention to how you feel about it
        Thanks for this James - much appreciated.

        Being in the UK I may have to start low as an introduction and try and pump the demand in the area.

        My mind is just buzzing with opportunities this presents.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

    Is there any way to easily do offline marketing with flyers if you're not in a location? Any reputable companies offering flyer creation and distribution?
    Most local newspapers will do flyer distribution with their paper deliveries. Simply call the newspaper of the local area you're interested in and speak to their advertising department. You'll need to get the flyers produced and shipped to them, but they'll handle the inclusion and distribution for you. Works well, and its pretty cheap in most instances.

    Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Phillip
    QR codes & Coupons are 2 good initiatives for mobile marketing that are under used in Australia.
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    • Profile picture of the author rhondaklewis
      I was wondering how I could utilize these QR codes for an event our town is having called Spring Diva Day. It is where a lot of businesses get in a large room and hand out samples of their products(mostly beauty)
      Some of the businesses are:
      Bath and Beauty
      jewelry stores
      spa and massage
      kitchen and bath fixtures
      crafts
      These are just a few. There will be over 50 businesses a this event.
      Does anybody have any ideas?

      *forgot to mention the event is in two days.
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
        A quick thought would be to create QR codes for each of the product SALES pages on the client websites and then stick the QR code to the product with instructions like "Scan for more information..." or "Scan to order more..."

        The other thing could be you simply create a print directory (to hand out) of the various business attending and alongside their logo, name and contact details you include a picture of a QR code that (when scanned) takes them to a GROUPON offer or a COUPON on their own site.

        Or better yet ... when they scan the QR code they (a) get added to the mobile mailing list and (b) get a coupon :-)

        Oh, and if you really want to have some fun with this ... combine the scanning of QR codes and other "challenges" with the fun of a SCVNGR hunt. Go check that out to really bake your noodle.

        Have fun today, it's Friday!
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        • Profile picture of the author paulie888
          Originally Posted by jamesburchill View Post

          A quick thought would be to create QR codes for each of the product SALES pages on the client websites and then stick the QR code to the product with instructions like "Scan for more information..." or "Scan to order more..."

          The other thing could be you simply create a print directory (to hand out) of the various business attending and alongside their logo, name and contact details you include a picture of a QR code that (when scanned) takes them to a GROUPON offer or a COUPON on their own site.

          Or better yet ... when they scan the QR code they (a) get added to the mobile mailing list and (b) get a coupon :-)

          Oh, and if you really want to have some fun with this ... combine the scanning of QR codes and other "challenges" with the fun of a SCVNGR hunt. Go check that out to really bake your noodle.

          Have fun today, it's Friday!
          James, I've been noticing these QR codes popping up more and more in magazines and newspapers (with absolutely no explanation about what they are, or what it is that you need to do with them).

          I also came across something interesting yesterday evening - I was reading an article in a car magazine where they supplied QR codes for specific car models that you could vote on. This is the first application of voting with QR codes I've seen so far.

          Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author rhondaklewis
    Thanks James.All those ideas are great but I especially like the print directory idea. I think I will do that.
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  • Profile picture of the author rocky80
    Great thread, qr codes have the potential to really take off.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brad Pollina
      WOW! This threat is totally awesome! Thanks for all the wonderful tips/tidbits guys!

      Here's another example: I work with a company called Send Out Cards that just recently started allowing the codes to be printed inside the custom-made greeting cards they mail out for you. When the code is scanned, it takes you to a VIDEO you created and put up on youtube!

      See this non-affiliated video here: https://www.sendoutcards.com/support...dia/tutorials/

      If you'd like to try this for yourself, pm me and I'll set you up with a 2 card trial account!
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      • Profile picture of the author drmani
        I re-visited this discussion, and then implemented an idea using
        QR codes for adding opt-ins to my list - right on my blog header!

        Take a look - maybe you'll build on it in more interesting ways!

        Information Marketing

        All success
        Dr.Mani
        Signature
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        • Profile picture of the author jackheape
          Originally Posted by drmani View Post

          I re-visited this discussion, and then implemented an idea using
          QR codes for adding opt-ins to my list - right on my blog header!

          Take a look - maybe you'll build on it in more interesting ways!

          Information Marketing

          All success
          Dr.Mani
          Neat idea! I assume you just made up a graphic and included it in your header. Couldn't you have made it clickable too?

          It would be interesting to know how much traffic/signups you get from this. Do you have a way to track it?
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          • Profile picture of the author drmani
            Originally Posted by jackheape View Post

            Neat idea! I assume you just made up a graphic and included it in your header.
            Yes, that's how I did it.

            Couldn't you have made it clickable too?
            GREAT idea, thanks. Will do that. Need to create a different landing page, so
            I can track the different sources of opt-ins.

            It would be interesting to know how much traffic/signups you get from this. Do you have a way to track it?
            Yes, I had this point to a mobile optimized landing page, which is coded
            to track the number of sign ups that come through it.

            I guess nothing prevents someone finding that page directly without
            going through the QR code, but it's not indexed or linked from anywhere
            else, so it should be reasonably accurate as a measure of how many
            optin through the QR code alone.

            All success
            Dr.Mani
            Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Nice twist, mobile marketing is in it's infancy and sure to explode, great you've figured out an angle on how to monetise it
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  • Profile picture of the author fernandoescobar
    Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

    So who is actually making money from them?

    Seems they are good as part of an overall strategy but make little measurable difference.
    This is exactly what you have to do, make a part of your overall strategy.
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    • Profile picture of the author jackheape
      I would not look at the QR code as a means to make money, just off of the QR code, either through creation of one or selling it as a printed product. The advantage of the QR code is that it acts as a bridge between non-digital and digital, a marker that exists in the real world allowing the user to be instantly transported to a specific place in the digital world. Think of it as ajust an easier way to enter a url or phone number into a smart phone. It is another tool in your toolbox to bring an offline business more customers, but even more importantly, it is a way to gather that customers information to build a relationship with them. And ultimately that is what social media is all about, relationship building and management.

      I guarantee you if you go into a business and they are not collecting their customers info, and you show them how they can cheaply and quickly add hundreds if not thousands of prospective repeat buyers, you will make a sale.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    The way to make money from QR Codes is to give them away.

    The secret is to then upsell a customized mobile website so they can collect names and addresses, phone numbers etc.

    Because a QR Code without a mobile site to go to is just another bad idea. Remember they are scanning this QR Code with a mobile.

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author jackheape
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      The way to make money from QR Codes is to give them away.

      The secret is to then upsell a customized mobile website so they can collect names and addresses, phone numbers etc.

      Because a QR Code without a mobile site to go to is just another bad idea. Remember they are scanning this QR Code with a mobile.

      Quentin
      Excellent point!
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      The way to make money from QR Codes is to give them away.

      The secret is to then upsell a customized mobile website so they can collect names and addresses, phone numbers etc.

      Because a QR Code without a mobile site to go to is just another bad idea. Remember they are scanning this QR Code with a mobile.

      Quentin
      Hi Quentin,

      A QR code is nothing more than an encoded piece of information. There's 2 parts to it essentially: what TYPE of data, and the DATA itself.

      For instance, the TYPE might be a WEB ADDRESS and the DATA will be the URL to some domain.

      Or the TYPE might an SMS MSG and the DATA will be the actual short message.

      The list goes on.

      My point is that it's WHAT YOU DO WITH THE QR CODE THAT IS VALUABLE.

      For a busy person with their hands full, maybe scanning a QR code is easier than dialling a number. No website needed.

      For a standing in a line up, maybe they see a QR code across the street on a bill board and scan it to be taken to a website (mobile or otherwise .... could be YouTube *hint*)

      It's the application of the technology (the use, the psychology behind it) that makes it valuable to us.

      Thanks for sharing,
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      James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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      • Profile picture of the author midasman09
        Banned
        Here's how I intend to monetize QR Codes;

        I place TV Channel Guides in Hotel rooms. These are on a plastic stand that sits on the desk or tv. On the front are the TV Channels for the tv in the room (different than those at home) (Convenient for guests since they don't have to bother the front desk with a phone call asking where the TV Channels are)

        These are FREE to hotels and hotels love them because they;
        Save Time of front desk clerks answering "Where's ESPN on the tv? etc)
        Makes hotel appear more professional AND concerned about comfort and convenience of their guests.

        Below the listings is a full color photo of a Pizza along with the phone # to order and have the pizza delivered to their room.

        On the back are ads of local restaurants, gift shops, attractions and realtors...or any biz that wants to reach TOURISTS.

        So...instead of plain old printed ads....I will be placing a QR Code on EACH AD....and....if the advertisers do NOT have a Mobile-Ready website, guess who will provide one for them.

        And....to get more advertisers participating....I could create a "Mobile-Directory"....listing any an all businesses that would like to be seen by Tourists. (Except restaurants I would give exclusives to for their cuisine)

        And....I will also place a BIG plastic display on the front desk with the QR Code to the Mobile-Directory.

        So....I placed this for the people who have posted comments about "What're these worth?" or...."These are just a Flash-In-The-Pan!"...etc

        What I know is that....a GREAT percentage of tourists staying in hotels/motels this summer WILL HAVE SMARTPHONES! And...QR Codes do 2 things for these Travelers;
        1) Make it easier to get info (snap a photo instead of typing)
        2) Provide MORE Info about the local area and what to do and where to eat...etc

        QR Codes will allow me to now TRIPLE my fees and get MORE advertisers participating.... plus provide businesses with "Mobile-Ready" sites for ALL their customers...not just tourists.

        QR Codes will be a "Gold-Mine" for me.

        Thanks for letting me post this...maybe it will spark some ideas or motivate someone to "Go Out and DO IT!"

        Don Alm...."Doer"
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Hey MIDASMAN09, nice post.

    It seems that this thread and QR codes in general are gaining more traction. Case in point, I'm getting more PM and emails than ever on this subject. Keep 'em coming - happy to help.

    And thanks to everyone who has made this thread so popular and such a powerful resource on the subject of QR codes.
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    James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesburchill
    Just saw this article:

    "How a QR code helped one business double its sales" - on wsj.com

    Interesting stuff for sure!
    Signature
    James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur
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  • Profile picture of the author Presto Smith
    This is a really great post full of some creative ideas. I recently became aware of QR codes and now I see them everywhere. Even my local ice cream shop had a QR code coupon that you could scan for a discount. This type of common use is a big sign that the QR code is gaining popularity.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kukelka
    I heard about such money making method ,but i sceptical for this..It need hard work,but hard work also wont quarantee success
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  • Profile picture of the author shanemorgan
    Sounds interesting this is really cool that add information in QR code like event and contact number or website address.This is really good way of internet marketing.I don't know that how many people use QR code and need smartphone to read the QR code.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gregg
    Great...great post James. I just created my first QR code and scanned it. Really cool. I never really figured out how to market or use QR codes effectively but now I am going to dive in and figure it out.

    Thanks for all the links and great info! Much appreciated.
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  • Profile picture of the author HowToMakeAWebsite
    I think QR Codes are still so new that people don't get it. That is good though. Be ahead of the curve. Then when they are in full effect you will know exactly what to do and what not to do
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by HowToMakeAWebsite View Post

      I think QR Codes are still so new that people don't get it. That is good though. Be ahead of the curve. Then when they are in full effect you will know exactly what to do and what not to do
      This curiosity and novelty factor can be used to your advantage. People love to stay ahead of their competition and have the technology nobody else has. Once they become mainstream then every man and his dog will be out there trying to sell them.
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