QR Codes Are Marketing Next Horizon

Thought-Tech.com QR Code

Page through a magazine today and you’ll see more of the square, black and white pixellated images, like the one at left, popping up.

QR code (short for Quick Response) is a two-dimensional bar code readable by camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data. While similar QR code is not to be confused with digital camouflage (see right ->).

QR code is a key component to Square’s contact-less payment system. While different from Starbuck’s proprietary mobile payment system it’s also a very real tool for brand’s to connect with their audience. Imagine the possibilities if a print ad or point of purchase display motivates a prospect to take action and go to your URL – right there, right now?

If your brand is not QR ready there’s no time like right now. By the end of 2011 QR code will be as common-place as URL’s.