Jay Leonard
If you’ve been avoiding QR code technology simply because you don’t understand it, it’s your lucky day! QR code scanning 101 is now in session!
What is a QR code?
QR codes (or quick response codes) area type of barcode that can be used to encode any kind of data,including a link to a business’ website or social media account.QR codes can link to a page with a promotional discount, to yourbusiness’ phone number, a how-to video for a product, or just aboutanything else. Standard QR codes are black and white but custom QRcodes can contain colors, logos, and images.
How do I scan it?
Many people think QR codes can be scanned by their cell phone’s camera. And while this is a possibility in the future, right now, that’s still not the case. To scan a QRcode, you need to download a free QR code scanner from your phone’s app market or store.
If you have an iPhone, try Red Laser, a free mobile application from eBay that promises “ImpossiblyAccurate Barcode Scanning.”
If you have an Android, try the free Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team. It’s currently rated 4 1/2 out of 5 stars in theAndroid market.
Step One
Most Android phones come preloaded with a Market application that allows you to easily download the apps that you want. Conversely, on an iPhone, you’ll have The App Store. Once you’re in the market or store, search for Red Laser or QR Code Scanner. **Tip – Your search button may look like a magnifying glass depending on the phone you have.
Step Two
Once you’ve found the QR code scanneryou want to use, hit “download,” and then “accept anddownload.” Your phone should notify you once the download iscomplete.
Step Three
Hooray! You now have a QR code scanneron your phone! Now it’s time to put it to use. See the QR code to your right?Let’s try scanning it.
On Red Laser, simply hit the big red ‘scan’button, on Barcode Scanner, the scanner will automatically open upready to use.
Hold your phone up to the QR code to your right and align it within the box. Hold your phonestill so the scanner can read the QR code, and when it’s done, it’llask you if you want to open the browser.
Step Four
Open the browser and see where the QRcode has taken you!
Step Five
Now that you’ve completed QR code scanning 101,you’ll probably find that you want to scan every single QR code you see. This is due to the curiosity factor of QR codes — people can’t help but want to find out what they’re concealing — and that’s how it lures them in. So get out there and start scanning and start thinking about how you can use QR codes to benefit your business.
Remember, QR codes are great because they can be used to promote anything and they can be placed anywhere. From t-shirts and vehicles to storefront windows and business cards, QR codes are extremely versatile and, as you now know, easy to use!
Still have QR code questions? Leave them in comments below and we’ll be glad to help!
Read more:
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Jay Leonard.
Learn how to publish your content on B2C
Join our Telegram channel to stay up to date on breaking news coverage
Add B2C to your Google News Feed
Hi! RedLaser is actually now available on iOS, Android, and Windows phones.
As you pointed out in #5, after getting a free QR code reader on your smartphone, some people will want to scan every single QR code they see. But that’s not a great idea. Any more than clicking a link from any email or web page with a link, unless you know exactly where and why your’re going to that end page. There are many easy scams out there taking advantage of curious users and without serious virus protectors for readers, the hazards are many.
Kaspersky found that some malware downloaded into phones from QR codes can be used to turn on your phone’s camera and microphone and transmit what it sees. We posted some warnings about this on our blog, http://www.qr-codeworld.com/blog. It’s also a good reason for companies to try to customize their printed QR codes as best they can.
Yes, I agree, custom QR codes are best. And while it’s good to be mindful about viruses, just like it is while you’re using your computer online, it’s also not something that should keep people from using them.
Just be smart when scanning QR codes — if it takes you to a suspicious landing page that asks you to download something and this is not from a brand you trust, skip it.
Whether you’re using the internet or scanning a QR code, pay attention to what you’re clicking on and avoid anything that looks risky and you should be fine.
I wrote a blog on this topic too:
http://bbbsystems.blogspot.com/2011/10/are-infected-qr-codes-real-concern.html