QR codes are a relatively new form of advertising. They are these little
"two-dimensional (2-D) matrix code that belongs to a larger set of
machine-readable codes" - DENSO that companies use to promote whatever
they like really. They show up in magazines, posters, cereal boxes etc. that
you can scan with your smart phone or tablet. What they bring up is a mystery
until you scan it. They typically have phone numbers, a Facebook, a website, or
even ablog that belongs to a user. The one I have included in this blog links to well... my blog. Professionals may use them on business cards to link to their website which has their resume posted.
Why Would I personally use it?
You can use it for whatever you like! There are a million different uses that are only limited by your imagination. I just used one for my blog, partially because hey I'm required to, but also because it’s interesting. You can prank your friends, mess with your coworkers, and advertise yourself! As I mentioned it’s a way that you can advertise yourself to people and this is a great way if you are advertising major. However, be careful with how much you rely on them, sometimes its too much of a hassle, as Graham Charlton says in his blog, "Make sure the QR code serves a purpose and adds to the user experience." What he means is don't post QR codes for every little thing! make their use efficient not bothersome. It shows that even the even though it’s barely 50% of people that scan QR codes, you still understand and can reach that group of people.
Cons of QR codes:
The main problem with QR codes is something I mentioned before: it’s a
mystery to what they link to. QR codes can go to websites that contain
malicious code for your device or to some obscure inappropriate website. With
that said, that’s why there are only about 50% of people who scan them in
public. The ones posted in magazines and newspapers are more trusted but it
still comes down to the possibility of the QR code being unsafe. It's like
taking a trust fall with people you've never met and can only trust their
reputation.Overall....
Like I said though it’s a great way to advertise and take polls and gives you an easy way to link something you want people to know about. It still has its little quirks that every form of advertisement does. To skip over the market of people who do use QR codes would be a great loss to a company in potential followers.
Graham Charlton's Blog:
http://econsultancy.com/us/blog/62397-qr-codes-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
Hi Jace,
ReplyDeleteI really like the style of your blog. I found it minimalistic and cool. Regarding QR codes, I like that you brought up the fact that they are mysterious little things. Although this can be seen as a natural marketing feature, you also mentioned how this can be a disadvantage. I thought the trust-fall analogy was on the mark. I also like your personal QR code, also simple and cool. My only recommendation would be to correct a few little typos.
I like how you typed your blog as if you were having a real conversation with someone in person. The way you describe the QR codes is very easy to understand. Since it is used almost everywhere, it is a good way to share information and advertise, but, like you said, can also be a bad thing because you don't know where each code will actually lead you. Overall, your post was simple and easy to understand. You probably need a few more hyperlinks, too.
ReplyDelete