The growth in the use of QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) is being fueled by the proliferation of smart phones and Apple Watch applications that provide mobile users the functionality to do everything except type long complex Website addresses (URL's). According to a recent study by Mobio.net of its 2010 vs 2011 server traffic it found QR scanning traffic increased 4549% since Q1 2010. QR Codes are the beginning of a series of technologies that will be deployed in smart phones within the next few years. Other notable changes on the horizon include RFID or NFC (Near Field Communications) capabilities to facilitate payment with a smart phone and Augmented Reality Codes which are in there infancy. Here is a link to a USPS demo of Augmented Reality Codes.

So with so much technology being driven to our mobile devices, what is usable today by the typical business enterprise that does not have a team of programmers ready to invent the next Facebook? We believe that basic QR Code technology  is easy and relatively inexpensive to use and in many business's can provide significant benefits for users. The growth in the technology seems to support the acceptance as more and more users become comfortable with the technology.

So lets look at some Best Practices when it comes to QR Codes. First and foremost a QR Code is a web address that is going to be visited by a phone with a scanner. DO NOT send users to a traditional Desktop Website. The formatting of a traditional website will provide a frustrating, poor experience and users will be unhappy. Websites that have been "reformatted" for mobile devices are usually equally poor as the reformatting is taking 800 pixels in information and reducing it to less than 200. You need to use a Mobile Web Site which is available for very low monthly costs and allow you to develop a "Mobile Brand & Presence". Here is a link to the Alta Graphics Mobile Website Package pricing.

The next step is to re-think your "Mobile Web Presence" as not a clone of your Desktop Website". Mobile users frequently need to interact differently with your company when they are on a phone. For example they need easy access to all contact information for after hours communication. Product information if included might be in summary form. You want to think if my users are interacting with our company on a mobile, what information would they need. Then organize this in a very intuitive easily accessible way in your mobile web site.

Some great examples are a Realtor's mobile site can have a brief listing of featured properties with the QR Code on the for sale/lease sign. Scanning the code takes the users phone to a micro site with property details and simple buttons to contact the agent via phone, email or text. When the property is off the market, the same sign and QR code can easily be assigned to a new listing. All the details available about a property on a desktop site might not be desirable on a phone but basic information and photos together with contact buttons can make a mobile users experience with your company enjoyable and productive!

So normally a QR Code on your business card would take the user to your personal contact (home) page. The information on this page can be captured as a "V-Card" which is added to the users contact information without them having to type anything. So take the plunge - Rethink Mobile engagement, Get a Mobile site and start interacting!