My newest presentation, 30 Ways to Use QR Codes shows you how to create codes, where to find readers, where to find generators and over thirty powerful applications so that you can becme the expert for your clients. (Ask your Regional Association or Principal to schedule it).
QR Codes and their Microsoft-owned cousins, MS Tags, can be added to nearly promotional product with a large enough imprint area. They bring new relevance to lots of old media and they provide an exciting way to create unique consumer experiences. There are a few guidelines that should be followed however to ensure successful usage.
1) There should be a call to action! You need to give the consumer a reason to interact and engage.
2) You need to be adding value — free downloads, an entertaining video, a coupon, a free admission, a free gift (a promotional product, of course), how-to demos.
3) Make sure the content that the code is driving to has been optimized for mobile usage.
4) TEST. Test with different phones (Android, iPhone, etc). Test with different Readers. Make sure the experience is right!
5) Train. Your own people need to become familiar with this new technology so they can service what you sell. Your clients' people need to be trained to respond to questions from their customers, and they need to be aware of the promotion.
6) Use a URL shortener to simplify your code and to make it easier and faster to read! (I personally like bit.ly)
7) Make sure it's large enough to scan and has enough white space around it.
8) Tell the audience how to use them and what to expect. This is new technology to many people and you can help educate and train.