Keep Your Business Savvy with QR Codes

Quick Response codes, or QR codes for short, are popping up everywhere these days. From magazine ads to store windows, QR codes are the fastest way to get your tech-savvy customer to your business’ website.

So what is a QR code, exactly? These 2 dimensional barcodes, which originate back to circa 1994, aren’t exactly new, but are now being used in fun, innovative, business savvy ways that are luring in customers. By simply downloading a QR reader app for free, a QR code can be read quickly by your smartphone.

A business can use a QR code to show information such as directions to their business, their company’s BBB Business Review or even a URL that the viewer can click to receive a coupon. You can even put a QR on your business card with a link in the QR that takes the recipient directly to your website. Or add a QR that contains your contact information making it easy to add that info to a cell phone.

If you are considering a QR code, BBB offers the following tips:

Where to display? Many businesses are turning to the windows of their store, paper advertisements, business cards, email signatures, shirts, mugs, ties and other products to display their businesses’ QR code.

How do you generate your own QR code for free? BBB Accredited Businesses can generate QR codes for their BBB Business Review, for FREE! In addition, many sites offer a free QR generator that spits out an easily copied code that can be used as a template for all of your QR code needs.

Are there risks? Just like with any other website, you should never use a QR code that will link to a website that you don’t trust. Make sure that the website is reputable and that the QR code is found in a trustworthy place. Like any other malicious website, QR codes can potentially direct you to a harmful website that can ultimately lead to a virus infiltration on your smartphone.