QR Codes, Popular or Not?

Scan the QR Code

Even though the existence of QR codes are as old as most dot com websites, they have not enjoyed a lot of attention. This is due to the fact that you had to have a camera to scan the QR code to get its content. Most people back in the 90s did not have this kind of technology readily available, at least not like we do now. Currently, most smartphones have a camera and an app that can get the content from these QR codes. The use of QR codes greatly increased since smartphones have been exponentially gaining more popularity.

Peak of QR Code usage

The highest peak of the use of QR code was around 2010 where smartphones were beginning to become more popular amongst adults and students. This was the peak time that Android phones were coming out every other week and where Apple enjoyed record breaking sales for their iPhone. These codes were used in many retailers so customers would have reviews of a product available. What these retailers did not expect was for online retailers to take advantage of QR codes to increase their influence. Amazon had a strong presence during this time because they had a QR code scanner that would direct people to its prices. Usually these prices were lower so most people decided it was better to buy off of an online company rather than in-store.

Online sales increasing year to year

Reasons to use QR Codes:

1. Easy way to direct people to your website
2. To store simple information such as contact info
3. Promote local deals
4. To direct people to your social media page

Now that you know the advantages of QR codes, try making your own. Click the hyperlink to be directed to making your own QR code.

Sources:

1. Cohen, Heidi. "QR Codes: 26 MUST-HAVE Facts [Data & Charts] - Heidi Cohen." QR Codes: 26 MUST-HAVE Facts [Data & Charts]. N.p., 4 Apr. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
2. Ellis, James. "Why You Should Use QR Codes (Really)." NBC Chicago. N.p., 29 Apr. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.
3. Pinkham, Ryan. "11 Reasons You SHOULD Be Using QR Codes at Your Place of Business | Constant Contact Blogs." Constant Contact Blogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.
4. Schonfeld, Erick. "Forrester Forecast: Online Retail Sales Will Grow To $250 Billion By 2014 | TechCrunch." TechCrunch. N.p., 8 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.