QR codes: Their story and 4 effective ways to use them

There’s nothing like the rejuvenating rush of learning something new. It’s a great way to live, reminded daily that you don’t have the world figured out just yet. Here’s a learning curve doozie for you, a quick response (QR) code (you know, those black and white, digital-looking barcodes) on a headstone. Now, cemetery materials aren’t the kind of items you can just pick up and purchase while rolling through the self-checkout. So why would a headstone bear such a technologically advanced marking?


Though strange to Americans, this practice is more common in Japan, where QR codes have been around since 1994. Instead of mourning the person who is no longer around the QR code allows loved ones and strangers alike to access a text based biography or catch a peek of the person’s life through photographs and videos on a memorial website.

It’s a brilliant concept when you think about it. So, how can this impact your product’s marketing plan? Here are four super quick ways to use QR codes for your benefit.


1. Advertising:

• Business cards – Jazz up an old reliable. Not only will this provide you a cutting edge appearance, but QR adorned business cards can be designed to submit information to smart phone contacts.

• Billboard/Fliers – QR codes are mysterious. Lead customers on with a quick tag line and a code promising more content.

2. Company/Customer Interaction

• Consider QR codes on packaging for interaction purposes, linking a product to a Facebook or Twitter page. Offer exclusive access to fun content like online games and polls through QR codes.

• Packaging QR codes can also be used to provide supplementary product content like user manuals or access to the company’s website where complimentary products can be showcased.

3. Product traceability

• Think safety. Tagging products (through QR codes) with manufacturing details ensures safety should a product recall be issued. Protection for the producer and the consumer, it’s a win-win.

• Origin information is always useful and QR codes can contain it all. Provide background about where your produce is grown or offer a sneak peek into how your top secret cosmetic cream is produced.

4. Verify authenticity

• In a world full of imitation products use a QR code to brand and protect your work with a unique and authorized signature.

Every product has a story, whether it’s an orange grown in an old family-run orchard or a high-end cosmetic made with only the finest of Amazonian organic ingredients. Think of QR codes as a limitless label, allowing for detailed product background and testimonials while saving your presentation from clutter. And that’s only the beginning. They’re already booming in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, time will only tell before QR codes will become a packaging mainstay.

Have you ever scanned a QR code? Do you find them helpful? Tell us why or why not in the comments!