QR Code (which stands for Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of barcode that was invented in Japan for the automotive industry.

QR codes are scanned using an app downloaded on a smartphone (such as an iPhone or Android). Once scanned, they link to a mobile website. A QR code that is used for marketing  will link to information that enhanses a consumer’s experience with the product. It can link to a site with exclusive information, a place to leave a review, a prompt to check-in on Facebook or Foursquare, or a supplemental video.

QR codes can also be used to access basic business information, such as business hours, phone number, website, products and services offered, and to read reviews that others have left.

At Access Publishing, we use QR codes to encourage our clients’ customers to interact with their businesses. Our Review Generator™ window clings, shown at the top of this post, are one example of QR codes in action. Our Local Search clients each receive a window cling that they can post in their store or office to encourage customers to connect with the brand by leaving a review on one of the top review sites.



While we stick to standard QR codes, it is possible to customize the codes with a logo or other branding. The most impressive one we have seen is this hand-painted, colorful portrait by Australian artist Yiying Lu, known for designing the well-known Twitter “Fail Whale”, shown above. See the QR code in her hat? To watch a video of this masterpiece coming together and to learn more about the artist, visit Mashable.

If you have any questions regarding QR code use for your business, please contact Internet Marketing Director Laura Zolnoski at laura@accesspublishing.com. For more information on Local Search, please call (805) 226-9890.