QR (or Quick Response) code is not a new technology. Actually it’s been around for sixteen years or so, but the ever-increasing popularity of smartphones and their support of QR-code-reading apps is making use of the codes more popular than ever. It’s a very easy way to attract the attention of a potential customer with a scannable (often curiosity-inducing) link to your website or latest promotion. There’s something about a QR code that makes smartphone users want to scan them.

There are various ways to use the codes to increase your sales. Here are a few:

– Use them to simply drive traffic to your site. You can place a code in a print ad, on your signage, on your business card, etc. Anywhere potential customers might see it, you can include it, and if you catch them in the right frame of mind, they may just scan it.

– Use one as a call to action. Simply tell people to scan it and link it to a special offer. Maybe it links to a printable coupon. Maybe it links to a promotion code for a discount on their next purchase. They don’t have to be in print, by the way. You can use them on your site.

– Use them in creative ways. Dana Oshiro at Mashable looked at 5 unique uses for QR codes a  while back. One of them was self-branding through swag you pass out (hats, shirts, coffee mugs, etc.)

There are a bunch of QR-Code reading apps. Mobile-Barcodes.com has a good list of them. Perusing the list, you will find that many mobile devices will support the technology. Likewise, there are a number of sites you can go to and easily create a unique QR Code on the fly. If you search for "QR Code Generators" you will find a number of them.

Have you ever used a QR Code for promotion? How well did it work? Comment here.