The QR Code is Making a Comeback. How will you use it?
Mike Tobin
Bilingual Voice Over (English AND French) | MC & Event Announcer | Co-host: The Voiceover Round Table
Looking back over the years, the QR (or quick response) code has had a mixed reputation and less-than-widespread adoption since its inception in the mid-1990's. But that may be changing!
Earlier this year, Google introduced QR scanning capabilities within the Chrome App. (Read more on that here, via TechCrunch). They write: "Despite rumors to the contrary, QR codes haven’t entirely died out – if anything, they’ve started to make a comeback thanks to adoption by popular apps like Snapchat, Kik, and Messenger, as well as in food labeling...". The update to Chrome gave mobile users an easier, near-native way to scan the codes without the need for an additional app.
More recently, Apple's iOS 11 launch introduced a bunch of new features for users. CNET wrote: "One of the more subtle, and hidden, features Apple added is the ability to scan QR codes without the need for a third-party app."
While the QR Code may not be for everyone or every business, these recent updates may make it worth a second look. QR code use shouldn't be limited to product packaging! There are so many possibilities:
- Easy access to a map for your event
- Offers or coupons
- Minimising visual footprint of an art installation
- Providing deeper information on a point of interest or location
In my case, I put QR codes directly on my business cards. When scanned, the user is directed to my voice demos on my website - arguably the most important marketing piece a voice talent has!
How about you?
What creative ways are you using it?
Have you always used QR codes in your business?
Will you revisit them now that the big players like Google and Apple are on board?
I'd love to hear how YOU use QR codes!
Thanks for reading!
About the author...
Mike Tobin is a bilingual voice talent based in Ottawa, Canada, recording projects in English and French. He is also very active as an MC and public address announcer.
Find his work online: bilingualvoiceover.ca
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn here.
Second City Improv trained | Engaging Professional Voice Overs | Source-Connect | 5-? Reliable Service w/24-hr Turnaround | Commercials | eLearning | Corporate/Explainer videos & more!
7 年Thanks for the post. I've believed in them for years, but because of horrible execution in the past (on billboard ads, subway platform ads, other printed locations without any explanation to the viewer why they should even care) they can be a powerful tool for "digitizing" printed content (as you've shown a great example on your business cards). With more native abilities for smartphone users to access the embedded links without too much fuss - and used properly by marketer's - it could definitely become more commonplace.
Website design & development, specializing in the WordPress platform. Host of the Web Pro Savvy Podcast.
7 年I have used them when I place an ad in conference programs. Super glad to hear about Chrome and Apple iOS adding a reader. Will help people to access the codes more easily.
Founder and CEO at Allison Wood Ventures, LLC
7 年I use them on my business cards, and on my resume.
Voice Actor (EN/FR) | Audiobook Narrator | MC | Zoom / Radio Host | Producer | Sound Guy | AV Tech | Pet Sitter | IT Superhero
7 年Did it go away while I wasn't looking? Dangit! Actually, at the StartUp Canada North Awards last week, QR codes were used to vote for the winner among a number of foodiepreneurs who showcased their deliciousness during the event: https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6316411958035828736
Bilingual Voice Over (English AND French) | MC & Event Announcer | Co-host: The Voiceover Round Table
7 年It is! ;-)