Breaking the Code - A look into how smartphones are changing how we market - Jaki Gaudet

Smartphone users have a quick new way to receive info and marketing communication strategies are improving because of the unique places they can now target these users. Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) are the new technology and they've gained popularity with the increase in smartphone sales. Own a smartphone and don’t know how to ‘break the code’ or even know what they are? Let's cover the basics.

Quick Facts
Who: digital camera enabled smartphone carriers
What: a two-dimensional barcode that stores urls, geo coordinates, text, and data on where the apple you want to eat came from, to local restaurants, and sweepstake rules.
When: anytime you have your smartphone and there’s a QR Code in sight.
Where: magazines, coffee mugs, name badges, buses, business cards, t-shirts, etc.
Why: quick access to more info without the need to write anything down or grab a flyer.

If you own a smartphone you'll need an application to scan a QR Code. Follow these steps:

- Using your phone, open your web browser
- Type in "QR Reader" and the model of your phone.
- Pick an application and install it.
- Open the application, take a photo of the code to the left and you will be led to the url.

Some Extras:
- Create a QR Code for your company website or social media site instantly and for free by clicking here.

- If you don’t own a smartphone but have stumbled upon a QR Code on the internet and are curious to see what the code contains, break the code by clicking here.

I’ve always been turned off by smartphones because everyone who has one seems to always be on it. But I've read a lot of articles for marketing strategy services and started realizing that I was loosing touch with how marketing was evolving. It’s important to see the ‘good’ power these phones have on how people make purchases, get product information, and communicate. Don’t let them scare or overwhelm you.