Yes, believe it or not, this picture IS worth a thousand words…give or take! What do you see when you look at this image? Is it an inkblot test, a complicated maze, or a pacman video game screen shot? Guess again! This image is, in fact, a link to the Lois Schneider Realtor mobile website!
Pretty cool, huh!
This image is known as a “QR” Code (“QR” stands for Quick Response). Allan Hoffman of the Star Ledger provides this quick explanation for the quick response code. “It’s essentially a special type of square bar code in a matrix with other squares, like those on display here. But rather than being used by retailers to scan items at checkout, like other barcodes, QR codes are for your own use, with a camera-equipped mobile phone. By using an application known as a QR code reader on your phone, you’re able to scan a code with your phone’s camera, and then view a website, text or contact information.”
Now that you know what it is, expect to see them everywhere! QR codes are now featured on packaging, print ads, billboards and t-shirts. They are a fun, free, “quick” way to send mobile phone users to more detailed information about your business and your product. QR codes can be linked to websites, informational flyers, movie previews, restaurant menus…EVEN a photo slide show of a real estate listing. The information can be stored on your phone, which eliminates the need to write down or remember website addresses, phone numbers, etc. It’s all right there at your fingertips! There are many options for QR readers for your smartphone. According to Hoffman, NeoReader (for the iPhone) and Barcode Scanner (for the Android) are popular choices. And you can generate your own QR code at www.qrcode.kaywa.com!
So point, shoot, and let these cool little pictures open a link to a world of words about your business!
Lois Schneider Realtor's Blog 