Maximum exposure is something that all companies strive for when developing a marketing strategy. On printed advertising products, when maximum exposure is combined with attention grabbing design then conversion rates are likely to improve. With the current trend in smart phone and mobile technology increasing by the day, the potential for an even greater reach becomes possible with the right tools. One of those tools is called a QR code, and by adding it to your printed business cards, direct mail postcards, full-color door hangers or virtually any printed object, you can bring your marketing efforts to life and extend the impact it delivers.

The term QR code is the short form for Quick Response code and you have undoubtedly seen them in several places (visit Wikipedia for a full description). QR codes function in much the same way as standard barcodes work for retail products, however instead of being a linear one-dimensional code, a QR code is a 2D matrix that can hold thousands of characters of information. Once the QR code is scanned by an iPhone, Android or any other camera-enabled Smartphone, it essentially becomes an image-based hyperlink that can unlock a world of possibilities and deliver your message.

One common use for QR codes is to redirect to a specific URL, for example a landing page on a company's website. That’s just scratching the surface to the number of ways that printed QR codes can be beneficial for any business. For example, on a custom business card they can contain contact information that can be immediately transferred to another phone and saved for future use. Or they can contain a link that can take you to a URL that allows you to join a mailing list or complete a purchase. Also, when added to standard postcard printing or a trifold brochure, a QR code can link directly to digital content on the web that can reinforce your call-to-action.

In fact, the QR code itself actually becomes the call-to-action because it practically begs to be scanned!! The possibilities are nearly endless and are limited only by imagination and creativity.

From movie trailers, music downloads, and money-saving coupons to phone numbers, text messages and much more - QR codes allow you to connect to people and build your network quicker than ever.

Before you can begin adding printed QR codes to business cards, custom door hangers and full-color flyers the code itself needs to be generated. Fortunately, there are several free sites on the web that can be used to generate QR codes. A quick Google search will offer many choices. To generate the codes shown above, Printing Solutions used Kaywa for excellent results.

Our high quality business cards, printed brochures, custom postcards and other products can all be designed to include your QR codes. At Printing Solutions, our design team can make sure your QR code is properly displayed to deliver maximum impact and ensure that your brand continues to grow.