These are those really funny looking bar codes that seem almost 2-dimensional in appearance.  They were developed by a Japanese company that was looking for a quick way to provide users with URLs and other simple coded information.  By combining this technology with the latest smart phones, advertisers have found they have a new and effective way to provide their potential clients with information.  Learning effective ways to use QR codes for small business owners can help even those with small marketing budgets take advantage of this exciting new technology.

Let's take a few minutes to consider how the two technologies work together with a real world example.  A small business owner regularly advertises their business in a local circular.  They also have a website, but it isn't generating traffic effectively. They create a QR code for inclusion in the next circular ad.  A reader, who is interested in the product, takes a snap shot of the code with their smart phone and is instantly directed to the website.  Simple and easy - adding the code to the advertisement quickly impacted the number of visitors the website received.

We must next ask ourselves how can effectively utilize QR codes to advertise small businesses.  The reality is that any piece of print media can be used to advertise with a QR code.  Examples include billboards, magazines, signage, circulars, and programs - basically any place that a business owner can purchase ad space will work effectively. The good news is there are several excellent QR code generators that provide small business owners with the unique code they need and including one in a print ad is no more expensive than using that space to include a piece of text.

As more and more people make the move to smart phones, this technology will become more important and an integral part of all successful marketing plans. Those who choose to integrate the technology into their marketing plans today will have the edge on those who wait. The truth is the QR code is an effective method of advertising for any size business and small business owners would do well to begin utilizing this new technology today. It is quickly revolutionizing the way we advertise and promote our businesses and should not be overlooked or discarded as unimportant.