QR codes and geotagging (using QR code location) are two of the biggest buzzwords in digital marketing. The potential to connect your physical business with customers who pull out their smartphones at the angle needed to read a particular QR code is enticing, but only if you do it right.
Reaching your target audience has never been easier, thanks to the advent of QR codes and geotagging. But how do these two technologies work? And how can you use them to reach more potential customers?
If you want to learn more about this marketing trend, the rest of this guide is for you.
What Is A QR Code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode (or matrix code) readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of coloured modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.
The QR code is simply a 2D barcode containing data or information in memory or QR code location, size, proportion, bandwidth level and timing pattern, as well as text. It can store 70% more information than other barcode types.
The two-dimensional nature of the QR code also allows it to be scanned in directions that traditional one-dimensional barcodes cannot.
What Is Geotagging?
Geotagging is generally a piece of software that automatically records the latitude and longitude of a digital image. From there, you can attach geographically significant data to the file. When the file is uploaded to a website, web page, or blog, the tagged location is visible on the page.
Geotagging QR codes (or QR code location) is gaining popularity for pinpointing your physical location in a matter of seconds. With this technology, you can be on a web page and locate yourself to an address by scanning a QR code.
Geotagging is indeed an evolving trend as it not only serves its purpose as a way to make your QR code more functional but also helps you gain trust and make your business more credible.
Why Use A QR Code for Geotagging (QR Code Location)
- Using QR code location is an easy and inexpensive way to get the word out about your business. You can place them on any size of paper or sign and use them in any environment, from a website to a large billboard.
- QR codes are more versatile than other options for geotagging because they can be used in many ways. They can be placed on posters, magazines, advertisements and even clothing.
- They are used for geotagging because they are small and easy to scan with a mobile device. They also contain much more data than an image file itself, so a large amount of information can be stored in them easily.
How To Geotag Your Content
1. Open your Google Maps app and scroll down until you see “Your Timeline.” This is where all your photos and videos will be stored once they’ve been uploaded from your phone or camera roll.
2. Tap “Create new post” at the top left corner of the screen and select “Photo” or “Video.” You can also select an existing post if you already have one saved in your timeline that you want to add geotagging information too!
3. Next, tap on “Insert/Edit” and click where it says “Location” under the photo/video section.
How To Use A QR Code?
QR codes are barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone. They are found in magazines, on billboards and other places where you may find them. When you scan a QR code with your smartphone, it will take you to a website or perform an action.
You can create a QR code location using the barcode scanner app on your iPhone or Android device (as explained above). Once you have created your QR code, you can share it with others who have smartphones so they can scan it too.
Scanning QR Code
On an iPhone: Open the Camera app and point it at the code. The camera will automatically scan it.
On an Android Device: Open the camera and select Google Lens, the URL will be displayed on the screen and just click it.
Using QR Codes Effectively
Here are some tips for using QR codes effectively:
1. Make sure the image is clearly visible and has good contrast against its background.
2. Make sure your QR code is large enough for your audience to easily scan it with their phones’ cameras.
3. Include a URL (or QR code location) that leads directly to a landing page with more information about what’s behind the code.
4. Place the code where people will see it (not buried in an email or ad).
Different usage of QR Codes
There are several other usage of QR codes. Here are some:
Business Cards
Business cards are one of the most important tools for networking with other people in your industry. If you have one printed with a QR code (with QR code location) on it, people will be able to scan it into their phones. In this way, they can immediately connect with you online without having to write down an email address, phone number or address details.
Fleet Management
Trucking companies use QR code location and geotagging technology to help track their fleet of vehicles. The codes can be placed on the side of each vehicle and scanned when the company wants to collect data about them.
Marketing Campaigns
You can use QR codes to promote your products or services in any number of ways. You can have them on billboards, flyers, or even on t-shirts.
Shopping
QR codes can also be used when shopping at stores that have mobile apps. If you have a smartphone with an app on it that allows you to scan barcodes, then you can use this app to scan any QR code that is displayed at a store location. This will allow you to access special discounts, coupons, or offers that are only available through these types of programs.
Product Packaging
You can also use QR codes inside of your product packaging to link customers directly to your website or social media pages. In this way, they can find out more about the product they just bought.
Conclusion
QR code location and geotagging, both technologies have the same goal: to allow someone to find out more information about a place when they scan with their smartphone.
If you’re in the business of marketing, or in many aspects, working and taking pictures, then you should know the basics of QR code location technology and Geotagging. In this article, we have covered what they are, what is the purpose of them, and how to use them.
Both QR code location and Geotagging technology can be used to improve a business or add value to your branding efforts.