Lately I have been doing a lot of research for a client on QR codes and whether or not they are worth the time and money. This is a huge debate among marketers. Some love them and swear by them and others feel that their money can be better spent elsewhere. Based on my research, here is the rundown of how QR codes in marketing fair in the grand scheme of things:

What is a QR Code?

Similar to a bar code, a QR Code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. QR Codes can hold a larger amount of information than its bar code predecessor.

When a user scans them with a specially downloaded mobile app, QR Codes will direct them to a specific place is the digital realm (to a website, document, form, etc.).

You may have seen these codes out in the wild. For example they've been used on signs at the zoo, Taco Bell cups, and by realtors to help sell homes.

Usage of QR Codes

The numbers are staggering when it comes to the statistics of QR Code usability:

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