So what is a QR code anyway?

A Quick Response or QR code (pictured to the left) is basically a bar code, but has two great advantages over standard bar codes: it can store much more data—including links, map coordinates, and text—and instead of needing a bar code scanner, all you need is a QR code reader on your camera phone, making it a much more mobile option. And since most cell phones these days have a camera, just about anyone can take advantage of them; all you need to do is download a QR code reader for your phone and scan the QR code, and the phone reads the data (for info on QR code readers, see the Extra Credit! section below).

How do you make a QR code?

Creating a QR code is easy and—if you use a QR code generator like Kaywa (http://qrcode.kaywa.com/) or BeQRious (www.beqrious.com/generator)—it won't cost you anything. Simply enter the URL, geo coordinates, text, phone number, or text message and generate. Then store the image as a .png or .gif to use wherever you’d like.

4 Great Ways to Use a QR Code in Your Publication

1) Spotlight an advertiser of the week/month. Add a QR code for the business’ Seek And Find listing to your spotlight, and members not only know the business supports their publication, but they can instantly find out contact information about the business by scanning the QR code.

2) Use less space in your publication. Maybe your church or organization is holding a fund-raising benefit or special lecture series or community meeting—as much as you’d like to take up a page (or more!) in the bulletin or newsletter highlighting this event, space is at a premium. So, stick to just the essential info, and include a QR code to link to the event’s URL where your members can find out more information.

3) Link to your donation page. Many members prefer to donate online—it’s easy, secure, and one less check to write.

4) Link to your own Seek And Find listing. There members can sign up to receive an e-mail each time a new publication is posted.

One caveat, though—in order for a QR code to print clearly enough on a bulletin for a reader to scan it, the code must be at least 3/8" x 3/8" in size.

Extra Credit! Want to see a QR code in action? The QR code images pictured in this newsletter are real QR codes—and if you scan the large one above with your smartphone you'll find it takes you to a familiar blog...

If you need to download a code reader for your phone, there are several no-cost and low-cost options; this link gives several options for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows phones: www.708media.com/qrcode/qr-code-readers-iphone-android-blackberry-windows-phone-7/.

See more 5-minute tutorials in the Seek And Find FIVE archives.