QR Codes: Enter the Matrix

<---- You've seen them. I know you've seen them. You know? Those little pixelated barcode-looking thingies? Yeah, they're called QR Codes and are popping up everywhere!! Online...in magazines...in marketing materials. If you are not familiar with them, then it's time for you to enter the matrix.

QR, aka "Quick Response", is a 2-D barcode that can be decoded by QR readers and various cell phone apps. With the appropriate techie tools, you can use them to generate coding for text, URLs, phone numbers, email addys, calendar events, geographical location, and more. But you're probably wondering what QR can do for you, huh? Well, here are a few ideas:

• Take people to your website address.
• Offer a discount to customers.
• Help customers pinpoint your physical location.
• Spread the word about upcoming events.
• Create opportunities for mobile marketing (SMS).

Understand that QR codes are not a "be all, end all" solution, but they will help draw in some of your more tech-savvy customers. And who knows...between Facebook, Twitter and blogging, those customers might help spread the word faster than Underdog can save Sweet Polly!! ;)