Rock The Vote recently launched their Scan To Vote campaign to register 1.5 million voters using T-shirts printed with QR codes!
When a someone scans the QR code on their friend’s cool looking t-shirt, they go to a website where they can register to vote!
Joe Waters has already written a few times about how organizations are using QR codes to raise more money. And later this afternoon, you’ll read a post by Margie about how NOT to use QR codes.
If you missed those, go back and read them (and subscribe so you don’t miss future awesomeness from this blog).
4 QR Code Tools That Will Make You Actually Like QR Codes
Joe and Margie already covered the basics of QR codes. Even so, you still might be wondering how to create a QR code, or get started.
Here are four tools to help you get started with QR codes:
1. Kaywa
Kawya allows you to create customized QR codes that can link to a URL, text, phone number, or SMS. Their paid service includes analytics.
To create a QR code with Kaywa, simply enter your URL, text, phone number, or SMS; click generate; and then copy the code or save the image (as shown below).
2. Bit.Ly
This website is the most popular URL shortener on the planet. But did you know you can also create QR codes with Bit.ly?
All you need to do is add “.qr” after a shortened link, paste that link into a new browser tab and save the QR code to your desktop (as shown below).
3. Microsoft Tag
This is another free option, but what makes it different is that you can create a color QR code. It’s free version also includes some analytics. The downside with Microsoft Tag is that you have to create a MSN account.
4. Scan
Once you create a QR code, you obviously want to test it to see how (and if) it works. Scan is one of the best smart phone apps that will read QR codes. There’s an iPhone version and an Android version.
Win a free copy of QR Codes for Dummies!
These are four tools I’ve found useful, but surely you have something to add. Leave your brilliant idea in the comments, and I’ll randomly select one commenter to receive a copy of Joe Waters’ book, QR Codes for Dummies.
What QR tool do you use?
http://goo.gl/uFpUX
http://www.unitaglive.com/qrcode
I’ve used Kaywa – but lately it doesn’t seem to keep the design of the webpage intact.
RedLaser works well for me.
TrynnnnYou can share QR codes with your friends & also find probably the best QR Scanner for your Device
I’m just getting into QR codes and can see a lot of benefit for nonprofits – like the one I work for! Off to see how to best use it.
these are real quality leads!
I like using QR codes to connect static stories or teasers in print materials to short YouTube videos. I think it helps by making a standard piece of collateral a bit more dynamic. As a nonprofit, using this strategy allows us to share testimonials and ‘impact in action’ instead of still lifes. It’s a good way to get digital media in front of those people who aren’t on your email list.
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As an organization that trains service dogs, we have a small QR sticker with our contact info on the back of our dogs collar, as well as all the other id ‘stuff’ (tags, microchips). We want someone to see it and scan it quickly if they were to find it running loose so we can get it back to it’s disabled owner right away. Typically only veteranarians or shleters have microchip scanners…but more and more folks have a QR reader on their smartphone! Our dogs also have a supply of business cards in their vests..the back of the cards have a QR that takes the reader to our GiveMN donate page. One more thing – QR codes are so “cutting edge” that simply curiousty gets some folks to scan it and maybe use it!