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I’m intrigued by QR codes.  More and more you see this new breed of barcode-esque puzzle showing up in magazines and on signs in stores.  If you don’t know how they work, here’s a quick explanation:  There are apps for smart phones that let you take a picture of a QR code, which in turn direct you to a website, video or something online.  It’s basically the equivalent of using a URL link.

The one you see in this post is one I created for Church Juice.  I used a web program called Kaywa to generate it.  The process was super simple and you can link it to any URL you want.  This one just goes to the Church Juice home page and will probably eventually be used in some marketing materials we have.

There are a couple of reasons why I like QR codes.

First, they quickly get information to people.  Instead of having to carry around a piece of paper with a web address, someone can just scan the code and have it on their mobile phone.  Let’s say you want people to sign up for VBS online.  Put a QR code in the worship folder, then link directly to the sign up page.  Or let’s say you’re getting ready to start a small group curriculum.  You could use a QR code that links to a promotional video of the curriculum to give people a preview of what to expect.  These are just a couple of examples and I’m sure you can think of more creative uses.

Second, since this is a new technology, I think right now people are more willing to give it a try.  If they’re seeing this new type of thing around in more places, it’s intriguing.  If you make it a good experience for them, they’ll likely buy in to use it again in the future.

If you decide to use QR codes, know that they probably won’t be useful for everyone.  Also, if you use a QR code in printed material, it may be good to include a quick explanation next to code saying how it works.  It’s new, so people may need a little guidance. While you probably can’t promote something by using a QR code alone, know that it’s a great added feature for those people in your congregation who are tech savvy. 

It’s still a little early to know if this is a technology that will really catch on.  My guess is it will be.  Mobile technology is becoming the new norm and this is an easy way for people to get info easily.  And it will be evolving, too.  Google is already testing it’s Google Goggles ads.  I’ve seen a car ad in a magazine that had a little Google Goggles logo on the page.  If you take a picture of the add using the Goggles app, it will direct you to a website that’s linked to the picture.  Pretty cool stuff that’s coming your way soon.

Are you using QR codes?  How are they working?  How have you used them?