QR Codes What are they What are they

QR Codes What are they? What are they used for? How they are being used with the South Gloucestershire in the First World War project Memorials Website How to create a QR code Presentation by Cherry Hubbard January 2018

What is a QR Code? • QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it into your mobile. • For example, if you scan a QR code in a magazine advert then the website for that company comes up straight away on your device instead of having to use a search engine.

How do I get a QR code on my phone and how do I read one? • There is a QR app which you can install on your smart phone by going to the ‘app store’ • Open the QR code reader app installed on your device • Scan the QR code by lining it up inside the window on your screen. • The barcode is decoded on your device and specific instructions are sent to the app for appropriate action. e. g. opening a specific website.

Where can you use a QR code for your business? A QR code can be used on any publicity, from leaflets to t-shirts anywhere you think it might be useful to attract your audience to your website for the information they require.

Advantages of QR codes • In a heritage context a QR code can attract a different audience than those that would normally be interested in heritage. • Probably a new heritage audience who is media savvy and likes instant information. 94% of users use their smart phones to access information. • It will give a positive, up to date impression of the Museum. • They don’t have to write down a web address or phone number. It makes it easy for the audience to find the information. • It can be used to highlight particular things, like exhibitions or particular places.

Disadvantages of using a QR code • The other side of the coin is that it is designed for use with modern technology and if the audience do not have a mobile device or smart phone then it is useless to them. • So a QR code should be looked at as just one of the useful tools now available to us as part of a marketing plan. • Be aware that certain permissions are needed to put QR codes in certain public places.

Planning • First set up your website with all the information clearly available. • Decide where you would like to position The QR codes • Gain permissions if necessary – War Memorials are listed. • Other interested parties – parish council – highways – etc. • Set up site meetings • Get approval for final decisions • Create code • Install • Publicise

How to generate QR codes • Select a QR code generator • Design and link up • Test the QR code • Track and analyse the performance QR codes can be done in a choice of colours and designs and can even have a logo embedded in them.

Advice on how to position QR codes • Put QR codes where scanning is easy • Make sure the webpage they are going to gives a good mobile friendly experience. • Do include user instructions by your code, not every one knows what they are. • Make sure you choose one that can be read universally. • Make sure you are using it in the right place.

• Name War Memorial • Scan this code to find out more about the people who died in the First and Second World Wars who are named on this war memorial • Code • • • Link to web site With thanks to add names

Scan this code to find out which memorial it is from