Field Guide to QR Codes

(Updated April 2015)

Have you noticed black and white squares on advertising, in magazines, on business cards, or on yard signs? Created in Japan in 1994, Best Buy, Ralph Lauren, and movie advertising are using QR codes to connect with customers. Find out how to generate a QR Code, download the QR Code on your smartphone, and then read the information. In this updated Field Guide, learn about QR (Quick Response) codes, why they are a new form of mobile advertising, and how they can be used to market and sell real estate. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)


Featured Video​

Source: QR code helping sell homes, (WILX, Sept. 30, 2014).


Introduction to QR Codes

Whatever happened to the QR code?, (Real Business, Nov. 17, 2014).

Could QR codes make a comeback?, (Business2Community, Oct. 10, 2014).

Are QR codes dead?, (Hubspot, Aug. 14, 2014).

QR codes and 2D barcodes, (Explain That Stuff!, June 30, 2014).

Does anyone actually use QR codes anymore?, (ActiveRain, May 6, 2014).

Introduction to QR codes, (Social Media Quickstarter, 2014).


QR Codes and Real Estate

10 ways busy realtors can engage potential buyers using QR codes, (Scanova, Oct. 27, 2014).

QR codes for real estate signs: an effective tool for home buyers or a marketing fad?, (AZ Golf Homes, Oct. 22, 2014).

What Is a QR Code?, (Ohio Real Estate Guys, June 12, 2014).

Z57 reviews indicate using QR Codes for real estate marketing ups lead generation, (Z57, June 21, 2012).

Effective campaigning with QR codes, (ActiveRain, May 14, 2012).

Use real estate QR codes to boost website traffic, (Real Inventive, Jan. 20, 2012).

How to market your small business with QR codes, (RealTown, Jan. 19, 2012).

How are you using QR codes?, (REALTOR® Magazine, Apr. 2011).

The truth about QR codes, (RISMedia, Feb. 8, 2011).


QR Code Readers, Generators

Best QR Readers, (cellphone-barcode.com, n.d.).

Kaywa, (qrcode.kaywa.com, n.d.).

The Kaywa generator, (kaywa.com, n.d.).

The Kaywa reader, (kaywa.com, n.d.).

QR jumps, (QR Jumps, n.d.).

Visual QR Code Generator, (Visualead, n.d.).


Research on Your Own

Information Savvy!

Many websites, such as Wikipedia, can be great resources to quickly get oriented on a subject before conducting more in depth research. However, anyone in the world can create and maintain a website or write a seemingly legitimate article and may, intentionally or unintentionally, publish false or “misinformation.” When reviewing information on the Internet, you should always consider the ABC’s:

  • Accuracy. Is the information accurate? Can you confirm the same information using other resources published by a different author or organization?
  • Author. Who composed the information? Can you easily identify the author and contact the author or website publisher?
  • Bias. What bias might the author or author organization have?
  • Credibility. What is the author’s or author organization’s credentials for publishing the information? What expertise, experience, or education does the author have in this area that makes him or her qualified to write on the subject matter?
  • Currency. When was the web page last updated? Is it possible the information might have changed since this web page was last published?
  • Critical eye! Remember to always use your discretion and critical eye to determine whether information you find on the web (or even in books and news sources!) is trustworthy. Putting websites to the ABC test will get you started in developing a strong critical eye.

eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

301 Ways to Use Social Media to Boost Your Marketing (Adobe eReader)

Managing Brand You (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

The Marketing Plan (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

The Marketing Plan Handbook (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

The New Handshake (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

The New Rules of Marketing and PR (Adobe eReader)

Social Media Marketing for Dummies (Kindle, Adobe eReader)

Social Media for Business (Adobe eReader)


Field Guides & More

These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.

Notice: The information on this page may not be current. The archive is a collection of content previously published on one or more NAR web properties. Archive pages are not updated and may no longer be accurate. Users must independently verify the accuracy and currency of the information found here. The National Association of REALTORS® disclaims all liability for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information or data found on this page.

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