In this day and age, many people can argue that the use of business cards are dead and over. It is believed that the likes of LinkedIn and other contact management apps have rendered them obsolete. However, studies show that business cards are more popular than ever. How is this possible? Well, one way is by sprucing up your business card by adding a QR code! Not sure what a QR code is? Let me explain.
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be personally designed to hold a variety of information; from addresses to websites, their uses are potentially infinite. Smart phones, Androids, iOs and tablets can scan the QR code with a QR Reader app and store the information into their device. This makes it convenient and easy for your networks to locate your information, but beyond that, it makes you memorable. It gives your business card that “wow” factor. Some people include a PDF version of their resume, others include links to LinkedIn or other related professional social media site.
To generate your own personal QR codes for your business cards, resumes or any other professional needs, check out the following two websites:
This QR Code Generator is easy to use and allows you to customize your QR Codes with text, URLs, contact information, phone numbers and SMSs. The site also gives you options of saving, sharing, and modifying the QR code.
This QR Code Generator allows you to do more than the previous QR Code generator, not only can you customize your QR Codes with Text, URLs, Contact Information, Phone Numbers and SMSs, but there are also options for e-mails, map locations and wifi information. The site also give you options of downloading and embedding images, as well as modifying the QR code look.
QR codes can be added on any part of your business cards, front or back, for that dynamic touch. See examples below:
When creating a QR code, create one that works for you, your audience, and your business card template. Do not make the code too small or with light colors, or it will be difficult to hard to scan. Also keep in consideration that some people or employers may still not fully understand QR Codes, so be prepared to answer questions if they arise.
Featured photo credit: Paul Wilkinson via flickr.com
