QR code and practical use in Kenya

What are QR codes

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone or other mobile devices. They were invented in 1994 by a Japanese company named Denso Wave to track vehicles during manufacturing, and they became popular for use in consumer applications in the 2010s.

QR codes are made up of a square grid of black and white modules, which can store large amounts of data. When a QR code is scanned, the information contained in the code is quickly decoded and displayed on the user’s device.

QR codes can be used for a variety of purposes, including product information, coupons and promotions, event registration, mobile payments, and social media connections. They provide a quick and convenient way for customers to access information and interact with businesses and organizations.

QR codes can be generated for free using a QR code generator and can be printed on a variety of surfaces, including packaging, posters, flyers, and business cards. They have become a popular marketing tool for businesses and organizations to engage with their customers and increase their online presence.

How to use QR code for marketing in Kenya

QR (Quick Response) codes can be an effective marketing tool as they provide a quick and convenient way for customers to access your product or service information. Here are some ways to use QR codes in marketing:

1. Product information: QR codes can be placed on product packaging, posters or brochures to provide customers with more information about the product. This can include product features, reviews, or other related content.
2. Coupons and promotions: QR codes can be used to offer discounts, promotional codes, or exclusive deals to customers. This can encourage customers to make a purchase or visit your store.
3. Event registration: QR codes can be used for event registration, allowing customers to quickly and easily sign up for events by scanning the code.
4. Social media: QR codes can be used to connect customers to your social media pages, such as Facebook or Instagram, allowing them to easily follow your business and stay up-to-date on your latest news and promotions.
5. Mobile payments: QR codes can be used to facilitate mobile payments, making it easier for customers to pay for products or services using their mobile devices.

When using QR codes in marketing, it’s important to ensure that the code is easy to scan and that it leads to relevant and valuable content. Additionally, it’s important to promote the QR code and its benefits to customers to encourage them to use it.

How to generate QR codes

You can generate QR codes easily and for free using a variety of online QR code generators. Here’s how:

1. Choose a QR code generator: There are many QR code generators available online. Some popular options include QR Code Generator, QR Stuff, and QR Code Monkey. Choose one that suits your needs and is easy to use.
2. Select the type of content: Decide what type of content you want to link to the QR code. This can include a website URL, text, a phone number, an email address, or a social media profile.
3. Enter the content: Enter the content you want to link to the QR code into the QR code generator. This may involve entering a URL, text, or other information.
4. Customize the QR code: Many QR code generators allow you to customize the look of your QR code. You can choose the color, shape, and design of the code to match your brand or marketing materials.
5. Download and print the QR code: Once you’ve created your QR code, you can download it in a variety of formats, including PNG, SVG, or PDF. You can then print the code on marketing materials, such as flyers, business cards, or product packaging.

It’s important to test your QR code before using it to make sure that it works correctly and leads to the desired content. You can test your QR code by scanning it using a smartphone or other mobile device with a QR code reader app.

Types of QR codes: static and dynamic.

Static QR codes are fixed and contain a predetermined amount of data. Once a static QR code is generated, its content cannot be changed. This means that if you want to update the information contained in a static QR code, you need to generate a new code and replace the old one. Static QR codes are typically used for simple applications such as linking to a website or displaying contact information.

You can use a static QR code to link to a website or other online content that can be updated dynamically, effectively making it behave like a dynamic QR code.Even though the QR code is static, the content it links to (in this case, your website) can be updated dynamically, allowing you to change the information or content without having to generate a new QR code.

It’s important to note, however, that this approach does have some limitations. For example, if you need to change the content of the QR code to link to a different website or type of content, you will still need to generate a new QR code.

Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, allow you to change the content of the code even after it has been generated. This is because the content of a dynamic QR code is stored on a server, and the QR code itself only contains a link to that server. This means that if you need to update the information contained in a dynamic QR code, you can simply update the content on the server and the QR code will automatically display the updated information. Dynamic QR codes are typically used for more complex applications such as marketing campaigns, event registration, or inventory management.

Dynamic QR codes offer a number of advantages over static QR codes. For example, they can provide more detailed analytics, allowing you to track how many times the code has been scanned, when and where it was scanned, and other information. They also allow you to create more customized experiences for users, such as displaying different content based on the user’s location or language preferences. However, dynamic QR codes may require a subscription to a service that provides the server to store and manage the content.

How to scan QR codes in Kenya

Scanning QR codes in Kenya is similar to scanning QR codes in other countries. Technology has standardized our day to day tools. Here are the steps you can follow to scan a QR code in Kenya:

1. Install a QR code scanner app on your smartphone: There are many free QR code scanner apps available on both the App Store (for iOS devices) and Google Play Store (for Android devices). You can search for “QR code scanner” in the app store and choose one that has good ratings and reviews.
2. Open the QR code scanner app: Launch the QR code scanner app on your smartphone.
3. Point your smartphone camera at the QR code: Hold your smartphone up to the QR code so that the code is in the center of the screen.
4. Wait for the scanner app to detect the QR code: The scanner app will automatically detect the QR code and display the information or content contained in the code.
5. Follow the instructions: Depending on the type of QR code you have scanned, you may be directed to a website, app, or other online content. Follow the instructions to access the content.

It’s important to note that some QR codes may not be safe to scan, as they can lead to malicious websites or other harmful content. Always be cautious when scanning QR codes and only scan codes from sources you trust.