Have you ever used QR codes?  They’re popping up, more and more, and I’m sure my older kids have used them; but until this week, I hadn’t had much personal experience with them.  Since I only just switched to a smart phone, two weeks ago, I really hadn’t paid much attention to QR codes, their uses or potential.  This week, I am EXCITED to finally understand what they are and how much they can do for businesses and bloggers, like me.  I’m sure the applications will be limitless as we see the technology grow, but for now, I am really  tickled to be able to add a custom QR code to my business cards.  Why would that be helpful?

Well, using the easy, customizable service at QRt.co allowed me to quickly design a QR code for my blog.  The code is scannable with a simple app on a smartphone (I have four different apps on my phone, that are capable of scanning QR codes — QR Barcode Scanner, QR Droid, ScanLife and Norton Snap.  I’ve used all of them with no difficulty.) and is programmed to open the Busy-at-Home blog page when it is scanned.  That means anyone holding my business card will be able to simply scan the QR code and go directly to my site, rather than opening their phone’s browser and having to type in the web address.  So, cool!!!  I love technology.

Busy-at-Home's custom QR Code can be resized to fit whatever I'm printing it on.

Business cards aren’t the only place you’ll see QR codes.  I imagine you’ll see them popping up on tote bags, t-shirts, pens, magnets, notepads, etc.  The applications for advertising are pretty much limitless.  But, more than that, they are a great way to compact information into a small space and I think THAT is a concept that is only, just now, starting to be tapped.  As an example, some stores in our area, are working in cooperation with school systems to display a QR code, in their Back-to-School departments, that contains the school’s list of required student supplies for this new school year.  Parents simply use their phone to scan the code and then the document is automatically loaded into their phones and they have the list handy while they shop.   Genius!

The front of my business cards.

The back of my business cards. This is the perfect tool for the upcoming BlogHer 12 conference, I will attend in August! (P.S. If you have a QR code reader app on your smartphone, give this one a scan. You'll be reading the latest Busy-at-Home posts in a matter of seconds!) :)

The best part about making a QR code at QRt.co is that it is so personalized to me. My code actually has the Busy-at-Home logo incorporated into it, rather than looking like every other generic QR code out there.  I also could have linked the code to my Facebook page or Twitter account, my Linked In profile or my phone number.  It could even be coded to send a text message or an email.  There are so many exciting potential uses for these codes and  I’m sure we will continue to see their use expanded.

The QRt.co custom QR Code generator is super easy to use.  Just register a login and then select option 2 (Customized QR code).  It’s only $9.95 to have a completely personal code customized for you and I had mine designed and printed in less than five minutes! QRt.co also offers a FREE QR code generator that produces a basic QR code with no customization, other than color, but can still be linked to your choice of any of the items I mentioned, above.  Go check them out and explore the possibilities.  You’ll feel so “techy” and “in the know”.  :)  You can keep up on all the latest news from QRt.co by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter.

I received a custom QRt.co product in exchange for my honest opinion through Blog Friendly PR, no monetary compensation was received.  As with all Busy-at-Home reviews, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.