There has been a lot of talk lately about a nifty new marketing gizmo called a QR codes.  They seem to be popping up everywhere.  So just what is a QR code?  Well, to put it really simply, it's this...

This crazy looking little square is really pretty nifty.  Any smart phone toting individual can simply scan this little box with their smart phone app and immediately be taken to the associated website.  I don't know if you have been in Best Buy recently, but they have these little codes on nearly every price tag in the store.  Just scan it with your smartphone and you are immediately taken to all the specs and info about the item that is available on their website.  Lots more information than is printed on the box or tag itself.

So, what can a real estate agent do with a QR code?  We have been placing them on the sign riders for the single property websites.  Drive-by home buyers can scan the code right there on the yard sign.  Immediately, they have photos, a virtual tour and information about the home.  And most importantly, information about the real estate agent and a link to the agent's website.  It could even be linked to the agents tour gallery, allowing the buyer to see other homes in Shreveport / Bossier that the agent has listed.

But it's not just for yard signs.  It can be used just about anywhere that a quick link to a website or information is wanted.  Places like newspaper or magazine ads, facebook page, flyers.  Just use your imagination.

So what about this app?  It is available in your app store.  Just search for QR code readers.  There are several options.  I have ScanLife.  It works great and is available for free in the Android market.  It is also available in the Blackberry market and probably for iphone as well.

Now try it out!  Grab your phone and scan the code above.  Scanning codes really kinda fun, like an Easter egg hunt.  You get curious what is on the other end of those crazy little squares.