Technology has changed the way people consume information and as an author, you need to acknowledge and embrace this change, especially if you are writing for the younger generation. One sure way to embrace this change is by using QR codes.

What Is A QR Code?

A QR code is an abbreviation for Quick Response Code which is a two-dimensional barcode. A barcode is an optical label used to store information about a particular item onto which it is attached. A QR code is used to store information used for item identification, product tracking, data management, and marketing through a URL in the QR code.

A QR code makes your books more interactive and gives your reader an opportunity to explore your work further. It enables you to send your reader to a URL of your choosing from where they can access a variety of options including discounts, images, videos, quizzes, polls etc.

Instead of using the more bulky barcode scanner used for standard barcodes, with QR codes one only needs a smartphone to access the information and explore the author's world.

How To Use QR Codes In Your Book

Because of their ability to store more data, QR codes, when utilized well, are much more useful than standard barcodes. This makes them an amazing way to generate interaction with your readers and market your work even beyond the particular book carrying the code. 

Encouraging Readers To Review Your Book: A Rating QR code enables readers to review the book the moment they are done reading it. Many readers are always too lazy to write a review even when they enjoyed the book, but with a little encouragement, they will do it. Use a QR code to direct them to your review page.

Marketing: QR codes are a very effective marketing tool. With a URL in the QR code, you can direct your readers to particular pages where they can access information like coupons, discounts, additional product information, enter competitions, take part in polls and make a purchase.

Social Media Interaction: Use QR codes to direct readers to your social media pages where they can interact with you and other fans of your work. Social media is very effective in creating a fan base. You should not miss out on any chance to grow your network of fans.

Explanatory Videos: This is especially important if you are writing a technical book but can also be used for others. Use QR codes to direct readers to videos. The videos will make your books more refreshing and help your readers internalize the information better.

Online Photo Galleries: Photos make a book more interesting to read but they also take up too much space. Instead of making your book unnecessarily lengthy, store all your images online and use a QR code to direct your readers to the gallery. With an online photo gallery, you have enough space to show more photos than would fit in the book and to leave them in full color. 

Market Analysis: QR codes provide immediate data that you can use for ongoing market analysis and other purposes.