A few weeks ago I received a rather large envelope from Google congratulating me on being considered a “favorite place on Google.” That’s all very nice, but I know well enough that I serve a very niche audience. I do appreciate the kind words though

A few weeks ago I received a rather large envelope from Google congratulating me on being considered a “favorite place on Google.” That’s all very nice, but I know well enough that I serve a very niche audience. I do appreciate the kind words though.

The envelope contained a decal that I could place on the window of my business. Since Big Heart Design is run from my converted garage and my wife wouldn’t appreciate me placing the decal on our front door, I’m left appreciating my decal alone.

Here's a QR Code that you can try scanning. Visit http://qrapp.com/ and download the app to your iPhone.

I was fascinated to find that Google had emblazoned a strange bar code on my new decal. This very Orwellian code of course sent me to Google to learn more. Once again, feeling like the last guy to know, I learned that Google had stamped my decal with a QR code. The “QR” acronym stands for “Quick Response.” Widely used in Japan, QR codes store bits of information like serial numbers or in this case, a URL web address. To read the code, it requires that you snap a photo using a smart phone like an iPhone, Android, etc. In my case, I downloaded the QR App to my iPhone – it allowed me to shoot a photo of the QR code that Google provided and then immediately processed the code. I was then directed to a Google landing page detailing my business address, phone number and URL. Customers have the ability to read reviews of my work, see business listings, hours of operation, etc. And as a business owner, I have the ability to customize the page. This is social media at its best. Learn more about what Google has to offer at Google.com/localbusinesscenter.

Of course this got my wheels spinning about how churches could best use QR codes. Imagine if churches far and wide had QR code decals on their doors, printed in bulletins, business cards, etc. These codes are a great way to share the message of your church to that person passing by your building, in the building for an AA or NA meeting, etc. The scan could deliver them to a landing page that invites them to church, lists opportunities to get involved, or simply offers a devotional. A QR code stamped in a Sunday bulletin could reference a landing page offering sermon resources, etc. The fact that you can generate your own unique QR codes on sites like qrcode.kaywa.com or Google’s zxing.appspot.com/generator creates endless possibilities.

QR codes are still new enough that they could be used as a way to generate curiosity and buzz for your church. Here’s an idea, print one in next Sunday’s bulletin without explanation. Have the code direct visitors to a landing page on your website inquiring how your church might use QR codes. See what kind of feedback you receive. Be sure to explain to everyone the following week what that funny little mark means.

UPDATE: Wayne Sutton from SocialWayne.com has some great things to say about QR Codes: Getting started with QR Codes Pro Tip #1. Remember the K.I.S.S. rule! Check it out.