Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/81195
Scan this bar code with your smartphone to see an ABMPtv video on how to generate QR codes for your practice. ABMPtv.com "How to Generate QR Codes" QR CODES & YOU Your business may not be the size of Starbucks, but there are some simple ways to incorporate these bar codes into your practice. • Attach a QR code to your marketing materials: brochures, posters, business cards, etc. • Once scanned, the bar code can take your clients to a coupon, "bonus time" added on to a massage session, a link to your homepage (you have a website, right?), a description of the modalities you offer, or a video demonstrating some of your techniques. While there are a number of Scan the bar code on page 116 of this issue to see a video vendors who offer QR code generators, some of which offer design options and complex analytics of your clients, let's focus on some of the free options available on the web. Vendors like Google (http://goo.gl), Microsoft (http:// tag.microsoft.com/home.aspx), Bitly (https://bitly.com), and Kaywa (http://qrcode.kaywa.com) are good places to start, and the creation process is relatively easy. 1. Visit one of these sites and enter the URL, text, or phone number you want to convert. 2. It's normal for these sites to have a URL shortener (a program that shortens the length of an overly long web address and makes a clean code). Vendors offer shorteners because the smaller the URL, the easier it is for QR scanners to read your bar code. demonstration of the Myofascial Techniques column. 3. After you've shortened your URL, your QR code will then appear, or there will be a button to click to generate your bar code. 4. Once visible, copy the image of the QR code and place it on whatever item(s) you'd like to print or create. BEST PRACTICES Whenever using a QR code, remember to: • Include the actual URL near the bar code (and an explanation of what this code links to), so those without the ability to scan the code can access the information, too. • Test all QR codes with multiple readers and devices. • Provide a sufficient "quiet zone" (1 white space) around the bar code. • Make codes at least 1" x 1"— larger is better. ⁄8 inch of • Avoid using codes on highly reflective surfaces, as scanners have trouble reading them. Finally, give clients a reason to scan your bar code. Offer something interesting or out of the ordinary. This ensures that the next time they see a QR code from you, they'll think of your former offering and be more likely to scan your new bar code as well. By Darren Buford ABMP Publications Manager | darren@abmp.com Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 13