Using QR Codes in Print Magazines

Marah Walsh

More than 15 years after being created by Toyota to track vehicle parts during manufacturing in Japan, QR codes are slowly, but surely, making their way to the forefront in the United States as a mobile/Smartphone app.

As part of PharmaVOICE's continuing goal to bridge the gap between print and digital media, in January 2011 we will be featuring QR codes throughout the magazine, allowing you to instantly access our on-demand digital content, including digital articles, podcasts, whitepapers, webinars, videos — while on the go. In addition, Roska Healthcare Advertising is taking an innovative marketing approach by sponsoring a QR code on the cover of PharmaVOICE, linking readers to relevant sponsored content.

This is just the beginning of how Smartphone technology can be used for lead generation and creating brand and product awareness, and a potential new market for both media companies and marketers.



If you are unfamiliar with QR codes or the technology, here are a couple of helpful hints to get started:

1. To make sure your phone can scan a QR code with its camera, either download an application (usually free) or activate the software already installed on your phone. (To find out what application to use, search for your phone model along with "QR Reader" using your favorite search engine.)

2. When you see a QR code, use your phone application to scan the 2-D code.

3. Download additional content at your fingertips. You can dive deeper into the topics that interest you as well as access complementary media files, such as videos and podcasts.

We are excited to once again raise the bar and bring you the most innovative media solutions.
This is just the beginning of how readers and advertisers can reap the benefits of QR codes in print publishing.