You see them everywhere now - in coffee shops and at the gas station, even on flyers advertising vacation homes for rent. Those little squares with the odd, squiggly designs are called Quick Response codes, or QR codes, and are there to take you immediately to information online about a specific business or opportunity. All you need is a special application on your camera-enabled smart phone or tablet to scan the code and receive coupons, watch videos, or learn more about local businesses.

At VacationChannels.com, we encourage Hampton Roads businesses to use QR codes to advertise specials and bring in more customers - local and visiting. QR codes provide a fun way to relay information about your products and services to people passing by your storefront or browsing your business on a website. Just a few ways you can use a QR code to promote your company include:

1) Link your code to a coupon for customers. Restaurants can offer free appetizers or desserts, attractions can offer two-for-one tickets, and shops can offer a discount on purchase. The customer only needs to show his phone screen.

2) Link your code to an introductory video highlighting your attraction or place of business. Customers like to get a feel for what they plan to see before they arrive, videos are a great way to promote local eateries and hangouts.

3) Link your code to directions to your place of business. People want to come to you, so let them know where to go!

4) Link to a special "mini-site" that highlights the finer points of what you do: product information, contact info, and links to follow on Twitter and Facebook. 

With your listing on VacationChannels.com, you can use a QR code to help people learn more about what you offer them during their trips to Hampton Roads. We can help you set up the perfect code to scan from your main website, Facebook page, or blog. As more people use mobile capabilities to plan vacations, you need to stay up with the latest technology and marketing tactics to keep people coming to your door. Let us help. Contact VacationChannels.com at 757-726-0877.