My Picks for QR Code Generation Software

So here are my picks for QR Code Generators:

Online business cards: 

I pick ScanMe.com for ease of use, security against data loss (contacts are saved on smartphones and online), and multiple mobile app platforms. Go here for instructions on registering your online business/calling card and downloading the mobile app to your device. Previously you had to have a Facebook account to register (login) at ScanMe and create your QR code. Now ScanMe also allows use of LinkedIn and Twitter accounts to register. Simply tap the contact buttons on the "contact" screen of the person's QR code you've scanned to connect with them. On the down side, everyone you want to connect with must have an online ScanMe account (and hopefully a smartphone with the ScanMe mobile app) to make it really useful. 

Scan.Me is an alternative that
also offers analytics for tracking campaigns, etc. It allows more social media choices for others to connect with you (as of this date). However, it only has mobile apps for Android and Apple (iPhone, iPad), and Windows Phone markets. You can register with your Facebook or Twitter account, or simply by using your email address. On the down side, it doesn't save the contact info online for you, only in the mobile app history.

QR FlipFlop is an iPhone mobile app that purports to let you input your contact information, create your QR code within the app, and save contacts (scanned QR codes) directly into your iPhone address book without the need for an online site to register with or manage QR code generation. This would seem to be a great option and would make contact information more readily accessible when not on wifi or 3G/4G. On the downside, I found it a bit clunky. My scanned contacts would not save directly to my phone's address book and instead I was offered the choice to email them to myself.

Other:

ScanLife.com mobile app gives you the option of using the standard scanning screen or a really cool "Top Gun" screen (something my inner child just loves). Website links (QR codes scanned destinations) are listed in the mobile app history. You can view barcodes being scanned around the world in real-time using the Live Feed tab of the mobile app. In addition to creating a QR code with your contact information, you can also create QR codes that link to just a web address (for example, yourTwitter or LinkedIn account or your blog site). On the down side, you can only create three QR codes and they can only be scanned 500 times (combined) under the free plan. See pricing plans here. 

Story Starter QR Code - Scan for Part One

QRstuff.com doesn't have a mobile app but it does offer you a list of mobile apps that will scan QR codes in general. What I love about it is that you simply choose among nineteen different options (including websites, social media account sites, SMS, and text), input your information and create your QR code. You can then save the image to print later or to post wherever you wish. There is no logging in or registering to use the site. What's really cool about this is its versatility. For example, go here (a first draft story starter). 

For more information about QR code generators:

• Greg Finn discusses how to use Google's QR code generator with social media and marketing to analyze hits and discern how to mobilize one's user base to take actions on social sites, here. This might be particularly helpful when trying to sell something, for example your book(s), or when building a platform so you can sell your books.
• Freenuts lists their top ten free QR code generator sites here.
• Find more QR Code Scanners here:  Mobile-Barcodes.com or here:  708media.com.

Do you have a favorite QR code generator? How do you use QR codes and QR code generators? What do you think about using QR codes to write stories? Join the conversation by posting your thoughts in the Comments section of this post.

You may also enjoy reading:

Maye's QR Code Presentation for Midwest Writers Workshop 2012 (#MWW12)
Social Media Lab at Midwest Writers Workshop 2012

Entering the Digital Era: QR Codes for, Well, Everything
eSolutions for Social Media Addictions
Where to Timeline and Storyboard: eSolutions
An eSolution for Character Creation: Character Writer
Tools for Writers: The Benefits of Writing With Scrivener
My Pick for Screenwriting Software: Celtx
For a Better Quality Break Time: Creativity Enhancing Goodies

For my next post:
How helpful is a smartphone, really? Isn't it just another technology addiction?