Print Ads
Print Ads 2D Barcodes
Google believes that technology can revolutionize traditional print advertising and make it even more useful for readers. This fits with our commitment to making advertising as useful as possible for the end user.
Recently, you may have seen newspaper ads for jewelry retailer Blue Nile placed through the Google Print Ads platform. These particular ads include a Google Consumer Response Tag (CRT) with multiple response mechanisms: URL, search terms, phone number, coupon code, SMS code, and 2D barcode. This test is part of our efforts to make print advertising more useful for readers and more measurable for advertisers. 2D barcodes are an especially exciting part of this because they allow readers to "click" on interesting print ads with their cellphones and seamlessly connect to relevant online content.
- What are 2D barcodes?
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This 2D barcode says "www.google.com" in a format called a QR Code. Another popular format is called DataMatrix.
2D barcodes are a way to encode information, just like conventional barcodes – but 2D barcodes can encode significantly more. This information can be read by devices with cameras, such as cellphones.
For example, the 2D barcode here contains the information "www.google.com." When you capture a picture of it with your cellphone, special decoding software reads the encoded information, and, in this case, prompts your phone's browser to visit a URL.
2D barcodes have been common in Japan for a number of years. In fact, Japanese business cards often feature barcodes containing contact information. Such barcodes are starting to gain popularity in other countries as well.
- How can I use my phone to read these codes?
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To read 2D barcodes, your phone will need several things: a camera (ideally with a close-focus or macro mode) and the proper decoding software installed. Your phone will also need a web browser and data service to visit any encoded URLs.
Google is building decoding software called ZXing. If you have an advanced Java-capable phone, you can try it here.
You can find other software and lists of supported devices by visiting sites like these:
- Kaywa reader
- Nokia barcode reader (for Nokia devices only)
- Quickmark reader
- i-nigma reader
More 2D barcode/QR Code decoding software can be found by searching on Google.
This information is included by permission from semapedia.org, which maintains an interactive reader software finder.
Note: This is not Google software and is not endorsed or guaranteed by Google.
- Am I sending any personal information when I read the code?
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No personal information is transmitted to Google by the act of scanning the 2D barcode. Note that once you have scanned a 2D barcode that contains a URL, your mobile web browser may launch to visit that URL, similar to typing a URL into your phone's mobile browser.
- Why would newspaper ads include 2D barcodes?
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For advertisers, using 2D barcodes in newspaper ads can be an effective and flexible way to engage with potential customers. The benefit to readers is an easier, quicker way to get more information about businesses that interest them.
- How can I add 2D barcodes to my print ads?
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If you're an advertiser who is interested in using 2D barcodes in a Google Print Ads campaign, please contact your Google representative.
- Feedback?
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Please send your us your feedback.