QR Codes
I don't know why, but QR codes have not really caught on with me. I admit they make sense for translating something physical into something digital - say if you wanted to create a business card that had a QR code for your website on the back so people could go directly there without the possibility of typing in the address wrong. I just have never really bothered with them until now.
I made this nifty hot pink QR code for my blog using the nifty BeQRius service.
The service allows you to customize the look, shape, and color of your QR code (hence the hot pink) so that you can make it unique for your brand. They also allow you to track usage of the QR code so you can get statistics on how effective certain advertisements are. Most of these services are not free, mind you, but if you were running a business (or starting an aggressive marketing campaign at your library) this service might be worth investing in.
Bitly
Another service that used to do QR codes (but no longer, apparently) is Bitly. But their main service is link shortening, which is AWESOME for Twitter. It can take a link like this:
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architecture/2013-11/most-beautiful-libraries-trinity-college-mushashino-bodleian-sainte-genevieve-article/_jcr_content/par/cn_contentwell/par-main/cn_pagination_container/cn_image.size.libraries-22-st-florian-monastery.jpg
and turn it into this:
http://archdg.st/1J2unwH
Which one helps you with your 140 character limit?
Some links, such as the Architectural Digest link above, even get their own branded Bitly link that resembles their company URL, but the majority get the generic bit.ly link.
Picture Links
But while we're talking about links, did you know you can turn a picture INTO a link on your blog?
 |
| Click the picture! |
Yay for linking!
