Q&A on Creating QR Codes, PURLs, Apps and Short Codes

August 31, 2011 By Heather Fletcher

Making its virtual show debut, a how-to workshop about technology drew hundreds of attendees on Aug. 23 at InterACT! Virtual Conference & Expo. Not surprisingly, it also drew many questions from those conferees

The "Hands-on Workshop—Create your Own QR Code, PURL, App and Short Code" (which will be available on-demand for the next three months) took delegates step-by-step through the process of assembling these building blocks of current integrated marketing campaigns. But workshop presenters couldn't get to all the questions that came in through the virtual show platform during the information-packed, 45-minute workshop. So they did so after the show.

Below are some of the questions from workshop attendees and the answers provided by presenters from Seattle-based marketing software provider Optify. Anthony Joseph, vice president of marketing and customer experience, answered questions jointly with Digital Solutions Manager Jennifer Wong. The unedited version of this Q&A is on the Optify site.

Q: Is there a recommended QR Code reader for BlackBerry?
A: Yes, there are a couple of recommended QR Code readers for the BlackBerry: BeeTagg and UpCode …

Q: I am interested in developing [paid] apps specifically for people who want to purchase mobile app versions of my cookbooks and children's books. What is the best way/service … to [sell] my apps?
A: … [We] would recommend that you start with building an app for a platform that is popular. The AppMkr tool that we demonstrated supports development for both iPhone and Android platforms. The process for publishing your iPhone vs. Android app is similar. But note that, generally, it is easier and faster to get your Android application reviewed and approved for distribution. Look at the guidelines for each platform. There are unique specifications for building apps for, and publishing on, each platform.

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