QR codes are gaining popularity as a way to bridge the physical medium, like paper, with a website.  We’ve been seeing them now more in magazines and just about everywhere else, including at events.   Here’s a great article from Mashable on using QR codes for events:  click here.

To scan a QR code with your smartphone, just search your phone’s apps section for “QR code reader.”  You’ll likely come up with a solid choice like Apostrophe Digital’s Mobile Tag Reader on the iPhone, or Microsoft’s Tag reader.  You use the viewfinder on your camera’s phone to scan the tag and then it takes you to a website.

Try scanning the above QR code with your phone and you should go to Mouse and Pen’s website again.  There are many creative uses for QR codes today, from business cards to billboards.  Try scanning all of these posted here, including a keychain:  click here.

Where can you put them for your business to drive more people to an offer on your website?  You can make your own QR code here:  click here.

Photo courtesy of Elf Yourself Facebook page.

It’s that time of year again – time to “elf yourself” with OfficeMax and JibJab.  Upload your headshot, or your pet’s headshot, or your relative’s, even your neighbor’s, and then spread the hilarious end-result through social media.  Happy holidays!  To do Elf Yourself, click here.

The popular Kia hamsters ad campaign is back, this time with the trio dancing-out to “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO.  The ads deliver, with over 4 million views of the TV spot on one YouTube channel.  Watch it:  click here.  To read more in an article from MediaPost, click here.

It’s the Super Bowl time and it’s time for commercials.  But, this year, you may have already seen them.  According to The Gazette in Montreal, Volkswagen released its commercials via social media already and ahead of the TV broadcast.  More time for the chips and dip.  Read more:  click here.

Facebook is rolling out a new app – “Fan Appz” – that allows mobile users to check in at retail locations and receive various coupons and offers delivered straight to their phone or in a printable format.  Another innovation in the wave of geolocation services that are no doubt going to continue being a trend in mobile marketing and social media: click here.