There's a new(er) kid on the block in the world of marketing - the QR (quick response) code.The QR code is a small square barcode that many smartphone cameras can scan to reveal videos, coupons, text, music and more. Its purpose is in its name - to encourage a quick response from the people receiving it. QR codes originated in Japan, where they have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and where now all mobile phones sold contain QR code reader software. Large U.S. companies such as Pepsi, Coca Cola, and McDonald's have been using QR codes overseas to offer discounts and freebies, and with great success.

Not surprisingly, the cutting-edge television network, HBO recently decided to give the QR code a whirl. In May, the network-giant cleverly embedded a QR code in a "True Blood" commercial that allowed scanners to access an exclusive preview of its Season 3 hit. This in itself is smart, but placing the commercial during the series finale of "Lost" (in select locations) was ingenius. It became a puzzle in a puzzle. Arguably, you had to have recorded the show to pause and capture the code, and a lot of people are still unaware of the exisence of QR codes, but kudos to HBO for possibly kicking off the U.S. craze.

So as a growing number of U.S. companies begin to consider this new marketing trend, the question becomes what are some quick and easy ways you can successfully incorporate QR codes into your marketing plans? For starters, you can...