The marketing love affair with QR codes has been long and complicated. When they were first introduced, they were everywhere, but the novelty soon wore off as people realized it was a bit too much of an inconvenience to have to open your phone, select the QR code reader open the app and then eventually, scan the code.
In the world of instant gratification, it just took too long, and often the end destination was a webpage that you could have found quicker by typing the URL directly into your browser.
Then, just when it looked as though QR codes were heading for the marketing trash can of history, phone makers made QR code recognition native to the camera. No more having to open the clunky reader app. Scanning a QR code was now as easy as taking a photo.
By using QR codes in your marketing strategy, you can promote mobile engagement which you can track as you would any other marketing channel ROI.
What is a QR code?
A QR (or Quick Response) code are a square barcode. Similar to a normal barcode, they are a way to store information in a machine-readable way. These patterns are then translated by your smartphone or a specialist scanning app. The data can be a phone number, text, URL, email address etc.
You can create a QR code very easily online to use in your marketing campaign. Here are a number of ways to integrate them into your marketing:
Send the audience to a specific landing page
Create a unique URL to your campaign landing page and drive traffic to this via the QR code.
Drive Customers To Your Social Media Accounts
Take the hassle out of searching for your social media accounts and drive follower growth and engagement.
Transfer Business Information
Use a QR code like a business card. Great for posters or trade shows where you can print the code directly onto your stand,
E-Commerce
QR codes are often used by retailers to provide discounts or promotional deals.
Direct Dial A Phone Number
You can now use a QR code to have a mobile directly dial a given number. Great for product customer service.
App Download
By linking directly to an app the AppStore or Google Marketplace, you are removing a number of steps for the user, making it more likely that they’ll download your app.
Encourage Customers To Leave Reviews
Good reviews are extremely important to businesses. 90% of consumers read a review before visiting a business.
By placing a QR code on a receipt or a product, you can direct customers straight to the correct page for reviewing your company.
Conclusion
As with all marketing channels, make sure that you can track and evaluate the effectiveness of your QR codes. Before launch, test them on various devices to ensure your target audience will be able to use them successfully.
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