All it takes to read a QR code is a camera on a smartphone. And with the majority of the world’s population using a smartphone, QR codes have opened a new avenue for businesses to market and communicate with customers.
In a nod to the demand for touchless technology during the pandemic, the use of QR codes grew by 96% in reach from 2018 to 2020. Below we outline five ways that businesses can consider to leverage QR codes for marketing.
Note that customers who are not tech-savvy or who prefer traditional methods may resist adapting to the use of QR codes, so keep in mind that you should always offer an alternative for their benefit.
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Lead consumers where you need them to go with QR codes.
Guide customers who scan a QR code to your business’s:
- website.
- review request landing page.
- scheduling tool.
- digital menu or brochure.
- order or payment page.
Real-world use examples: Restaurant menus, orders, payments. – Retail promotions, product information. – Media sites, app downloads. – Travel booking details.
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Analyze QR scanning history to boost customer experience.
Over time, QR codes give businesses a wealth of information to tap into. Boost customer experience through QR codes by tracking the frequency of code scans and by using the data received through QR codes to assess customers’ locations and preferences.
Real-world use examples:
- Store customers scan a QR code on an apparel item to open a site with product information. The store can use the scan history to guide customers on future visits or to offer a discount on similar items.
- When customers order via QR code, you can store the information for future marketing.
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Use QR codes for promotions.
Regularly updating your QR code’s landing page and imprinting it on promotional products helps spur conversions. Consider using QR codes to:
- Take customers to a page about your business’s offerings.
- Share special offers and discount codes.
- Provide a link to a promotional video.
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Draw social media followers with QR codes.
Add a QR code to drive traffic from print media to your company’s website or social media page. This enables customers to “like” your Facebook page or to follow you on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Use QR codes to deliver a personally relevant experience.
Virtual tours have become a popular way of using QR codes to connect users with a special place such as a historic site or art gallery while simultaneously following social distancing norms.
Real-world use examples: Provide users with a virtual tour of your business; route potential real estate buyers to virtual property tours.
Pro tips: Companies can further stand out by embedding their logo within the QR code to include its colors and pattern. Maximize scans by placing the QR code on sites such as your business’s check-in desk or front door; company service vehicle; thank-you cards; business cards and brochures; and employees’ smartphones.
