Oh, how the epidemic has altered our lives.
The epidemic spurred the adoption of digital tools that were just gaining pace previous to COVID, from digital wallets and payments to touchless and contactless services, to general web marketing.
QR codes are no different. In fact, the pandemic may have rescued QR codes from extinction.
QR codes have been around since 1994, but you needed a QR code reader on your smartphone to utilise them, which was a hurdle to wider use. As a result, just a few people could use them, and they were swiftly dismissed as a fad and dropped off the tech radar.
In the spring of 2020, smartphone developers added a code-reading feature to our phone cameras, but I’m not sure most users were aware of this until then. I certainly didn’t.
When the pandemic struck, no one wanted to touch a restaurant menu, the true benefit of consumer QR codes was finally recognised and rapidly increased.
QR codes are important in today’s environment since they allow for measurable marketing in the real world.
Prior to QR codes, print advertisements, billboards, newspaper articles, and flyers could never be tracked. We knew they were being read, but we had no means of knowing how many. When we use a QR code, we can now track all of these things and more.
We can now deliver real-time information to our customers, including responses to their inquiries. And we all know how much our customers enjoy immediate satisfaction!
Static vs. Dynamic
The term “dynamic code” refers to code that can be altered after it has been printed. Regardless of modifications to a link, the QR picture will remain the same. This is the ideal solution if you want to be able to update the code in the future without having to recreate the QR code.
The static codes have been fixed. The static QR codes’ content is not changeable. There is no going back once a design has been generated and printed. Static codes are frequently included in free QR code generators. This option is appropriate if you know nothing will change with your links.
What Are QR Codes and How Do I Use Them In My Business?
Imagine that you’re at a networking event and you’ve ran out of business cards. What would you do in this situation? What method would you use to share your information with others?
You could scribble it down on a scrap of paper that would most likely be misplaced. People might take a picture of your company name and then search up your website afterwards.
OR you could pull out your phone and show them a QR code they can scan off your screen that will take them straight to your contact card, which they can keep right there on their phone.
That code might also direct visitors to a landing page with your contact information and additional options to communicate with your company.
What do you think is the better option? Is it still necessary to have a tangible business card?
More strategies to use QR codes to help your business grow and reach more customers in your local region are included below.
Build an Email List
Create a QR code that directs users to your email sign-up form. This can be done through print ads in magazines, mailers, printed ads, flyers, or posters.
This is also the most effective method for collecting emails during events. Using a QR code eliminates the need for a tangible sign-up sheet that could be misplaced or leaves you interpreting handwriting. The best part is that when a user scans and adds their contact information, it’s only a partial adherence to email CAN-SPAM laws because the user chose to share.
You’ll need the link to a webform from your email marketing system to create a QR Code.
Increase traffic to social media, your website, landing pages, and videos.
Send them to your website, a specific web or landing page, a video, or your social profile with a QR code.
You might receive more signups if you have a popup on your website gathering emails. Alternatively, the code might direct clients to a website resource such as a recipe, product usage information, or a how-to video.
Collect data through forms, surveys, giveaway entries, and reviews
Create forms or surveys to solicit feedback from customers. Do you want to send a mailer? To gather giveaway entries, include a QR code. Ask for reviews by posting a QR code around your actual location!
Product Specifications
You can share product information, manuals, online ordering information, how-to videos, and a blog that explains your product or service in further detail. Compare products or share product reviews.
Get in touch with us
We’ve already discussed how to distribute your vCard at networking or in-person events, but a QR code can also guide people to your company’s geographical map. A QR code can be used to provide driving directions to your business.
The code can reveal your email or a contact on a messenger app if you’re sending mailers or printed ads.
Events — Ticket sales, RSVPs, agendas, and a website or landing page for the event
Are you an event planner? To provide more information about the event, including the ticket sales page or the event’s website page on posters and flyers.
Table tents, table stickers, and name badges can all be printed with a QR code. Your code could be used in the event agenda or reference materials, directing attendees to additional information about the event or speaker. There will be no more pricey thumb drives distributed.
Intelligent reordering
Do you sell on the internet? Create a QR code for your products that includes reordering possibilities.
Downloads
Allow consumers to save a coupon or a special discount code to their computer. This is effective at events and in print advertisements.
You can deliver all of the materials with a QR code instead of handing out paper brochures or materials at events. In fact, you can use a QR code to convey anything you would normally print or distribute on a USB drive.
As you can see, there are a plethora of ways to use QR codes in your business, but don’t get carried away. Begin with one or two, then expand.
