Why Should We Use QR Codes In Marketing?
QR codes are appearing in a lot more places these days, with many of the big brands using them to do a lot more than just ‘sell’. British Airways have made airport check-ins easier, IKEA has introduced faster check-outs, and Shell has made filling up with fuel quicker than ever – all thanks to the humble QR code.
In 2020, marketers are incorporating QR codes into all aspects of their marketing strategy, and some are even going as far as developing entire products around them. Here is why you should be too…
What is a QR code, and how does it work?
A QR code (short for ‘quick response’) is a type of matrix barcode that can be read by smartphone by merely scanning it with a QR code scanner (or camera for iPhone users).
Once scanned, the information is translated and automatically prompts a specific action on the user’s device, such as downloading an app, linking to a webpage, playing a video, or opening a sign-up form.
QR codes bridge the gap between offline and digital marketing
Print marketing is excellent for brand awareness and can be very effective in certain instances, however, it is usually slow at converting because often people misplace collateral, or the CTA requires too many steps. So, how can we make that conversion more straightforward, and quicker for them?… With a QR code.
By adding a QR code to your print collateral, you can harness the effectiveness of print marketing, and also the simplicity or digital processes.
You can use QR codes on in your print marketing campaigns to direct people to a sign-up form, link them to a website or send them to your social media profiles.
QR codes allow you to get more information in a smaller space
Food packaging, business cards, flyers, ad space and tickets are all limited by size. Often, there is so much more information we need to include, but just not enough room to do so.
By using a QR code, you can send users to a webpage or a document with the additional information that you want them to see, without having to cram it all into a tiny space.
QR codes are trackable
So many marketers favour digital marketing because anything digital is trackable, and tracking performance metrics is crucial for success and progression.
With the use of QR codes, marketers can finally understand which offline marketing campaigns are performing well based on the number of scans it has received.
QR codes are super simple to implement and low cost
With QR codes, you can offer information on any product or service you provide and make it accessible to your audience, instantly. You can use an online QR generator that creates a unique code that you can download and use straight away. The majority of them are free to use, too!
How can you incorporate QR codes into your marketing?
So how can you take advantage of this growing trend for your business’s marketing?
- Use them to provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up or use a product
- Use them in direct mail campaigns or leaflet drops to give a discount
- Use them on your business card to link people to a prepopulated email
- Use them to connect to a landing page with more detailed information that would not fit in a print ad
Conclusion
QR codes have the potential to generate new business, boost your exposure, and increase leads. So next time you’re thinking of using a QR code in your marketing campaign, go ahead and give it a try.
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