What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a type of matrix barcode invented in 1994 by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave. It’s a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URL’s or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. It originally was used for tracking cars throughout the manufacturing process but now has a much broader range of use.
How to optimize QR codes to reach more customers
QR codes have become a huge trend recently. Replace your long website URL on your handouts, business cards or even TV ads with a simple scan of a barcode. Send customers directly to where you want them to go. They are drastically more convenient than manually typing out a website address or searching for the correct web page.
People are always looking for faster and easier ways to do things. QR codes make marketing, sharing, and even converting a buyer into a faster and more seamless process. Send your information straight to the customers device. In 2022 it’s all about getting things in an instant. Attention spans are shorter than ever so use QR codes to your advantage.
Besides the benefit of quickly sharing information, QR codes are also extremely trackable. When handing out your business card with your website URL on it, how do you know who has found your website via your business card? QR codes can give you that answer and fill in analytical gaps to your marketing campaign.
15 ways to use QR codes for your business
Sharing a website link or viewing a restaurants’ menu is usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a QR code. But there are more ways to use them than you would think. We provided a list of different uses to get you thinking of creative ways your business can utilize QR codes.
- A businesses’ website link
One of the most common ways QR codes are used is to direct customers to your business with a link to your website or landing page.
- Easy navigation to your business
Is your brick-and-mortar store hard to find? Create a code with a Google maps link so people can easily find your business. - Increase your follower count
Grow your social channels by inserting a link that sends people to your Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube page. - Create a digital menu
Link to your food menu. Help prevent the spread of germs or save on printing costs when having a digital menu option. - Get more donations
Make it easy to donate to your nonprofit by inserting your donate link in a QR code. - Fill your sign-up list
Need to direct people to sign up for your event? Link to your sign-up page and watch your sign-up list fill up!
- Get more reviews
It can be a major struggle for businesses to get their clients to leave them a review. Simplify your review process with a QR code that directs clients to your review program or to your google review page. Help customers rave about your business.
- Help customers easily reorder your product
Create a QR code that links to reordering a product of yours, so they don’t have to go searching for it when they need a restock. - No more typos
Eliminate the mistake of people typing in your email incorrectly. Use a QR code email link that automatically pulls up your email address on a potential client’s device. - Share pictures
Easily share pictures with others with QR codes. - Get more text subscribers
If you have an SMS marketing program you can insert the sign-up text message to pop up on your customers’ phone when they scan your QR code, simplifying the sign-up process. - Get more app downloads
People want things to be as simple as possible. Drastically increase the number of downloads your app has by creating a QR code that directs customers to easily download your app. - Share exclusive deals
If you’re an e-commerce business, share a discount or promo via QR codes and track when and how many times that code was used. - Get more contacts
At a trade show and want someone to have your number? QR codes can be used to dial a phone number, so the customer has your number in their call history. - Grow your client list
Don’t worry about carrying a stack of business cards in your purse or wallet. Keep a digital business card on your phone as a QR code and always have a business card on you. Potential clients will be thankful for the ease of use and can easily contact you when needed.
What’s best for your business
When thinking about how your business can utilize QR codes make sure to include a clear call to action when inserting them in your marketing material. Keep in mind if your customers will have internet access and the age group you are targeting.
With all these options you can create a robust and measurable marketing campaign for your business. If you aren’t including QR codes into your marketing strategy you are missing out on a huge opportunity with your potential customers. QR codes are actionable, easy to track, error free and easy to save.
A ton of different industries can benefit from using them. Get creative and stay on top of measuring the analytics so you can determine how to best utilize QR codes for your company.
Let Big Corner Creative create your next marketing campaign
Big corner creative can create marketing material for your business. We work closely with our clients to deliver a tailored marketing strategy that fits the business needs of our clients. Our goal is to produce an advertising campaign that will help your business grow. Contact us to know more about what our partnerships encompass.