QR code marketing is the newest trend today. Many have thought they’re just a fad that would die out, but the world has gradually shifted to QR code-powered transactions and processes since they’re more convenient.
In almost all industries, QR codes are considerably in demand because of their versatility. They proved to help boost sales and level up traditional marketing while still being cost-effective and easy to use.
Marketing with QR codes is not new, but there is more to QR codes that users still need to discover to make the most out of it—that is, marketing strategies.
Give the QR code for marketing a try. You can create the best QR codes using a free QR code generator, so keep reading to learn more about this.
Benefits of QR Code Marketing
Here's a QR code generated from a free QR code generator can benefit you.Increased engagement
By providing customers with quick and easy access to additional information or promotions, QR codes can increase engagement and interest in a product or service.
You can embed a QR code with your website link containing all the necessary product details. Doing so will also trigger site traffic and improve your ranking on search engine result pages.
Easier tracking and analytics
You can track and analyze QR codes to understand how many people scanned the code and what they did after scanning.
Dynamic QR codes have these QR code tracking features, which can be very useful in monitoring your campaigns. These advanced codes can help businesses understand their marketing campaign’s effectiveness and adjust as needed.
Cost-effectiveness
QR codes are a more cost-effective way to serve customers than printed media. They can be created and distributed for little or no cost. Also, they can store more information and are more flexible than printed materials.
Compared to printed media, you can update your dynamic QR code’s data if you want to make changes to their content, thus, saving you from incurring more expenses.
Mobile-friendly
The best thing about QR codes is that they are mobile-friendly. Most of us are smartphone users, making QR codes accessible to all. Plus, smartphones today already have built-in scanners via their cameras, making the whole picture even more convenient.
The most common QR code types
- URL QR code
The URL QR code can hold URL links of different websites, cloud-stored files, and online survey forms. In QR code marketing, marketers usually use URL QR codes to drive website traffic.
- File QR code
The file QR code stores files like documents, spreadsheets, images, audio files, and videos. It facilitates easy sharing and downloading for users.
- vCard QR code
vCard QR code is a digital business card that can hold more data about the owner and lets scanners instantly download the business card just by scanning the code.
It helps reduce paper waste and lets you share more details about yourself that a limited printed business card can’t hold.
Moreover, showing a QR code instead of a printed business card will impress the people you’re networking with, especially potential investors or clients.
- WiFi QR code
This unique innovation can let users instantly connect to a WiFi network without inputting complicated passwords. It is convenient and can save much of your users’ time.
- Social media QR code
You can store all your social media accounts in one QR code by using the social media QR code. This way, you can increase social media engagements and followings in just a scan.
Best practices for designing QR Codes
It is essential to follow best practices when making QR codes easy to scan and appealing to customers. Here are some of them:
- Take note of color contrast. This will make the QR code more noticeable and easier to scan.
- Make sure the code is big enough. It should be at least 1 inch square for flyers and brochures, but you’ll have to adjust this size for bigger platforms like billboards.
- Include a call to action, like “Scan for more information” or “Scan for a special offer,” to get people to scan the code.
- Check the code out before you use it. Make sure the code can be read easily and leads to the right place.
QR Code Marketing Strategies
On business cards and brochures
Including a QR code on a business card or brochure can give customers easy access to additional information about the business or a special offer. You can embed links, videos, text, images, and files in your brochure QR codes.
In print ads and billboards
On the other hand, QR codes on print ads and billboards are helpful for brand promotions. Billboards to launch a new product can also be another idea.
The QR code can add mystery to your campaign, making it exciting and engaging. This tactic will definitely attract people curious about what they’ll find when they scan it.
Email and social media marketing
Emails and social media are great platforms to market a business or product. To make your marketing more interesting, you can include social media QR code or email QR code and stand out among others. It also develops users’ curiosity—increasing more chances of getting more scans.
At events and trade shows
QR codes on events usually facilitate smooth registration and check-in systems. You can automate the process using QR codes and leave no room for long lines.
QR Code Marketing Uses
- Product Information
Use QR codes to provide consumers with information about the product. In a grocery shop, for instance, ready-to-eat packaged food can be attached with QR codes that show ingredient lists and cooking methods.
- Special Offers
QR codes can offer customers special offers such as discounts, coupons, or exclusive deals. This is a great way to provide deals rather than a plain invitation.
- Virtual Tours
Hotels, restaurants, museums, or property sellers can use QR codes for a virtual tour. Clients will no longer have to visit the place physically, yet still, have an overall view.
- Contactless Payment
Today, contactless payments are one of the most common uses of QR codes. Many establishments have incorporated their payment systems with contactless payment QR code. It reduces the risk of close contact and, at the same time, caters to e-payers.
- Social Media
QR codes can link customers to a business’s social media accounts, allowing them to quickly follow or interact with the company.
- Customer Feedback
Feedbacks are vital to helping a business better, and QR codes are perfect for the job. Instead of sending customers links or distributing printed feedback forms, QR codes can be an alternative solution.
- Virtual Event
QR codes can give customers access to a virtual event, such as a webinar or online conference.
Tips for successful QR Code campaigns
- Keep it simple: The QR code should be easily readable, making its design straightforward.
- Make the QR code stand out using high-contrast colors and a call to action to get more people to scan it.
- Test the code: Make sure it can be easily scanned and leads where it’s supposed to before utilizing it.
- Track and analyze: Check the data from scanned QR codes to gauge the campaign’s success and make any necessary revisions.
- Use a short URL: The thing with QR codes—especially free ones—is that their patterns will become denser the longer the URL is. Keep this in mind when using URL QR codes.
- Be creative: When thinking of ways to utilize QR codes in advertising, try to go beyond the box.
Level-up marketing with QR codes
Marketing can be a lot better and more innovative now with QR codes. All you have to do is be creative and be good at exploring a free QR code generator.
With the presence of different QR code solutions, you surely can pick one that will address you marketing concern and help you elevate existing campaigns.
Visit the Free QR Code Generator and sign up for an account so you can start using a QR code to create an effective marketing strategy today.