QR codes have been around for a long time. Today you can find them on the menu at your favorite restaurant, in an advertisement at the bus stop, or even on cereal boxes and clothing labels. These minimalist yet versatile codes connect the physical and digital space, giving us the best of both worlds.
With this in mind, you will definitely want to start incorporating QR codes into website your business or marketing strategy to encourage engagement with your customers and provide them with relevant information immediately. The first step for this is to get your own QR code using a QR code generator . Then, you can learn in this article what a QR code is for and some practical ways to use your own QR code in your next marketing campaign.
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What is the QR code?
QR code, less known as Quick Response in English, is a type of barcode that allows users to experience a contactless monetary or informational transaction. It can be scanned and understood by almost any smart device. It’s fast, simple, and can lead users to take immediate action, which is driving QR codes to be incorporated into advertising strategies.
Also Read : Landing Page, what is it?
Why QR codes are gaining popularity
With billions of people accessing high-speed internet and smartphones, QR codes are present in many parts of the world. Along with Apple’s iOS 11 update that allowed iPhones to recognize and scan QR codes, Android phone makers are following suit too. Therefore, the owners of almost all types of smartphones have welcomed QR codes into their daily lives.
This may explain why QR codes are being adopted so quickly by more and more types of businesses. Business owners understand that by integrating a QR code for mobile payments or purchase orders, they can greatly improve the customer’s shopping experience. People not only prioritize contactless transactions, they also want to access information more quickly. QR codes have created a bridge between digital and physical spaces, which has proven to be more relevant in recent years.
QR codes for digital payments
Invented in 1994 by a Japanese automotive company to enable rapid scanning of components during manufacturing, QR codes have played a crucial role in revolutionizing the digital wallet industry in recent years. Some of the world’s leading payment apps, such as Alipay and PayPal, are using QR codes to meet the changing needs of their target audiences and stay competitive amid a cashless global shift.
Making payments using QR codes is very fast compared to other forms of payment. In an online store or in a physical store, the user scans the QR code on their phone, which opens a payment screen. Once they confirm the payment, it only takes a few seconds to complete the process.
QR codes for brands and restaurants
In the realm of retail, QR codes are paving the way for brands to create new entry points to their target market. In this case, take a moment and look at the tongue of your Adidas, check the label sewn inside. You may find a QR code printed on it. This is because the American shoe manufacturer, together with Spotify, put together a successful marketing strategy for the launch of the Boost HD line. That QR code links directly to a personalized playlist based on where you are geographically, ensuring you stay connected to these brands on the go.
Recently, QR codes have taken part in restaurant ordering systems. Although not new, this technology is a flexible tool that has gained new uses for delivering secure and efficient customer experiences. Especially at restaurant tables, where it allows customers to scan the menu directly on their phone. This ensures that the menu is always up to date, some restaurants even add options to filter according to preferences: gluten-free, vegetarian or chef’s recommendations. Menus can be easily updated, just like a restaurant website , seasonally and without having to reprint your menu cards with each change.
Ways to use QR codes as a marketing tool
There are many reasons to use QR codes as a marketing tool. QR codes allow you to instantly connect with your customers, collect first-hand data and perform market segmentation. You can also add them to any advertising campaign, from email marketing to billboards. Here are some ways to use your QR code in your business:
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Increase your web traffic
Creating your website is essential for any marketing strategy that you apply to your business. Once you have it, you can generate web traffic through a QR code placed in your brochure, in your online or offline ad, in your email marketing or even on your product packaging. When your customers scan the code, they will be taken directly to your website. You can do the same with a “landing page” (in digital marketing, landing page).
Before you launch your QR code plan, you need to have a few things in order. Think about which page of your website you want to direct people to and what you want them to do once they get there. In this way, you will be able to formulate a QR code campaign that generates real conversions for your business.
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Promote your app
You have created an app for your business, such as the Wix Owner app , to manage and grow your operations. A great way to promote it is to include a QR code in brochures, marketing emails, posters and other promotional content, so that your customers go directly to the app store and download your app instantly.
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Convert more sales
A QR code coupon is a virtual coupon delivered via code scanning. In marketing, incentives are an effective way to encourage customers to use your products or services. Once you’ve created your QR code coupon, you can test it by running limited offers that attract new customers and reward loyal ones. You can also hire a web designer to design your QR code coupon so that it looks good and easily adapts to devices of different sizes.
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Help your customers locate your business
In the case of physical stores, you can use QR codes to help your customers locate your business on the map. You just have to add your QR code to your website, to your social networks and to any promotional content, such as posters and brochures.
Users will be able to scan the code and be directed to Google Maps or another type of application that takes them to your physical address. In this way, it will be easier for them to locate your business and reach it.
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Get product reviews
QR codes can help you generate more customer reviews. After designing your business cards , designing your business website or email signature , you can make them more effective by adding a QR code that encourages your customers to participate. But first, you’ll want to choose which type of review would benefit your business the most. An assessment QR code and a feedback QR code, these are just two examples that can help you connect with your audience.
Feedback QR codes are the fastest way to get feedback. Once customers scan it, they can add their rating -in a range of 1 to 10- and you will receive a copy of the result in your email. You can design a fun survey so that people have the option to leave feedback based on an emoji.
Feedback QR codes differ in that your customers can provide you with more detailed information. You can use Google Forms to create a complete survey and enter your URL into the QR code generator when generating your QR code. When someone scans this QR code, they will be taken directly to your survey.