QR Code Marketing

Author : Beacon stac | Published On : 03 Nov 2023

What are QR Codes?

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are a type of machine-readable barcode. They were designed to be quickly scanned by a QR scanner or device camera. Once scanned, the QR code will redirect the user to a website, contact information, download or other online destination.

QR codes store more data than typical barcodes. They have error correction built into their design, allowing them to still be read even if parts of the code are dirty or damaged. This durability makes them a useful tool for marketing teams.

Benefits of Using QR Codes for Marketing

There are several key benefits of QR codes for marketing:

Drive Traffic to Your Website

One of the main uses of QR codes is to drive traffic directly to your website or specific web pages. Simply print or display your QR code alongside promotional materials and watch the website visits increase as people scan the codes. This is useful for events, print ads, packaging and more.

Track Campaign Performance

Because each QR code can be uniquely tracked, marketers can see which campaigns are driving the most scans. You can create different codes for various marketing materials like posters, flyers or event signage. Then analyze your analytics to see which initiatives are most effective.

Collect Leads and Feedback

QR codes provide an easy way for potential customers to access an online form without typing in long URLs. Scan a code to go directly to a contact form, survey, download or other lead capture page. This lowers the barrier for users to provide their information or feedback.

Promote Mobile Content

QR codes allow you to direct users to optimized mobile content like your mobile version website, app downloads or mobile-friendly landing pages. This enhances the experience for customers accessing your promotions or products through their smartphone.

Add Interactivity at Events

Printed QR codes on name badges, menus or displays are an interactive element you can incorporate into trade shows, conferences, pop-ups and other in-person events. Scan codes to access speaker bios, schedules, directories or special discount offers.

Effective QR Code Marketing Strategies

Now that we understand the benefits, here are some effective strategies for leveraging QR codes in your marketing:

Print them on Marketing Collateral

Brochures, flyers, business cards, posters and packaging are all great mediums to include a QR code on. Make sure to clearly label what the code links to for easy scanning. Place them prominently rather than hiding codes.

Include in Digital Ads

QR codes work well within social media posts, emails, websites and other digital promotion. Capture more engagement by driving users directly to relevant landing pages with a simple scan.

Incorporate at Live Events

QR codes have many uses at trade shows, conferences, seminars and other events. Print them on name tags, posters, menus or handouts. Scan codes could link to speaker profiles, schedules, exhibitor directories or special offers.

Add to Product Packaging

If you sell products, include a QR code on packaging that links to an online product page, video, assembly instructions or other supporting content. This enhances the unboxing experience for customers.

Feature in Video Ads

Briefly display a QR code during or at the end of YouTube, Facebook or other video ads. Viewers can easily scan the on-screen code without having to note down or type in a URL.

Integrate in Email Signatures

Add a QR code link to your staff’s email signatures redirecting to your website or a specific landing page. This provides recipients with an easy way to learn more about your business with one scan.

Measuring QR Code Marketing Results

To ensure you're getting a return on your QR code marketing efforts, it's important to implement tracking and analytics. Here are some ways to measure campaign effectiveness:

  • Analyze total scans and scan rates over time in your QR code tracking software. Look for increases after promotions.

  • View geographic locations of scans to see if national or local campaigns are reaching the right audiences.

  • Check landing page analytics to monitor traffic sources and user behavior once redirected from QR codes.

  • Survey scanned customers for qualitative feedback on the experience and if it drove real actions like purchases.

  • A/B test different QR code designs, placements or linked content to optimize engagement rates.

  • Correlate QR scan numbers to any quantifiable goals like event registrations, lead submissions or online sales.

  • Consider setting scan or conversion benchmarks to evaluate each QR code campaign's performance against.

Getting Started With QR Code Marketing

To begin integrating QR codes into your marketing strategy, take the following steps:

  1. Decide your goals and where QR codes can help drive the most value - traffic, leads, sales, event RSVPs etc.

  2. Design unique QR codes for each campaign using free online generators.

  3. Determine placement locations on printed materials and digital assets.

  4. Direct codes to optimized mobile-friendly landing pages with clear calls-to-action.

  5. Promote codes through various owned marketing channels.

  6. Install tracking software to monitor scans and campaign effectiveness.

  7. Continuously test, optimize and refine your QR code marketing based on results.

With proper planning and execution, QR codes can successfully enhance customer experiences and drive real business outcomes when incorporated into your overall marketing plan. Start small and continue measuring success to fully unlock their potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, QR codes are a powerful yet often overlooked marketing tool for businesses. When created strategically and tracked effectively, they can drive relevant traffic, capture valuable customer data and enhance brand awareness. Placing dynamic QR codes on promotional materials, digital ads, product packaging and more creates interactive experiences that resonate with today's mobile-first customers. Starting small with a test campaign and continuously optimizing placements and calls-to-action will help marketers unlock the full potential of QR codes over time.