QR CODES USED IN MARKETING
QR codes (or Quick Response codes) are easy to set-up and very much like a bar code that links to a URL address, 250 characters of text, or phone number. The information is condensed into two dimensional op-art squares that connect online content to a smartphone.
With QR codes, readers don’t need to type in a URL address. They can just scan the QR code with their smartphone (using a free mobile reader application), and they are taken directly to the appropriate online source (Video, website home page, etc.). QR codes work great in printed collateral such as magazines where you want to direct a user to a specific web page or a video without requiring users to enter a long URL. QR codes can provide additional information despite space limitations.
If you are new to using QR codes, here are some tips to get started:
- Make the landing page for that code – worthwhile; Something of value to the reader.
- QR codes should link to a URL address that is optimized for mobile viewing.
- QR codes should be at least one inch square in size. QR codes linked to long URL addresses need to be even larger due to the complexity of the QR code.
- Depending on who you are targeting, you may want to provide instructions on how to use QR codes.
- An incentive or call to action may be needed to motivate prospects to scan since they may need to install a QR code reader.
Below are several ways that QR codes can be implemented into marketing your product or business:
- On the bottom of a receipt that links to a discount or special offer that they can use on their next visit.
- On a trade show display that allows potential clients to bookmark your chosen contact details or website.
- On a business card that links to a page where they can get on-line estimates or product information.
- On a product sales sheet or catalog that takes you to the online shopping page.
- On a magazine or newspaper ad that links to: an on-line video of a resort; a restaurant menu, a discount coupon or a map of where you are located.
- On T-Shirts, Hats, Keychains, Drinkware, Calendars, etc.
- On historical sites or museum artifacts to give more information on that site or artifact.
- On your invoice that links your customers to an on-line payment portal.
- Be creative and make it fun!
More than a third (35 percent) of all Americans now own a smartphone according to the latest report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
