QR codes have gone through an interesting journey, exploding in popularity early- to mid-2010s only to go on a bit of hiatus. The world wasn’t quite ready for them at the time – but then COVID-19 hit and QR codes quickly became indispensable tools that bridged gaps between businesses and customers.
This is exactly why they’re now one of the most popular trends today when it comes to marketing and customer engagement.
But will QR codes continue to be in trend in 2023?
COVID-19 has been a catalyst of transformation, particularly in the realm of marketing. Previously disconnected offline and online channels have now converged to create integrated omnichannel strategies for brands aiming to increase customer retention rates by up to 90%. An example is QR codes – their ability allows them to be used as bridges between different media, allowing customers an engaging experience that unites both realms. With this expedient solution at hand, opportunities abound for marketers with ambitious goals!
QR codes offer a number of benefits for businesses, such as:
Increased Brand Visibility:
QR codes increase brand visibility and recognition by taking traditional advertisements to the digital world. By placing a code in an ad, you can direct customers to a website or specific page where they can learn more about your product or service.
Improved Customer Engagement:
QR codes provide an opportunity for customers to engage with your brand in a new way – by scanning the code. This encourages more interaction and deeper understanding of your product or service. Customers can quickly access information and make decisions right away, which can help increase sales.
Cost Efficiency:
QR codes are a cost-effective marketing tool. They are easy to create and distribute, plus they don’t require any special hardware or software. They can be used on a variety of media outlets, from print ads to television commercials.
Expansion Into Mobile:
QR codes provide an easy way for businesses to reach customers who prefer mobile devices over other options. By incorporating a code into your marketing campaign, you can connect with customers who are always on the go.
Improved Analytics:
With QR codes, businesses can track customer interactions and usage patterns in real time. This provides valuable insights into which campaigns are working and which ones need to be tweaked in order to maximize success. These analytics can help you refine future campaigns and make better decisions.
Overall, QR codes offer businesses a number of benefits that can help increase brand visibility, engagement, cost-effectiveness, and analytics. With the right strategy in place, you can easily take advantage of this technology to reach new customers and expand your business.
5 Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Marketing Plan
QR code usage is limited only by your marketing team’s imagination. Here are five ideas for using QR codes to promote your company.
1. Incorporate QR codes into your business card.
Level up your small business marketing with the convenience of a QR code. Integrate it into physical or digital versions of your business card for an easy and effortless method to share contact information, highlight calls-to-action, and track website visits from prospective customers.
2. Offer incentives and coupons via QR codes.
QR codes are an effective way to drive traffic, build and track engagement for your business. They offer strategic flexibility; allowing you to switch strategies on the fly and easily update destinations linked with each code as needed. Encouraging customers with special offers like discounts or free trials is a great tactic for generating leads!
3. Use QR codes to ask for reviews.
QRs provide a streamlined and efficient method for businesses to collect customer reviews. Place the codes in stores, offices or restaurants so customers can scan them while using their phones with an added bonus of including photos to attract more attention. Consider providing incentives like discounts or enter participants into a draw; this additional motivation will turn one-time shoppers into loyal fans and increase brand engagement!
Link your QR code directly to a review site or social platform, or provide customers with multiple options. This is an excellent way to learn more about your customers’ preferences and where they go to read reviews.
4. Use QR codes to improve the customer experience.
Engage customers with the enhanced digital experience of QR codes! Through text, audio/video files, and interactive gaming scenarios like scavenger hunts – businesses can create an immersive customer journey. Customers now have access to experiences tailored just for them that fit their own timeline; all without needing extra staff or a larger budget.
5. Find creative uses for QR codes.
Unlock the potential of QR code technology and take your industry to new heights! Restaurants were some of the first adopters, leveraging them for menus – but these days you can go so much further. Think beyond simple payment solutions: Use QR codes to join customer loyalty programs or connect with social media followers. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some more creative ideas to inspire your QR code usage:
- Leverage QR codes to power your local marketing strategy, fueling business success and drawing customers in droves.
- Use QR codes to conduct customer surveys.
- Unlock exclusive product info by scanning QR codes on your packages! Get instant access to ingredients, nutrition facts and more.
- Customers can now access Wi-Fi quickly and easily with the simple scan of a QR code; no more time wasted trying to remember complex passwords!
- Give your business an edge and maximize exposure by incorporating modern technology into giveaways like T-shirts and pens. Utilizing QR codes can help spread the word about what you have to offer!
- Let customers easily access your events with a QR code! Link this to your social media accounts and guide them straight to the registration page. Make event attendance easy and effortless.
- Unlock the path to new opportunities! Utilizing QR codes in job listings allows applicants a quick and easy way to access critical information, increasing their understanding of what’s required while streamlining their application process.
QR codes allow businesses to rotate the content customers access, which is much more cost-effective than regularly printing materials that quickly become outdated or end up in the trash.
Reach, engage and convert with the right QR codes
It took a pandemic to accelerate the use of QR codes, but their popularity shows no signs of wavering. As consumers embrace QR codes, marketers will have more opportunities to find new and effective ways to use QR codes as a mobile marketing solution.
As you consider incorporating QR codes into your marketing strategy, remember that every business is different. Take advantage of the tactics and benefits that make the most sense for your company’s goals and customers.