May 03, 2023
Today, QR codes are everywhere. You can find them on concert tickets, in museums, and even on food packaging. They've become an essential tool for sharing information quickly and easily. And with the rise of contactless payment methods, QR codes are even being used to make purchases at stores and restaurants.
Where did it all begin?
The story of QR codes began in Japan in 1994 when Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, created a new kind of barcode. They called it the "Quick Response" code, or QR code for short. Unlike traditional barcodes, which could only store a limited amount of information, QR codes could hold much more. They were also designed to be scanned quickly, hence the name "Quick Response."
It wasn't long before people began to realize their potential for marketing and advertising. In the early 2000s, QR codes began to appear in magazines, newspapers, and on billboards, inviting people to scan them with their phones and access special content.
The real breakthrough for QR codes came with the rise of smartphones in the late 2000s. With the ability to scan QR codes built into most smartphones, people could easily scan codes and access information on the go. QR codes began to appear on everything from product packaging to business cards, making it easy to access websites, social media profiles, and more.
What are the benefits of using QR codes in marketing?
QR codes and marketing are like a match made in heaven!
Efficient
QR codes offer a quick and easy way for customers to access information. With a simple scan, individuals can access a website, social media profile, or other online content. Unlike other forms of advertising, QR codes are also super cost-effective. They can be created and printed at relatively low costs, while still allowing you to get your brand’s name out there.
Flexible
QR codes are highly versatile. They can be printed on almost anything, from billboards to product packaging to stickers. They can even be customized with designs and colors to fit a certain brand’s aesthetic. Plus, the online information stored in a QR code is flexible. You get to decide where a QR code leads the individual who scans it. This makes them an excellent tool for increasing brand visibility.
Data
QR codes are also highly trackable, which means using them provides you with valuable data on how many times they’ve been scanned.
Because of their versatility, QR codes can be used in a great number of ways to suit the needs of your business. QR codes are commonly used by businesses to:
- Direct customers to a landing page or website
- Connect customers to a social media profile
- Allow a scanner to sign up for a newsletter or access a promotion
- Lead to an informative flier
- View the business location on a map
- Access a menu online
- Link to a survey, poll, or other research tools
How can I incorporate QR codes into my marketing strategy?
Print QR codes on physical materials
You can print QR codes on business cards, brochures, flyers, product packaging, or even on t-shirts. By scanning the code, customers can access your website, social media profiles, or other online content.
Offer discounts or special promotions
You can create unique QR codes that link to discounts or special promotions. Customers can scan the code to receive the offer, which can be a great way to increase sales and drive traffic to your website or store. You can place this type of QR code anywhere, from boxes to packaging to receipts!
Create interactive experiences
Get creative with it! You can do things like create a scavenger hunt or a virtual tour that customers can participate in by scanning QR codes located at different physical locations.
Provide additional information
Create codes that link to product reviews, user manuals, or installation videos.
Event promotions
If you're hosting an event, you can use QR codes to promote it. You can print the code on event posters, flyers, or tickets, and by scanning the code, customers can access event details, schedules, and other important information.
The key to successfully incorporating QR codes into your marketing strategy is to make sure they offer value to your customers. Ensure that your codes link to relevant and engaging content that is easy to access and navigate. By doing so, you can create a seamless and enjoyable customer experience that can lead to increased engagement and sales!