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6.09 AM How to create and use QR codes in marketing |
How to create and use QR codes in marketing With the COVID pandemic changing everything from the way we work to the way we order at a bar or restaurant, the new hero for many is the humble QR code that has popped up all over the planet. While delivery services are in full swing, many establishments and companies are finding that customers are preferring (and spending more) to order through their smartphones, meaning QR codes may well become even more popular. QR codes have come into play on a larger scale during lockdown, with companies adding them to their menus and marketing materials. What is a QR code? A QR code or quick response code is a two-dimensional version of a barcode that can be easily read by a digital device such as a smartphone, and usually consists of a series of black and white squares in a grid. The code stores information that can be instantly accessed by scanning it with a mobile device. How do QR codes work? QR codes work the same way as barcodes in a supermarket. When you scan a combination of black squares and dots with your mobile device, it translates the information into something that is easy to understand. From a technical perspective, each QR code is encoded with data and converted into a two-dimensional arrangement of squares. As the optical scanner passes over the squares, it translates the data back into its original form - be it words and numbers or a link to a menu. To scan the QR code app on your phone: 1. Open the QR code reader app on your phone. 2. Hold your phone near the QR code and make sure the code is clearly visible on the screen. 3. The phone should automatically scan the QR code. 4. If not, press the capture button to take a photo. How to scan a QR code on iPhone: 1. Open the camera app. 2. Hold your iPhone over the QR code to scan it. 3. Check the pop-up notification on the screen. Invented in the 1990s, marketers in the early 2000s used this super-fast way to send information to their customers, with QR codes proving particularly popular at trade shows and presentations. However, by the 2010s, with all the possibilities of using QR codes with smartphones, marketers' interest began to wane. Before Covid, the QR code was on the verge of extinction. However, everything changed when the pandemic hit as this useful technology became incredibly useful. Combined with the app, it has been designed to enable public health sites and agencies to support the government's strategy to increase the availability and speed of testing and identify possible close contacts of those who test positive. With the vast majority of the population accustomed to scanning QR codes using their smartphones, it was only a matter of time before establishments such as bars and restaurants realized that these black squares and dots could help them provide covid-secure services to customers. Restaurateurs and bar owners have quickly caught on to the trend, offering contactless menu options by scanning a code. Now that marketers have fully embraced the power of QR codes and consumers are familiar with their use, the pandemic has truly ushered in a big comeback for this 90s data storage tool. QR Code Generators: How to Create a QR Code The easiest way to create a QR code is to use a free online QR code generator or generator. 1. Select a QR code generator. There are many free QR code generators on the Internet, such as qr-code-generator.com, Kaywa, and Shopify's Free QR Code Generator. Try to find generators that allow you to track and analyze the performance of your QR codes, such as how many people clicked on the link after scanning it. 2. Choose what content you are promoting. You'll be able to select a range of content type options depending on which generator you choose, including URLs, text, PDFs, and images. 3. Enter your details Once you've chosen what content you're sharing, you'll need to enter the details. This could be pasting your URL into a text field or uploading an image. 4. Choose to download a static or dynamic QR code. Static QR codes are great for information that will always be the same. However, if you want to be able to change what the QR code links to or scans, we recommend downloading a dynamic QR code instead. 5. Customize it Some QR code makers allow you to customize the appearance of your QR code, such as color and pattern - you can even make it look like your logo! However, please note that changing the QR code design may make it difficult to scan. 6. Check it out Make sure the QR code works and sends the correct data to the recipient by scanning it with your smartphone before sending it to anyone else. 7. Share it There are many creative ways to share your QR code with your target audience, from printing it on a poster or t-shirt, business card, brochure, to posting it on social media. In addition to sharing the code, it's a good idea to provide instructions on exactly how to do it and a hint of what they'll get when they scan, such as access to your menu, a discount, or more information about the exhibit. Make sure that wherever you display your QR code, it's easy for people to take out their phones to scan. For example, it would be unrealistic for someone driving past a billboard with a QR code on it to stop, get out, and scan it, and short TV ads are unlikely to give viewers enough time to take out their phones, download the app, and scan it. Select places where people stood or sat for a while, such as in line at a club or restaurant, or checking out artifacts in a museum. 8. Analyze the results. Regularly check how your QR code is doing and see if you can optimize your campaign. For example, if more people are scanning the code on a poster, print a few more posters and place them in high-traffic areas. Perhaps people are scanning your QR code but not using your voucher code, or they are not required to scan the code at all - find out what works and what doesn't work to get the most out of your strategy. How to Use QR Codes for Marketing While they are commonly used as menu links and table service apps post-pandemic, there are a number of popular uses for QR codes that create the perfect combination of print and digital marketing. Here are some examples! Promote your podcast With nearly 6 in 10 of us enjoying listening to podcasts in 2021, you need to find a smart way to get people to listen to yours. Placing QR code ads on buses, subways and trains is a great way to grab the attention of commuters looking for something to keep them entertained on their way to work. Some savvy marketers even use temporary QR code tattoos that link to their songs and podcasts! Get more followers on social networks Linking your QR code to your social media accounts allows people to quickly scan and follow. This is a great strategy for increasing social engagement at trade events and fairs where people are standing around checking out your booth or waiting to talk to your business - simply display them on an accessible roll-on banner ready to be scanned. You can also hand them out on flyers to encourage people to find you on social media after the event. Share your discount You can also use QR codes to direct customers to a mobile coupon, such as a one-time redemption code for 30% off or to receive a free drink with their meal. The prospect can then redeem the coupon immediately or save it for their next visit to your store. Get feedback from clients. Customer feedback is important for businesses as it helps improve customer service and understand customer pain points. The easiest way to get feedback is to provide a QR code on a postcard at the end of your communication that leads to an online survey. Increase app downloads It makes sense to direct customers to the app using a QR code because they will need to use their smartphone to access it anyway! There are actually special QR code generators created for this very purpose that can link to your app in the Google and Apple app stores, so be sure to check them out when promoting your new mobile phone app. With the popularity of QR codes at an all-time high, how are you going to use them to complement your marketing strategy? From business cards to t-shirts, the possibilities are endless - start printing QR codes for marketing today! |
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