Don’t Forget The QR Code - QR Code Marketing Strategy
We are calling it, 2023 is the year of the QR code marketing strategy. Most people have a slight memory of the first time they heard about or saw a QR code. Since its introduction to the public in 2010, QR codes never saw an increase in usage and were even considered yesterday’s technology. The reality of QR codes is that they were ahead of their time. Now, they are back with a vengeance and growing exponentially in popularity.
QR codes are scannable barcodes that can be used in various ways. In marketing, they are extremely valuable but often overlooked. Here are some reasons why you should never forget to incorporate QR codes into your marketing strategy.
Easy to Use and Cost Efficient
One of the reasons why QR codes didn’t catch on back in 2010 was due to inaccessibility. Many people didn’t own smartphones, and those that did often had to download a third-party app to read the codes. Now, most Americans own smartphones, and nearly all can read QR codes without a third-party app. Now, customers can scan QR codes by simply opening the smartphone camera.
Not only is it easy to use for consumers, but it’s also easy for businesses and marketers to set up. Many sites offer free QR code generators and allows the code’s content can be easily updated, making them cost-efficient for your campaign.
Bridge the Gap
Printed and digital collateral are both equally important aspects of marketing campaigns. However, QR codes allow you to bridge the gap between digital and print and effectively combine these elements. Marketers can integrate QR codes into signage and other print advertising. Posters and flyers can only hold so much information and often miss important details. To avoid missing key elements, marketers can add QR codes to printed collateral that people can scan to be directed to the company’s website for more information. They can get introduced to photos, videos, and much more content that is impossible with printed mediums. It can also help drive online sales and engagement s consumers who are on the go can easily access the company’s website.
Boosted Engagement
Another benefit of incorporating QR codes into your marketing strategy is that it boosts engagement. Posters and flyers can be easily ignored, thrown out or passed by. However, adding an engaging element can make consumers take a pause. QR codes don’t have be as simple as linking to your website, they can also feature engaging content like discounts, games, virtual tours and more. This allows potential customers to take a moment. Scan the code, visit and engage with the content you have linked through your code, which can potentially lead to sales and higher revenue.
Here are some examples of effective and engaging QR code marketing campaigns:
· Retail promotions: Retailers can use QR codes on product packaging, in-store displays, and print ads to give customers access to exclusive discounts, coupons, or other promotions when they scan the code with their mobile device.
· Lead generation: QR codes can be used to generate leads by providing customers with access to exclusive content or offers in exchange for their contact information. For example, a real estate company might place QR codes on its property listings that give customers access to virtual tours or floor plans when they scan the code and provide their contact information.
· Event ticketing and check-ins: QR codes can be used to streamline event ticketing and check-ins by allowing customers to purchase tickets and check in to events with their mobile devices.
· Customer loyalty programs: Retailers can use QR codes to create loyalty programs that reward customers for making purchases or visiting their stores. For example, a coffee shop might give customers a QR code when they make a purchase that they can scan on their next visit to earn a free drink.
· Augmented reality experiences: QR codes can be used to create augmented reality experiences that customers can access by scanning the code with their mobile device. For example, a theme park might use QR codes to give customers access to virtual rides or interactive games.
· Social media campaigns: QR codes can be used to drive social media engagement by allowing customers to quickly and easily follow your social media accounts or share content with their own followers.
· Virtual tours: Real estate companies can use QR codes to provide virtual tours of properties to potential buyers.
Measurable Data
We all know the saying: what you can’t improve, you can measure! One of the best benefits of including QR codes on your printed or digital collateral is that they allow you to measure the effectiveness of your campaign easily. The digital form of the codes makes it easy to see and analyze how much traffic the code gets. Some codes are even compatible with Google Analytics and help you collect first-party data. Access to this data helps marketers improve their strategies and generate a better return on investment.
Dion Marketing takes pride in being at the forefront of marketing techniques and constantly adapting our practices with the changing digital landscape. We understand how incredibly daunting this can be, but don’t worry, Dion Marketing is ON the ball! We have a great team with proven experience for all of your marketing, advertising, public relations and design needs. If you want to make your social media presence more lucrative, get Dion Marketing ON your social media platforms today! Click here to contact us and learn more.