Designers, Here’s 7 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes

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Let’s set the record straight. Flowcode QR technology is way more than just a scannable menu at your favorite brunch spot.

We’re just scratching the surface of what this technology is capable of. In fact, a Chinese gaming company just used drones to form a scannable QR code in the sky.

We know that may seem a little far-fetched for your current scope of work, so we put together a few practical ideas to get your creativity flowing. All you’ll need is access to flowcode.com  (no drones necessary).

But first, we want to address one FAQ that may be on your mind: can you design on-brand QR codes for your company? The answer is yes, and it’s affordable.  We have in-house designers you can work with to create custom branded codes, and a team that tests designs to ensure scannability. We even have printing services too, for when you’re ready to bring your Flowcode to life.
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1. Design a Scannable Version of Your Logo

Through Flowcode Pro  you’re able to design a QR code logo that you can incorporate on literally anything. Get creative! Project the Flowcode logo on the wall at an in-person event, use it in a Zoom meeting background for an online event, on packaging (think branded wrapping paper, postage stamps, thank you cards, etc.), put it on stationary, laptop stickers, sidewalk stickers, in-store wall art, company swag...the possibilities are endless.

2. Code Products, Not Just Packaging

Picture this: you're at a friend’s house and you notice their candle smells divine. You pick it up and scan the base with your phone. Within minutes, you’re purchasing that exact candle scent for your own home.

Sure, customers can ask their friends where they got something. But that doesn’t ensure a trackable path to purchase like Flowcode does.
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Flow tip: if you want to be fancy, you can sweeten the deal with a referral discount for both the existing and new customer. So every time someone compliments a customer’s candle scent, they have an opportunity to earn dollars or points to spend with your brand.
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3. Enable Mobile-Friendly Research In Store

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82% of customers consult their phones when purchasing in-store. This is referred to as ROBO shopping (Research Online, Buy Offline). When a customer is in a Sephora, Target, Best Buy, Total Wine, or really any retail location, they want to be sure of their purchase. Displaying scannable Flowcodes that lead shoppers to product review pages is a great way to help them purchase with confidence and efficiency.

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4. Revive Print Magazines

It seems quite a few digitally native brands are dabbling in print these days.

Chairish, the marketplace for preowned interior decor, recently launched Magazine-ish. Take a look at a full page spread in the mag below. Do you see the tiny fine print on the far left? We can only assume that’s where the products featured in the article are listed. A Flowcode leading to a Flowpage  with links to the products would have been a more effective way to increase product discoverability, track engagement, and conversions.

FYI, a Flowpage  is a mobile-optimized landing page where you can link off to multiple pages and track what users are clicking on. That way, one article with various products only needs a single Flowcode that can direct to multiple links.

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Similarly, a magazine like GQ can include a Flowcode at the bottom of their feature story linking to video content that accompanies the story. Or a Flowpage with more content recommendations the reader might like.

5. Sign Your Work to Attract New Business

Think of a Flowcode  as a signature. A signal that a piece of work is attributed to you or your agency. Except rather than a potential client attempting to track you down by googling a scribbled signature or logo emblem attached to your work, they can scan their way directly to you. Whether it’s at the end of a video or at the footer of a website, find a way to digitally sign your work with a Flowcode.

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6. Code Invitations to Track RSVPS

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In the age of sending Google Calendar invites to clients and colleagues, printed invitations have become somewhat of a lost art. Consider that e-viting someone to an event may not be the most effective way. Paperless invitations may get lost in a sea of other emails in their inbox. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering with VIP clients or a webinar on UX design trends, we recommend creating a Flowpage  for your event. This can include a link to RSVP, learn about the attendees, place meal requests, or share the invite with others.

P.S. don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful invitation printed on elegant cardstock—featuring a custom Flowcode , of course. You can even handwrite their name on the envelope for an added touch of personalization.

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7. Create Competitions to Engage Customers

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There are so many ways to use QR codes in competitions—or to gamify elements of your customer experience. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as David Dobrik’s QR code puzzle  his fans buy, assemble, and scan to win cash. It could be a modern take on a “golden ticket” prize that’s scannable and included in a few random orders. Or a lucky draw in your retail stores—shoppers can dip their hand into a tank of Flowcodes that link to different discount offers.

The bottom line is Flowcode QR technology is changing the way consumers interact with brands. It’s drawing a direct line between offline and online experiences and gathering insights and analytics along the way. Visit flowcode.com  when you’re ready to experiment with new modes of reaching your audience.

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