11 ways marketers use QR codes

QR codes are an amazing way to connect with your customers, but we get it — they can be confusing. When it comes down to it, QR codes connect the physical world to digital destinations. With one scan, people can access websites, payments apps, social profiles, and so much more. In this post, we'll look at eleven different ways to use QR codes in marketing and how you can get started with them today!

‍

1. Encourage social media engagement

The first use of QR codes is to encourage social media engagement. This can be done by using a QR code to generate more retweets, likes, and shares of your content. You can also use this type of code to encourage people to follow your business on Twitter or Facebook or share content from your blog with their followers. For example, if you are giving away free samples at an event and want people who come through the door to share about it on social media later (which will help spread awareness of the brand and increase sales), create a QR code with a link back to your web page where they can enter their information for their sample!

‍

2. Run a competition

If you want to get customers involved, QR codes make it easy to do so. For example, if your business makes high-quality vegan shoes and you're looking to expand your customer base, you could give away a free pair of shoes in exchange for every 10 new social media followers as part of your marketing campaign. You can also use the code to direct people to a website or landing page where they'll need to enter their email address to enter the competition.

‍

3. Create an online survey for customers

If you'd like feedback about how well your product performs or what changes could be made based on customer feedback, using a QR code is an effective way of gathering information from shoppers without having them fill out forms or answer questions over email or phone calls that may distract them from making purchases (and ultimately costing you sales).

‍

4. Launch a product

QR codes are a great way to launch a new product. If you have an upcoming product launch, use QR codes to get the word out. A website that creates and hosts your code is one option, but you can also make them yourself with tools like Adobe ImageReady or Microsoft Paint. Just create some text-based images (preferably in black and white) that say something about your new product and place them on a website or social media account where viewers will see them frequently.

The goal is for consumers who find these codes online or in print ads to scan them with their mobile phones so they'll be directed straight to a landing page where they can learn more about the new offering and buy it directly from there if they're interested enough!

‍

5. Direct customers to online content

Customers can scan a QR code on your packaging or in-store display, and it will direct them straight to your website where they can find more information about a product, watch a video about it, or even purchase the item online if you have an eCommerce site. This is especially useful for brands that sell items that are difficult for customers to try out in person (beauty products, for example).

This works well because people who see something interesting enough that they want to know more about it are likely comfortable with using the internet. In fact, an estimated 90% of shoppers use smartphones while shopping at retailers and 60% of these shoppers use mobile devices as part of their decision process – so when you make it easy for them with QR codes instead of forcing them into computers they're probably going to take advantage!

‍

6. Showcase video content

It's time to step up your marketing game. How? With video content! Video is a powerful way to showcase the products and services you're offering, whether that's how to use a product or where it was made. According to an article on Marketing Land, 75% of internet users watch online videos daily, so if you can get people interested enough in your brand through video content on your website or social media channels then there's no telling how many sales might follow.

‍

7. Create augmented reality experiences

Augmented reality is the next step in creating unique experiences for your customers. The technology allows you to create a custom experience that can only be seen through a mobile device, making it interactive and fun.

For example, if you're a coffee shop and want to offer a free coffee on any purchase over $5, you can use augmented reality to let people know about this special deal when they scan your QR code.

‍

8. Create a straightforward appointment booking system

QR codes can be used to make it easy for customers to book appointments, find your business and get directions, contact you and access information about your business.

If you are a small business owner or manager who has never used QR codes before, we recommend that you start with this simple tactic. Use a QR code on your website so people can easily share links to specific pages or products. For example, if I wanted to give my friend Paul a link for the new podcast episode on SEO (search engine optimization) that I wrote this week, all I would need is his email address. Once he opens up his email and clicks on the link I sent him in an email message with this topic line"A Podcast About SEO" then he will find himself listening immediately!

‍

9. Create a quality loyalty program

If you want to take your marketing strategy to the next level, consider creating a loyalty program that rewards customers for their repeat business. This can be as simple as sending out an email every time someone comes back to your business or something more involved, like offering special discounts and promotions exclusively for members of your loyalty program.

Loyalty programs are great because they encourage customer retention by rewarding them for returning time after time. They also make it easier for you to get new customers because people who have previously used or recommended your business are more likely to recommend it again in the future. You can even use QR codes on printed materials like flyers and brochures to direct people toward a link where they can sign up for your loyalty program!

‍

10. Accept payments using QR codes

In an online retail context, you can use a QR code payment app to accept payments via mobile or tablet.

For example, if your customer has an Apple device with iOS 7 or higher, they can scan a 2D barcode on their screen using the camera in their phone (or tablet). In return for scanning the code, they will be taken to a checkout page that is specific to them. Then all they need to do is type in their email address and password (if it’s not already saved), select shipping options, and pay for their order by credit card.

The advantage of this method is that it works across multiple platforms without any setup required aside from generating your own unique QR code image link which would be displayed on your website or app so people know how much money they need to pay when buying products from there!

‍

11. Provide real-time updates and scheduling

Use QR codes to provide real-time updates and scheduling. This can include providing information on the number of people who have downloaded your app, opting in to receive notifications or texts, or other relevant information.

‍

Making the most of your marketing with QR

QR codes are an exciting tool for marketers. And we’re just getting started! As more and more people use smartphones, QR codes will become increasingly important to businesses that want to reach their customers. If you have any questions about how QR codes can help your business, don’t hesitate to contact us today!