Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 10:34 am
The QR code has experienced dips and falls in the world of digital marketing trends. If you haven’t already used a QR code yourself, you likely have seen it before at the very least: this machine-readable code is comprised of black and white squares that comprise a matrix-like barcode. When a person’s phone camera scans it, the viewer’s phone reacts. This might mean a web page opens up. Perhaps they’re redirected to the app store and encouraged to make a download.
Whatever the case, there’s no doubt that these QR codes are highly interactive. And although they’ve gone through bouts of time where usage declined, it’s also clear that they’re making a comeback today. The accelerated growth of mobile usage means there’s always room for QRs, and currently, there are plenty of creative ways you can use them in your own marketing efforts. Here are six ideas to get you going:
Direct Mail
Like the QR code, direct mail is here to stay. Instead of being decimated by digital, today’s direct mail strategies are closely interlinked with digital components. In fact, according to the Data & Marketing Association, businesses receive $12 for every $1 they spend on direct mail marketing, making it the highest ROI for consumer acquisition. To create a more integrated strategy, invest in custom envelopes from online shops like envelopesuperstore.com and add a QR code to the envelope or contents. The fact is, the vast majority of people who receive a piece of marketing mail will, at the very least scan it. QR codes make it easier than ever for them to take immediate action.
Posters & Flyers
If you want to attract local customers, try getting your QR code onto posters and flyers in the area. You might even lend your QR code an air of mystery; this is exactly what film production did for the movie “28 Days Later” when it set up a massive QR code billboard with no content except for the name of the movie. When people took out their phones to scan it, they saw an enticing trailer.
Storefront Windows
If you own a brick and mortar business, you understand the struggles of capitalizing on foot traffic. Your window displays play a crucial role here, and can help you leverage foot traffic happening 24/7. With this in mind, why not add a QR code to your window display? A quick scan can show passerby what your store is about, what you offer, list your menu, and much more. The options are endless. Already, many brands are using window engagement as a way to connect with consumers. TOMs, Sony, and Kate Spade are among the retailers who currently include this in their strategy.
Add it to Your Business Cards
No matter what type of business or industry your in, chances are you can benefit from networking. Every business owner needs a business card, and you can take your card up a notch by adding a QR code to it. This is especially ideal for business owners who have plenty of information they want to add to their business card, but have limited space. With a QR code, you can offer contact details to all types of social media sites and online portfolios.
Label Your Products
Today’s consumers care about the origin and history of their consumables, and you can use QR codes to tell that story and enhance your ecommerce efforts. Whether you offer coffee or clothes, you can incorporate QR codes onto your packaging or menus to help potential buyers glean more information. As a coffee shop owner, imagine having a code in place to show your visitors pictures and text about where exactly your coffee beans come from? Transparency is so important in today’s business world, and so is storytelling; QR codes give you the opportunity to do just that.
Add It to Your Food
If your business sells perishables, you can add an edible QR code to your roster of ideas. This is exactly what Montreal-based bakery Clevercupcakes did. They added edible QR codes to the top of their delicious cupcakes, and users who scanned it were taken to the business website. Not only was this a fun and unique experience for customers, but it also garnered them impressive press from websites like Fast Company. Thinking outside the box could grant you the same luck. Even if your business doesn’t sell food, you can always host a pop-up, which offers the ability to come up with inventive ways to attract consumers.
