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The importance of QR codes

In a world where we expect everything at our fingertips, QR codes provide instant interaction between businesses and customers. 

QR codes were steadily growing in popularity. However, the pandemic escalated businesses and marketers’ appetite for them, and it’s not hard to see why. 

QR codes help to drive traffic to landing pages, share important information and increase engagement with customers.

If the aforementioned is any of your business objectives, then read the following to learn more about the importance of QR codes, how they work and how to use them to your business’s advantage. 

What is a QR code, and how does it work?

A QR code, also short for ‘quick response’ code, is a black and white, square-shaped image that provides access to more information quickly from their devices. People can scan the QR codes with their smartphones to learn more about a product or service. These encrypted symbols can even hold links, discounts and vouchers. 

Most smartphones have the technology to read QR codes, which are built into their camera apps. Users will point the camera at the code, and an option to open the link will appear on their phone screen. Alternatively, you can download a QR reader through the device’s app store. 

What are the benefits of QR codes?

They are safe

The pandemic has shifted the way businesses communicate with their customers. QR codes enable businesses to provide their customers with information, whether it’s sharing a menu or a form for customers to fill in safely.

They are quick

Using QR codes is a great way to streamline the user experience and ensure customers can access information as quickly and efficiently as possible. By scanning a QR code, customers can go straight to a landing page or check-in at a location without having to speak to a staff member or ask for support.

They hold more data

QR codes offer a place to hold invaluable information for your customers. They can hold hundreds of encrypted data that translates into URLs, linking to promotions and landing pages, and gathering location data and sharing other marketing materials.  

They direct customers straight away

QR codes enable you to direct customers straight to where you want them to go. Whether it’s signposting them to a social media page or a promotional landing page, QR codes enable you to drive traffic to a specific part of your website without the customer having to jump through hoops to get there. 

They increase engagement

If one of your goals is to increase engagement on your website or a particular piece of content, then QR codes are an easy way to encourage users to engage with it. Users scanning a QR code indicates that the intent is already there to read and engage with the information.  

How to use QR codes for your business

Whether it’s to enhance your customers’ shopping experience, increase your social media engagement or transform your marketing, here are a few key examples of including QR codes into your marketing strategy:

Direct customers to landing pages

The beauty of QR codes lies in the fact that they direct customers to exactly where you want them to go. Customers can scan a QR code and be directed to a signup page or a specific landing page without having to navigate their way around the website. Unique QR codes can also be measured, so you can track their performance.

Streamline ordering

QR codes streamline the buyer’s transaction process by offering self-service and contactless payment options. By using QR codes, customers can access menus, order and pay, or be directed to a particular product and complete the transaction on their own.

Share business information

QR codes enable you to share critical business information without sending an email or any other marketing communications. Customers can scan the QR code to access information like the business address, WiFi network, event details, and any other business-related communications.

Gather customer data

Creating a QR code is a great tool to use for lead generation. Scanning a QR code can lead to a signup page or a customer survey, allowing the customer to receive a discount or voucher or share their interest and opinions from their own devices.

Start using QR codes

Now that you know more about the importance of QR codes, it’s time to consider implementing them into your strategy. Start by thinking about how they can benefit your business, streamline your processes and enhance your customers’ experience. If you need support along the way, get in touch. We will work with you to identify where you can use them as a marketing tool.

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