APPLYING QR CODES IN MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
What are quick response codes, and how do you use them?(marketing campaign)
QR codes are a type of matrix barcode that can be scanned quickly by a smartphone (thus the name). They are well-known for giving a user’s device with a wealth of information practically instantly after scanning a code with their camera, and they have a wide range of applications in a variety of industries.(marketing campaign)
The codes can store data such as website URLs, phone numbers, apps, photos, videos, audio, PDFs, vCards, Wi-Fi codes, and even bitcoins, bridging the gap between offline and online marketing. I’m sure you’re already planning how you’ll use quick scan codes in your marketing approach… so let’s have a look at the advantages.
What are the benefits of QR codes?(marketing campaign)
There are various advantages to using QR codes in your print, out-of-home, and direct marketing campaigns. Quick response codes may now be scanned with most phone cameras without the need to download a QR code reader, making them available to anyone with a smart phone (which is pretty much everyone!).
QR codes are popular because they are quick and allow your clients to take action right away after scanning your code. There’s no need to write long site address URLs or hunt up further information. They are a content marketer’s dream when used properly because they can be linked to any digital material.
QR codes have been used by social media platforms to allow users to connect with others more quickly by scanning their QR code. Take a look at the example below from LinkedIn and get in touch with me!
Data is embedded in QR codes. The code will become more complex as the number of characters in your connection increases. The code below also gets you to my LinkedIn profile, however I used www.bitly.com to shorten the URL first, which resulted in a simpler code. If your camera goes out of focus, there’s a greater chance the scanner won’t be able to read the code with more complex codes.
More advantages of QR codes(marketing campaign)
Quick response codes may also be tracked, and most generators have an analytics component that allows us to examine scan results and assess the ROI of our offline marketing initiatives. We can use URL shorteners like bit.ly and UTM parameters to measure the number of website visits as well as Google Analytics data like bounce rate and time on page if we’re linking to a website landing page.
It’s crucial that the customer is happy with what they’ve received after scanning and that it’s useful. As a result, being able to analyse these details will aid us in determining whether or not they had a positive or negative experience.
There is an aspect of error correction in QR codes. This means it can restore data up to a set percentage of the time if the code is partially removed, damaged, or unclean. You have four error correction levels to choose from when designing your codes, ranging from 0% to 30% protection. The more pixels within the code and the more complex your code appears, the higher the amount of mistake correction.
Logos are often employed in quick response codes for error correction. When branding your code, you can delete 30% of the data and replace it with your logo. Isn’t that clever?
See how the code changes by using the error correction options on this free QR Code Generator!
Another advantage of QR codes is that they are exciting. Many customers will feel compelled to scan them since they are unsure what will emerge.
QR code marketing are low-cost and simple to set up. Many free internet tools are available to help you create your own marketing QR codes. They can store a wide variety of data and can be used by any industry.
How do you make QR codes?
Making these codes is really straightforward, and there are many online QR code generators available to assist you.
My personal favourite is The QR Code Generator, which allows you to generate free codes for almost any data. If you upgrade to a paid account, you’ll be able to generate branded QR codes with your logo that will stick out in your marketing and print materials.
The QR code that can be found below, for instance, has been branded using the colours and logo of the Digital Leadership Programme’s brand. This gives it a recognisable quality and helps it stand out from other things. If you use your mobile device to scan the code, you will have the opportunity to interact with us through any one of our many online channels. This is made abundantly evident in our call to action, which is worded as “follow us,” so that the user is aware of what to anticipate after scanning the code.
Useful hints for QR codes
Remember that when you give your customers a QR code to scan, they’ll be accessing this information on their phones, so make sure your content is mobile-friendly.
Although QR codes are becoming more well known, not everyone is aware of them. Use a call to action to make it clear to your customer what they will be scanning the code for (and make sure it is valuable to them!)
Avoid utilising numerous codes at once – QR codes can be a’moment of delight’ for your consumers’ trip; nevertheless, this might become bothersome or confusing.
Check your content – while QR codes do not expire, it must be frustrating for a customer to scan a code that leads to a broken link or outdated information. To ensure that you may make adjustments to your content or site address after implementing your code, make sure to create dynamic codes (rather than static codes).
Consider your location: Customers may find it challenging to scan QR codes on moving items such as buses and business cars unless they are parked. Use QR codes on stationary media such as posters, direct marketing pieces, walls or store displays, gift vouchers, tickets, and so on.
Finally, make sure they’re high-resolution images.
