Seven Ideas on Using QR Codes in Marketing Campaigns
QR codes have been around for over ten years, yet many people still don’t know what they are or how to use them. Even if you think you do, take a look at these seven examples of how you can use QR codes in marketing campaigns and learn some new tricks.
1. Using QR Code As an Advertising Method
QR codes are a great way to market your business. If you run a clothing store, you can create QR codes with information about your clothes on display and make them directly related to the products. People who see your code can scan it with their phones and find out more about the product. It will allow them to place an order right away if they decide that’s what they want to do.
2. Special Offers
If you’re looking to save money on your business advertising budget, consider QR codes. They are more memorable than traditional print ads and coupons. They can offer special discounts or direct customers to an additional URL for information about a product or service. Amata Agency can get you started with a smartly designed campaign that won’t break your marketing budget.
3. Marketing at Trade Shows
One thought is that the main benefit of a QR code is to enhance and simplify the information on your tradeshow displays. Instead of having a worker standing next to the exhibit explaining how your product works, you can give them an information sheet with everything they need. Instead of having ten different brochures, you can have one sheet where workers scan their codes and get specific details. If someone comes up and has questions, they can scan the codes, but only if they want more information—and it’s not forced upon them.
4. Customer Surveys
Even if you’re selling the best, most innovative products and services globally, it’s still important to understand what customers really want. That’s where customer surveys come into play. On your website or social media page, ask a question that can be answered via a simple yes or no. For example: Do you have an iPhone 6? Are you interested in learning more about XYZ product/service? One of the best examples is American Express, which recently ran a survey asking people whether they would pay $1 for a coffee. In addition to receiving some interesting feedback, they also got dozens of videos showing people paying for their coffee with dollar bills—all for free advertising! Of course, surveys aren’t just limited to online marketing campaigns; try sending out postcards with short surveys attached to them as well.
5. Ticketed Events
This is the first use that many people think of when it comes to QR codes. Ticketed events and concerts provide an excellent opportunity for marketers to offer their customers an alternative way to pay for goods. When using a mobile device, it’s easy and convenient to quickly scan your way through the line and find a seat without digging out your wallet or standing around waiting at the box office. If you’re looking for more opportunities beyond ticketed events, try selling concert tickets through coupons, which will allow consumers with mobile devices (using any web browser) to access coupons via their phone. Scanning one specific code allows them free access or reduced admission price.
6. Business Development
One great way to encourage engagement with your brand and build a following is by creating a mobile application that features your products or services. Because it is so easy for consumers to lose interest, you have to make an effort to stand out from the competition. There are also times when an app can replace an old marketing strategy, such as print brochures. For example, Kodak has created a free QR Code Finder app that allows users to download marketing materials by scanning barcodes on print ads.
7. Conferences
QR codes have already made it onto the radar of many marketers and conference organizers. For example, the INBOUND Conference used QR codes to inform attendees about the event schedule and speakers and direct them to app downloads that could help them take advantage of mobile features such as taking polls or answering surveys during sessions. Conference-goers who want to follow up on a speaker’s presentation can also scan the code to access a link to the relevant page. QR codes can even be a great way for conference organizers themselves to get feedback from attendees. The organizer could set up a code with his email address at every session or exhibit booth and ask visitors how they think things are going or whether there are any problems.