What are you playing at if you aren’t using QR codes yet? 72% of mobile users scan one every month. These features are just so enticing, becoming popular marketing strategies. If you’d like some QR code advertising examples, you’ve come to the right place.
Scannable codes are highly effective because they work due to the temptation of easy action and intrigue. They’re also low-cost to create, with plenty of free generators online. And it’s a breeze printing them out for a display. The whole strategy is simple to orchestrate, with lots of potential in the right pair of creative hands. It’s an eye-catching and simplistic way to instantly draw customer attention and instantly drive optimal engagement.
If you’d like to learn more about QR marketing, you’ve come to the right place. Sit tight because we’ve got everything from definitions to how-tos and FAQ coming right up!
What Are QR Codes in Advertising?
Businesses use QR codes in advertising to drive sales and engagement. These black-and-white patterns are uniquely generated codes that take users to specific pages and documents. This is fabulous for marketing and advertising. Because in a second, you can have your audience directly where you want them to be.
It’s also a great way to draw in more leads, as the process is ideal for revealing information. The code itself is relatively mysterious, and you can really play up to that. Then, often, when someone goes so far (already scanning the code), they are committed enough to continue. It’s a version of the sunk cost fallacy.
A QR code is a fantastic hook to reel people in. It requires creativity to get the initial attention and then a solid way to retain interest.
If you want an example of QR code advertising, we’ve got plenty coming up. But for now, just think of adding a new item to your menu. A scannable code to “reveal the latest mystery drink” is a great way to advertise it. And to really spice things up, you could include a spin-the-wheel when guests open the portal — offering discounts to winners.
The mystery would be the initial hook; the discount would retain and drive further action. Do you see how QR codes quickly form a great advert? It’s great for impulse buys, too, and works on the premise of location-based marketing. The target customer has to be close enough to scan!
There are so many ways to optimize your QR code marketing results. Now you’ve got a solid handle on the definition, stay tuned for details on optimization.
Using QR Code Marketing: Examples of Benefits You’ll Notice
It doesn’t take much to realize that QR codes are very effective in business. But if you’d like a more in-depth introduction to this strategy’s primary benefits, you’re in the right place.
For example, when using QR code marketing, examples can really help. These are the top three examples of benefits you’ll notice.
1. It’s Cheap To Start and Run
This is a unique balance with QR code campaigns, as most campaigns usually require initial investment or maintenance. Yet this isn’t the case here.
You can find code generators online for free; printing costs are nearly nothing. If you add them to menus, the code image barely changes the price you’d already pay. Then, it’s a passive process entirely once set up.
2. It’s Universal
You can use this strategy all over the world. It’s universal and easy to run. That ease is worth its weight in gold, as you don’t waste staff time answering questions. Explaining how to access menus, join WiFi, or even where to find loyalty program details is time-consuming. With a well-known QR code process, it limits these conversations.
All smartphone users have a ready-made code reader: their camera. They simply see the code, scan it, and then access your marketing material. You’ve ensnared them successfully.
3. It Improves the Customer Experience
QR codes have the potential to drastically improve the customer experience. Why? They drive engagement. Connection is hugely fulfilling, especially when accompanied by exclusive discounts.
If you use the strategy right, it benefits both you and the customer. They receive easy-to-access information and fun rewards, and you drive engagement.
Setting Up a Code: 3 Easy Steps
You can read all about QR code generators. But what about the most simple instructions? How about we give you three easy steps to create a perfect code?
Once you know your marketing plan and overall vision, the execution part is easy. Follow these quick steps, and you’ll have a scannable marketing strategy in less than five minutes.
1. Google a Generator
You can create one in seconds with a generator like My QR Code. Just Google “free QR code generators,” and you’ll find dozens of options.
Be mindful of using resources with good reviews, and be wary of insecure web pages and other red flags. Also, always make sure your antivirus and security software are up-to-date.
2. Create Your Code
Once you pick your site, it’s time to get creative. First, select what type of code you want (in this case, maybe a website with a form and advertising images). There are many options, including PDFs, videos, links, and coupons. So pick whatever matches your advert idea.
Name your code and add any text you’d like on the image itself. Then, decide whether or not you add a password. At this point, click generate because you’re ready to see the final product.
3. Customize and Download
Some tools, like Online QR Code Generator, let you customize your code. In this case, you can add things like frames and logos and even adapt the pattern. This is a useful feature for anyone creating things like business cards.
If your tool doesn’t have that feature and you don’t care about it, just move straight on. Click download, and it’s yours.
It really is that simple. You could spend extra time on designs or brainstorm ideas as you browse. However, overall, you can easily create an effective QR code in less than five minutes. If your idea is simple, you could even push it to under a minute.
3 QR Code Advertising Examples
Sometimes, a bit of inspiration goes a long way. What about some QR code advertising examples? Seeing what other people have cooked up might encourage you to come up with your perfect idea.
Here are some ideas you’re welcome to pinch or adapt and take as your own — as promised.
1. Exclusive Discounts
Everyone loves a discount, so why not use QR codes to lure people in with good deals? You can offer discounts in exchange for feedback or link them to one of the strategies below. Exclusive discounts are a great all-arounder when it comes to plotting advertising ideas.
Think of the McDonald’s lottery system; it played on the idea of discounts and gambling for a win. Select items had peel-off stickers with prizes on each one. You could win money, a drink, or something simple, like extra fries.
2. Mystery Reveals
The mystery reveals are a strong choice. The intrigue of a reveal can draw people in and cause that sunk-cost fallacy-driven commitment we discussed earlier. Amp up the excitement and novelty, and you’ve got a great coded advert.
Of course, you’ll need that second “bite” to retain interest after you show the new item or surprise update. This could be a reduction or prize entry into something.
3. Competitions
Competition is always fun, and QR codes are great for channeling sign-ups with minimal staff input. It’s passive, and who doesn’t love that?
You could offer giveaways for cash prizes, holidays, or experiences related to your business, like candlelit dinners or cocktail masterclasses.
If you play your cards right, you could sync your QR code strategy with collecting email addresses or phone numbers. Or even drive social media engagement. Make the most of that precious attention.
How To Draw Customer Attention
We have a final note before we wind things up with our most vital tips and tricks. How do you draw that initial attention? How do you make sure customers see the QR code to begin with?
Well, that all comes to placement. You could put it at a point of sale, offering last-minute discounts. Or you could place it in a waiting area where people queue to order, advertising new items. Alternatively, you could put it by the window — advertising something like a free holiday prize entry for every item purchased.
Be savvy about placement and try to match it with your hook. There’s no point in advertising a new item after someone has already ordered it at the counter and sat down. Prioritize facilitating impulse buying.
FAQ
Before we finish, here are the leading FAQs about QR codes. It’s that age-old question: How do you know what you don’t know?
Ensure you’ve got the answers to these common queries that stump QR code creators. You’ll save yourself time later.
Are QR codes free?
Yes, there are so many free QR code generators online. Good examples include Online QR Code Generator and My QR Code. Just Google “free QR code generator” and check the reviews of the options that come up.
Are QR codes safe to create?
Yes, QR codes are safe to create yourself. However, you should use reputable generators and update your antivirus and security software before downloading.
What is an example of a QR code advert?
An example of a QR code advert would be a sign near the front door of a cafe. It might say, “Scan to win our new mystery item.” This plays on the promise of winning something, novelty, and impulse. QR codes are great for driving initial engagement and intrigue, reeling in passing customers.
Beambox: QR Codes for WiFi
Creating QR codes can also relieve your staff of work; you can create them to take guests to your WiFi. Think about it: fewer questions and less communication. It’s much more efficient.
You can use our free generator option. But, while we’re on WiFi, do you have a captive portal system? A captive portal is the most favored method of collecting customer data for marketing purposes.
Anyone with a business knows collecting emails or phone numbers can be draining. Building those first marketing lists is hard work.
A captive portal blocks users from immediately gaining access. Instead, it takes them to a webpage form requesting details of your choice. Once they comply, they get the internet, and you get contacts. It’s a win-win.
Start your Beambox free trial today and take the next step after all the inspiration from QR code advertising examples!
