What are you actually doing if you aren’t using QR codes in your business strategies? This nifty little strategy is a great way to direct customers to where you want them, simultaneously streamlining their experience. It’s easy to generate codes, simple for customers to scan and gives you much more control over the small details. You’ll just need plenty of QR code marketing ideas to keep everything ticking over.
QR codes are suitable for offering guest WiFi, quicker hotel check-in, encouraging Google reviews, and showing menus. Your options are endless; we can see why you want some inspiration to really nail down a strategy or two. It offers a more novel type of contact with your customer base.
In this guide, we’ll reveal some of the top marketing ideas for your QR codes. However, we’ll also solidify your understanding of all the basics. You can run before you walk, can you?
Here’s a thorough introduction to QR code marketing, from definitions to creation and, finally, some excellent inspiration. Let’s get started!
What Is QR Code Marketing?
QR code marketing is when you use patterned, scannable codes to advertise your business and drive further customer engagement. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? You can find dozens of QR code generators online, too. It’s a low-cost approach and a way to supplement your existing strategies.
Let’s first establish what the codes are themselves, though. It pays to have a concrete idea of a strategy’s foundations before you go all in.
The most important thing to know is that the dots and spaces in the pattern are totally unique. Each code has a distinct order that allows it to link to whatever the business owner wants. It isn’t as simple as just black and white arrangements on a screen or print-out; there’s order to the chaos.
When you generate a code, it’s a bit like generating a special portal. You are creating a way to transport customers to somewhere specific for a specific benefit and purpose. All codes may look the same at first glance — black and white patterns, usually in squares. But the strategy is amazingly precise and actually incredibly individualistic.
So, where can it take people who scan it? What are some of the common marketing purposes of these clever codes?
The most common use is for menu displaying or table ordering, which rose to popularity during COVID-19. This way, customers can scan and access a digital menu, rather than you printing physical menus on a regular basis. When placed in a window or other visible place to passers-by (perhaps with a discount sign), this turns into marketing.
You can also use them for requesting Google reviews, offering a business card, loyalty programs, feedback forms, and WiFi access. It’s a great way to quickly direct customers towards any action you’d prefer them to take.
Why Use a QR Code Marketing Strategy?
You should mainly use a QR code marketing strategy because of its ease of use. It doesn’t require a wealth of marketing materials like other strategies. You can get quick access to a code generator, and customers can easily carry out code scans.
The whole thing is simple yet effective — it doesn’t even require a huge financial investment upfront. You could actually start for free.
Let’s unpack all that in more detail, though. For instance, why are they so cheap to run?
We’ll get into the nitty gritty of creation below. Whether you want to know how to create a QR code for Google reviews or WiFi access, it’s pretty simple.
However, the main thing to know is that there are lots of free code generators you can use online. This means you can create the foundations of this strategy without paying anything upfront.
Yes, you’d have to organize the other end of the portal. For example, you might need to create a menu (although you’d need that already). Or perhaps you’d need to open social media profiles if you want to drive engagement there.
However, it’s still lower demand than creating physical product packaging or even starting digital marketing. The code aspect of the strategy is super simple.
Next, how tempting is a mysterious scannable pattern? There are actually studies researching how QR codes can attract more curious customers. And besides, it just leans into that sense of novelty that can drive engagement.
Finally, it’s also incredibly easy for customers. All smartphone users can scan codes using their cameras, so it’s an inclusive way to engage with your target audience.
3 Steps To Create a QR Code
Okay, let’s get practical. What are the best steps to take when organizing this marketing campaign? These are the three simple actions to create a QR code for business marketing purposes.
1. Find a Generator
Your first step is actually the most important. It’s worth spending time to find a reputable generator for QR code building. Otherwise, the downloading part of the process could leave you vulnerable to malicious attacks later. Always make sure your antivirus software is up to date before proceeding with this.
Also, note you should be able to find plenty of free options — don’t get conned into coughing up big bucks.
2. Create the Code
Creating the code should take less than a couple of minutes. Usually, you select what type of link you want (PDF, form, etc) and then insert it. You might get the opportunity to personalize your code with shape or color, but that depends on the software.
3. Print or Display It
Printing or displaying it digitally is the final step, but it is not one to take lightly. We’ll cover how to encourage customers to scan in just a second. But this should be something to consider at this stage, too. You don’t want to create a QR code for no reason.
What To Remember When Using QR Codes for Marketing
Using QR codes for marketing can be quite risky for the business owner, especially in that initial downloading stage. It’s essential to protect yourself with the necessary precautionary steps. There are also some more general tips to remember, like being aware that printing can ruin or blur the pattern.
So, here are the six top things to keep in mind:
- Always update your device software before downloading anything.
- Check that generator pages are secure before entering any details.
- Scan any suspicious files for viruses before downloading.
- Don’t risk inserting payment details with so many free, safe options on the market.
- Download the code in a PDF format to avoid ruining the sharpness of the pattern image.
- Know that enlarging can ruin image quality.
How To Encourage Customers To Scan
To be effective, customers have to actually scan your QR codes. You’d think that would go without saying, but you’d be surprised at the amount of almost hidden codes. They have to be visible. And they have to be visible in the right place and time.
It might be a slight exaggeration, but just think how ineffective a menu QR code would be at the checkout. Nobody wants to see a digital content menu after they’ve already ordered with the wait staff. Think about appearance, placement, and accessibility. Here are some tips:
- Link the code to your branding with personalizations in shape and color.
- Clearly advertise what the QR code is for and where it will take customers.
- Have it somewhere that makes sense and at a visible height. Some restaurants have metal codes on tables for their menus.
- Add an enticing deal or promo as extra temptation.
3 Creative QR Code Marketing Ideas
When it comes to creative QR code marketing ideas, they can really help get some inspiration. You can still be original in your plans but just use other people’s ideas for that initial launchpad. Are you ready for some marketing ideas with QR codes? These are three strategies that you can pinch for your own or adapt as you see fit.
1. Discount Rewards
This is a big one. You can ask almost anyone to do anything when you offer the right discount. If you place a QR code at the end of the queue offering a 40% discount for a survey. Chances are you’ll strike gold.
You could also offer discounts in exchange for social media followers or likes. There are loads of ways to weasel some benefits out of these codes.
2. Games
Games require a bit more creativity. But if you have the right business layout and mindset, you could create something like a scavenger hunt. Games are a fun way to keep customers light-hearted and entertained. It also reinforces your brand image positively.
3. Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a major marketing strategy. And through QR codes, you can drive customers to join up on the spot. One way to do this would be through exclusive discounts (as mentioned above) or even secret menu items. Make it elusive and exciting.
FAQ
Don’t rush off. QR codes are simple to make, but actually understanding them takes some in-depth work. These are the most commonly asked questions when learning how to utilize this niche type of marketing. Let’s revise the basics before you strike it solo.
How can QR codes be used in marketing?
QR codes are great for driving customers towards desirable actions; they are easy to scan and transport them instantly. Because of this, they are very effective alongside loyalty program marketing, WiFi marketing, Google My Business, and social media marketing.
Just create them for free and start channeling customers wherever you want them.
How do I make my QR code more interesting?
Certain software allows you to personalize QR code colors and shapes — the two best ways to make them more interesting. If you can align this with your brand image, that’s even better.
Don’t overlook the importance of the backdrop either, though. How will you signpost what the QR code actually is and where it will take customers? Where will you place it? Is there a way to make this setting more novel?
Beambox: Scannable WiFi
Did you know that you could utilize your QR codes for WiFi? We passed over this pretty quickly earlier, so we thought we’d reverse a little to consolidate your understanding. This is one of the most effective ways to offer guest WiFi, so it’s really not something you want to miss. Here’s how it works.
You can collect important marketing details like email addresses and phone numbers through captive portals. This gradually builds you a backlog of contacts for strategies later. This captive portal is a temporary webpage that customers trigger when they first attempt to join your network. In order to proceed to full access, they must comply and enter their details.
One way of displaying how to join is through a QR code. This saves customers from having to look for WiFi in their settings. It’s seriously a win-win, and it helps drive the number of WiFi users handing you marketing details.
Start your Beambox free trial today and make the most of those QR code marketing ideas!
