QR codes are enjoying great popularity. From immediate forwarding to detailed product information and simple payment processing to retrieving WiFi access data: QR codes are now ubiquitous. But QR codes are more than just information carriers – they are also an effective marketing tool. You can find out everything you need to know about QR code marketing in this magazine article.
Definition – What is QR code marketing?
QR code marketing is a form of digital marketing that uses QR codes specifically to create a direct link between offline and online marketing. You can use QR codes to redirect your target group to websites, social media (keyword: social media marketing), videos and surveys of your choice, for example. This is often referred to as marketing squared.
QR codes form the basis of QR code marketing Source:qr1.at
What are the advantages of QR code marketing?
Marketing squared offers many advantages for your business success:
Quick access to information: QR codes can be scanned by your target group at any time and almost anywhere. This enables users to access websites, videos, contact information and much more within a very short time.
Versatile application possibilities: QR codes can store a wide range of data. That’s why you can use them for all kinds of applications. Whether you want to refer your target group to further product information, your Facebook page or a stored PDF file: QR codes couldn’t be more versatile.
Sustainable marketing tool: In contrast to other marketing tools, advertising in a square is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Say goodbye to printed advertising once and for all.
Measurable marketing: QR codes are trackable, i.e. you can see how often and at which locations your QR codes have been scanned. This means you know exactly how effective your marketing is.
Increased brand transparency: One thing should be clear to you: consumers today want to know everything about products. With QR codes, you can easily provide your target group with the additional information they need.
How does QR code marketing work?
The basis of QR code marketing is the QR code, short for Quick Response Code – a two-dimensional barcode that provides digital information by scanning – usually with a smartphone camera.
The two-dimensional barcodes have great potential. This is because the proportion of smartphone users in the German population was around 81.1% in 2022 and is likely to remain similarly high in the coming years.
The scanned QR code leads to a specific URL Source:qr1.at
The overriding aim of the QR code is to build a bridge between the online and offline areas. In concrete terms, this means that you can use a QR code to address your target group offline and lead them directly to your digital offers.
How do you create QR codes?
Aspects such as size and placement are crucial for the successful creation of QR codes. In this detailed guide to the correct printing of QR codes, you will find all the important information you need to optimise the design of your QR codes.
For QR code marketing, you can also choose between two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. The overriding difference lies in their subsequent changeability.
Static QR codes
Static QR codes can no longer be changed once they have been created. The information to which a static QR code leads should therefore ideally be valid for a long time.
Static QR codes contain information that cannot be subsequently edited (@ qr1.at).
Dynamic QR codes
In contrast to static QR codes, dynamic QR codes can be edited at any time afterwards. They are therefore ideal for information that needs to be updated again after a short time.
Dynamic QR codes are less crowded than static QR codes (@ qr1.at).
How do you use QR code marketing sensibly?
There are many possible uses for QR codes in marketing – here are five of them:
Live chat
You can use QR codes to redirect your target group directly to live chats for support, personal advice and appointments. By scanning the QR code that you place in your shop, on a product or in an advert, for example, your customers can start a live chat session directly on their smartphone.
QR codes allow users to go directly to the live chat (@ qr1.at).
With live chats, you can answer your customers’ questions in real time, respond to their concerns and set appointments. In this way, you not only improve the customer experience, but also strengthen the relationship with your target group.
App downloads
QR codes are an efficient tool to simplify the downloading of (free) apps. Scanning the two-dimensional barcode takes users directly to the download page of an app in the corresponding app store – Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices.
You can make it easier for your customers to download apps with a QR code (@ qr1.at).
QR codes for app downloads are useful if you offer your target group an app that provides additional services such as orders, bookings or exclusive offers.
Customer ratings
Reviews are essential to know how your products or services are received by your target group and to continuously improve your services. Place QR codes on product packaging or receipts, for example, to redirect your customers directly to a review page or feedback form.
Customers can easily give their feedback with just one scan (@ qr1.at).
The immediate opportunity to provide feedback can lead to more customer reviews. In addition, by asking your customers to give feedback, you are signalling to them that their opinion is valued.
PDF downloads
The use of QR codes to download PDF documents allows you to send detailed information to your target group. You can use such QR codes, for example, to give your customers access to product catalogues, operating instructions, menus or event programmes.
QR codes that lead to PDF files are used to transmit detailed information (@ qr1.at).
The big advantage here is the immediate availability of information with just one scan – this not only increases user-friendliness, but also reduces paper consumption.
Digital business card
In QR code marketing, you can also use QR codes to redirect to digital business cards – this application has definitely revolutionised networking in the business world. By scanning the two-dimensional barcodes, contact details, company information and also links to social network profiles or portfolios can be transmitted, for example.
QR codes can lead to digital business cards (@ qr1.at).
Our conclusion
QR code marketing offers many advantages. On the one hand, you benefit from increased brand transparency and, on the other, you opt for measurable, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient marketing. And the best thing is: there are numerous areas in which you can use QR codes effectively – whether you want to invite your target group to a live chat, redirect them to download apps and PDFs, lead them to a review or a digital business card.
FAQs
What opportunities do QR codes offer as a marketing tool?
QR codes are a versatile marketing tool that builds a bridge between the offline and online areas. After scanning the QR codes, consumers are forwarded directly to websites, app downloads or review platforms, for example. QR code marketing uses QR codes in a targeted manner, for example to improve the customer experience or to gain an insight into the behaviour of the target group.
What is the purpose of a QR code?
The purpose of a QR code is to give customers access to further digital information. The two-dimensional barcodes serve as a link between offline and online marketing. Customers are addressed offline and redirected to digital content.
What advantages do QR codes offer?
QR codes offer numerous advantages:
They allow quick and easy access to further information.
They improve the customer experience through the direct connection to digital content.
They are sustainable because they are both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
They make measurable marketing possible by being able to track exactly how many QR codes have been scanned at which locations.
They can be used in a variety of ways.
Should I use static or dynamic QR codes?
The choice between static and dynamic QR codes depends on your specific needs. Static QR codes are ideal for permanent information, as the codes cannot be edited after production. Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, are better suited to content that requires a high degree of flexibility. This is because dynamic QR codes can be edited and updated at any time.
How does QR code marketing differ from other forms of marketing?
QR code marketing differs from other forms of marketing in its ability to create a direct and interactive link between physical media and digital content. It enables users to access information, services or products immediately by simply scanning them.
Peter Hlavac is the founder and CEO of QR Planet GmbH and the qr1.at platform, which specializes in innovative QR code solutions. With his extensive knowledge in marketing and software development, he supports companies in integrating QR codes effectively and professionally into their marketing campaigns. Hlavac's expertise ranges from front-end development to rapid prototyping, making him an expert in innovative digital marketing solutions.
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