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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.
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.
Marketing squared offers many advantages for your business success:
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 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.
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 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.
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.
There are many possible uses for QR codes in marketing – here are five of them:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
QR codes offer numerous advantages:
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.
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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