You have 5-8 seconds only while a potential customer is looking at your advertisement. Want to tell more? Then you definitely need a business qr code (quick response code) What is this and how can it help you? Read to get know.
What is a qr code?
This is a picture (black and white lattice) with encrypted information.
This technology appeared in Japan more than 25 years ago. It was developed by Denso and was originally intended for the automotive industry.
To read the code and to receive data you people just the camera of a smartphone or a tablet. It is not surprising that such technology quickly spread to other spheres, and now it is widely used by different businesses.
Using qr codes in business, you will provide customers with additional information, offer them various incentives and speak on one language: the language of modern technologies.
In the QR code, you can encrypt:
- Text up to 4000 characters. It can be information about your promotion, your company’s benefits, some useful data that didn’t fit on the ad.
- URL. Once your clients open the QR code, it will redirect them to your website, at the Facebook group or to a YouTube page. This code can even offer them to save your link to bookmarks.
- Phone number. The days when people copied phones from ads are gone. Now they make photos or just ignore them. And your QR code will quickly save the contact.
- Location. Encrypt the address of your office or showroom. The client does not need to remember the street, house, use GoogleMaps, etc. The scanner will upload data to an online map.
- SMS The QR code will automatically launch the SMS manager, insert the text in the window and add the number. The client only has to click “Submit”. Such a code can be placed on street ads, billboards, packaging of goods.
- Picture. This type of data is rarely encrypted because the code can’t contain a heavy file. Magazines use the trick to hide an important part of the picture.
Using qr code for businesses, you can even receive an order from a customer for a product or service automatically. Since QR codes are read by smartphones or tablets, there is usually no problem identifying a customer and accepting an order from him. A similar service works not only in bars and restaurants but even in supermarkets.
Here is an example of a Tesco virtual storefront where you can “scan” your desired products and get an already assembled and ready-made set of products.
How to get a qr code for business?
There are a huge number of web services and special programs to create a scan code. Take a look at some of them:
Some of them give you a space for art, the others are simple and practical generators. Anyway, they will help you in creating qr code for business with ease.
How to use qr codes for small business marketing
Since you get qr code for business, it is essential to use it in an appropriate way. Remember that it is just a tool, not a panacea for your company. Let us provide you with several useful tips.
Test it out
Don’t place your code on leaflets, business cards, banners until you’re not sure it is work. There is a risk that QR code is not recognized by devices, and then you’ll have to retype everything. Before starting an advertising campaign, scan the code from your phone and tablet, instruct all staff to check on their gadgets, send a picture to your friends and relatives with different gadgets and operational systems. It is better to spend more time than more money.
Choose the right places
If the code is not noticeable, you will not receive any benefit from such marketing campaigns. Think about all the options. For example, if you place an ad on posters along the freeways, drivers will never stop to scan your code. And make sure it is impossible to cover your code with something. For example, a handrail in public transport can make it unreadable.
One more example is provided by Subway (an international sandwich chain). It has posted code on the back of its employees’ T-shirts. So when and how should customers scan it? It will be uncomfortable and impolite.
Consider the interests of the target audience
Acquiring a qr code, think about your customer’s profile. If you provide goods or services for young students, don’t place your advertisement on the menu of a VIP restaurant. The subway, cozy coffee house or a bistro would be the better choice. If you focus on men aged 30-35, bet on car services, gas stations, business clubs. And for the audience aged 45-50, the QR code would be useless, they don’t use modern technology as active as the youth does.
Offer value
Your ad and code should complement each other. For example, if the ad tells about the new sale, encrypt the detailed conditions in the code. If you’re a restaurant owner, you can post a menu with prices or a coupon for a discount. The information in the ad and in the code should differ, don’t copy it. You can inspire by McDonald’s who uses this technology pretty active. While scanning a QR code on the packaging of each product, you open a page with the detailed consist. So customers receive information about their sandwich, salads, etc.
The Melt, famous for its grilled sandwiches, presents a sandwich to customers who have scanned a QR code when visiting a restaurant.
Popular brands such as Taco Bell and Mountain Dew place a QR code on product packaging with the ability to download free music.
Make an intriguing call-to-action
QR-codes are usually placed on a limited advertising space: on a billboard, leaflet or business card. And it’s not always convenient for a person to get a phone and enter the application. That’s why it is necessary to persuade them. Use an interesting picture, offer a bonus and don’t forget about call-to-action. Sometimes people don’t do anything without a request.
Put the code in a place with a good connection
At some metro stations, the phone does not pick up a signal, which means that the code will not scan either. Check if there is a signal in the walkways or restaurants located in the basement. It makes no sense to use technology in intercity trains because there will be no connection most of the time. Of course, it depends on, that’s why you need to follow the first tip: obtaining a qr code always test how does it work if there’re any delays or possible issues connected to the location.
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