QR Codes: A Marketer’s Guide
Chances are, you’ve seen a QR code before and didn’t even know it. QR codes are those strange, black-and-white squares that look like a cross between a barcode and a puzzle. They can even be different colors and have images embedded in them. You might have seen them on product packaging, magazines, restaurant menus, or billboards. But what are they, and how can marketers use them? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about QR codes.
What are QR codes?
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. iPhones and Android devices now natively support scanning QR codes in their default camera apps. A QR code can reveal text, images, website URLs, or even video content when scanned. QR stands for “Quick Response,” which is fitting because scanning a QR code is much faster than typing in a URL or remembering an email address or phone number. QR codes are becoming more popular at restaurants, making it easy for customers to see the menu online.
How do I create a QR code?
Creating a QR code is easy, and there are many free online tools that you can use to generate your own codes. Once you have your code, you can print it on marketing materials like business cards, flyers, or product packaging. You can also display it on digital screens like website banners or social media posts. It’s always a good idea to include the URL under the QR code if a user does not have their phone available to scan. A short URL is essential because it makes it easier for the user to manually type in the URL.
How do I scan a QR code?
Scanning a QR code is just as easy as creating one. All you need is a smartphone with a camera and an internet connection. To scan a QR code, simply open your camera app and point it at the code. The phone will automatically recognize the code and take you to the URL, image, or video encoded in the code. There is no need for an additional QR code scanning app because modern devices now support scanning QR codes natively.
Why should marketers use QR codes?
QR codes offer a quick and easy way for marketers to engage with their target audience. For example, you could put a QR code on your product packaging that takes customers to your website to learn more about your product before making a purchase. Or you could put a QR code in your store window that takes customers to your online discount page so they can save money on their purchases. There are endless possibilities for how marketers can use QR codes to reach their target audience. In 2022, Coinbase famously used a simple bouncing QR code advertisement for their Super Bowl commercials. It drove so much traffic it crashed the app. It’s reportedly made the company millions and has to be one of the lowest-budget commercials ever produced.
QR codes may look strange, but they offer marketers a powerful tool for engagement. With just a few clicks, you can generate your own QR code and start using it on marketing materials like business cards, flyers, website banners, and social media posts. Scanning QR codes is just as easy—all you need is a smartphone with a camera and an internet connection. So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with QR codes today!
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Tim Leland
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