QR codes have transformed the ways businesses connect with their customers. Initially, they were used in the automobile industry to track vehicles. Now, they are famous across all industries. Every small and large business is looking forward to adopting them. Thus, it is necessary to understand how to use QR codes into your marketing plan.
These two dimensional barcodes are highly effective in various fields. The primary reason is they act as a bridge between online and offline channels. Thus, marketers can engage their audience seamlessly. In this guide, I have mentioned the tactics of how you can incorporate QR codes into your marketing strategies.
Why Use QR Codes in Your Marketing Strategy?
Before moving ahead, it would be best to know why you should use QR codes in your business marketing as well as influencer marketing strategy. In this way, you can create a plan to integrate them precisely and effectively.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: QR codes provide a convenient way for customers to access information or services. Thus, it enhances their overall experience.
- Cost Effective: When you generate and implement QR codes, it is relatively inexpensive as compared to traditional marketing methods.
- Trackable and Measurable: Marketers can track the number of scans, locations, and devices used by using the right tools. Thus, it provides them with valuable insights.
- Versatility: QR codes are usable in numerous formats, such as print, digital, and on the packaging of products.
How to Use QR Codes into Your Marketing Plan?
Previously, I was not biased toward using Quick Response codes. However, with time, I learned about their effectiveness and benefits. That’s when I started incorporating them into my marketing techniques.
I have shared my personal experience in the under section so that you can learn how to use QR codes into your marketing plan.
Set Your Objectives
The first step you have to follow is to set your goals. It can be anything that can be achieved with the right tactics. The objectives can be:
- Increase website traffic
- Boost sales
- Promote a new product
- Collect customer feedback
In this way, you can determine how to design your QR codes. Also, you can determine the points and areas where you can get optimal benefits with them.
Choose the Right Type of QR Code
Secondly, you have to choose the right type of keywords. Different types of QR codes serve different purposes for different marketing types such as affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and others. Some common types include:
- URL QR Codes: Redirect users to a specific webpage.
- vCard QR Codes: Share contact details.
- Text QR Codes: Display a message or information.
- Email QR Codes: Compose an email to a predefined address.
- SMS QR Codes: Send a text message to a predefined number.
You have to select the appropriate QR code type. It is an essential step as it enables you to achieve your marketing goals.
Create and Customize Your QR Code
A large number of online tools and software are available on the web which can help you generate QR codes. You can customize them according to your preferences.
The best way to make QR codes personalized to your brand is through the addition of your brand’s logo. Also, you can change color and design to resonate with customers’ interests.
You just have to make sure that the QR codes remain scannable no matter how much customization you have made.
Strategically Place Your QR Codes
As I mentioned earlier, you should know about the optimal positions where your QR codes can bring you maximum benefits.
The following are some of the key locations where I usually use these codes in my digital marketing plan:
- Printed Materials: These include QR codes in brochures, flyers, posters, and business cards.
- Digital Channels: You can use them in email signatures, social media posts, and online ads.
- Product Packaging: Add your QR codes to product labels or packaging. It ensures easy access to product details or instructional videos.
- Physical Locations: Place QR codes on storefronts, event banners, and trade show booths.
Provide Value to the User
While creating the QR codes is easy due to the various tools present on the web, you have to offer something valuable in order to encourage users to scan them.
It can be a discount, a cashback, a free trial, or exclusive content in your content marketing tactics. Also, clear communication is necessary so that you can build trust with customers.
Test Your QR Codes
Before launching your marketing campaign, it would be best if you test your QR codes. You have to make sure they work on different devices and QR code scanner apps.
Additionally, you can check for issues like poor resolution or incorrect links. In this way, you can overcome the challenges and deliver a smooth experience to the users.
Promote and Educate
After testing and refining the QR codes, you can use them in your marketing plans. Utilize the potential of different channels to promote them to a wider audience.
Also, you can directly communicate with your potential customers to let them know how to scan and access the material your QR codes are redirecting them to.
Analyze and Optimize
Lastly, you have to focus on performance metrics after launching your campaigns. Monitor the metrics such as geographical data, number of scans, and user behavior.
When you analyze this data, you can determine the areas that require improvements. Hence, you can make improvements in your strategies and optimize them for the future.
Future Trends and Considerations
As technology evolves, QR codes are expected to become even more essential to marketing strategies. Here are some future trends to consider:
- AR Integration: You can combine QR codes with augmented reality (AR) for immersive experiences.
- Dynamic QR Codes: These allow you to update the destination URL without changing the QR code itself. Resultantly, it offers greater flexibility.
- Increased Adoption in Mobile Payments: QR codes are becoming a standard for mobile payment solutions, especially in markets like China and India.
Final Thoughts
These are the details about how to use QR codes in your marketing plan. In short words, these scannable codes have made it quite easier for businesses, whether large or small, to engage their audience and build trust with them. Hence, they can have their hands on long term outcomes which could be impossible otherwise.
You only have to set your objectives and goals alongside following other crucial steps such as choosing the right type and determining optimal positions. Test your QR codes before launching them to eliminate all the flaws.
