How QR Codes Can Transform Your BusinessSmall Business Service ConsultantsUpdated on Oct 11, 2011 View more like this | Visit BRIDGEWATER, NJ | Contact Purview: Creative Strategy & Interactive Design |
We have all been seeing these codes everywhere, but what do they do? And most importantly, what can they do for your small business?
QR (stands for quick response) codes were invented in Japan in 1994 to track auto parts in a subsidiary Toyota plant, but they are just starting to be used worldwide. QR code is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by Smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, photos, videos, music and URLs.
These codes can direct users to an additional web site of your business’ choosing. It could be linked to your Facebook page, restaurant menu, YouTube video, a fan page or special created site or landing page or mobile application. SMBs can use QR codes for their benefit instantly. The process is fairly simple and it is free to generate the code on several websites. It is also fairly easy to generate the code; save an image of it, and stick it to your print, flyers, email marketing, and other tools in your marketing mix.
The catch here would be how to optimize the use of QR codes? Obviously, the simplest way of using QR codes is by sending people to your webpage, but that is not necessarily the most fun or engaging experience. With QR codes, the name of the game is “User Engagement.” So, here are a few creative ways to use QR codes for your business:
Use the QR code in scavenger hunts, by directing users to visit certain places, and eventually receive a promotional offer/incentive/discount.
Use the QR code in your business cards. Instead of overloading your business card with information, you can direct your customers to your contact page.
Use QR code on your storefront. If your business is one of the favorite places on Google maps, or has fans raving about it on Yelp, use a QR code to direct passing traffic to these pages, so you can drive outside traffic to your business.
You can also use the QR code in your storefront to drive sales even after your business hours/closing hours. If someone passing by likes a product in your storefront, they can check out more information about it, and perhaps place an online order by clicking the QR code; “after-hours marketing”
Use the QR code to enhance your customers’ retail experience. For example, if you have a restaurant, maybe you can direct your customers to where the food was grown, where the wine comes from…etc. If you sell hardware, perhaps you can direct customers to the associated “How-To” videos on the web.
Even use the QR code on T-shirts; your staff can wear it in industry fairs, trade shows, and other exhibitions or other live marketing events.
These are just few ideas, but you can get even more creatively engaged when you decide to use QR codes. With QR codes you can create an immersing experience that is fun and yet exciting for the end-users, or targeted customers, and impactful for your marketing returns.
You should also eventually review the QR marketing performance metrics and decide if QR codes are working for your business and fully engaging your audience. Since the QR code concept is still relatively new in the States, it is fair to assume that only the younger, early-adopters and/or tech savvies segment will be using it at this stage. So consider using the QR code where and when it is relevant to your audience and your individual business marketing needs.
QR (stands for quick response) codes were invented in Japan in 1994 to track auto parts in a subsidiary Toyota plant, but they are just starting to be used worldwide. QR code is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by Smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, photos, videos, music and URLs.
These codes can direct users to an additional web site of your business’ choosing. It could be linked to your Facebook page, restaurant menu, YouTube video, a fan page or special created site or landing page or mobile application. SMBs can use QR codes for their benefit instantly. The process is fairly simple and it is free to generate the code on several websites. It is also fairly easy to generate the code; save an image of it, and stick it to your print, flyers, email marketing, and other tools in your marketing mix.
The catch here would be how to optimize the use of QR codes? Obviously, the simplest way of using QR codes is by sending people to your webpage, but that is not necessarily the most fun or engaging experience. With QR codes, the name of the game is “User Engagement.” So, here are a few creative ways to use QR codes for your business:
Use the QR code in scavenger hunts, by directing users to visit certain places, and eventually receive a promotional offer/incentive/discount.
Use the QR code in your business cards. Instead of overloading your business card with information, you can direct your customers to your contact page.
Use QR code on your storefront. If your business is one of the favorite places on Google maps, or has fans raving about it on Yelp, use a QR code to direct passing traffic to these pages, so you can drive outside traffic to your business.
You can also use the QR code in your storefront to drive sales even after your business hours/closing hours. If someone passing by likes a product in your storefront, they can check out more information about it, and perhaps place an online order by clicking the QR code; “after-hours marketing”
Use the QR code to enhance your customers’ retail experience. For example, if you have a restaurant, maybe you can direct your customers to where the food was grown, where the wine comes from…etc. If you sell hardware, perhaps you can direct customers to the associated “How-To” videos on the web.
Even use the QR code on T-shirts; your staff can wear it in industry fairs, trade shows, and other exhibitions or other live marketing events.
These are just few ideas, but you can get even more creatively engaged when you decide to use QR codes. With QR codes you can create an immersing experience that is fun and yet exciting for the end-users, or targeted customers, and impactful for your marketing returns.
You should also eventually review the QR marketing performance metrics and decide if QR codes are working for your business and fully engaging your audience. Since the QR code concept is still relatively new in the States, it is fair to assume that only the younger, early-adopters and/or tech savvies segment will be using it at this stage. So consider using the QR code where and when it is relevant to your audience and your individual business marketing needs.
