For those in small business, we haven’t had a lot to do with QR codes, but there are some useful options for using them. Essentially, a QR Code is an image made up of black and white squares which has information embedded on it. For example, you may use this code to take people to a website or provide them with information. You can easily download an app or software to your phone or device to ‘read’ the code. This code here is real – can you read it?
Remember a QR code is economical, environmentally friendly, versatile and flexible. Having a code can give you that competitive edge, plus you can also track a QR code’s success – so test and measure (which is always good).
So here are 25 ideas of the uses of QR codes in your marketing and business:
1. Use in a competition – make reading the code part of the activity.
2. Take it to social media or use it to send people to social media channels.
3. Use one to get an online review – taking the person to your review page.
4. Have this code on your business card to take them to your products, books or pages.
5. Utilise a QR code to direct customers to your website’s landing page. When prospects or audience scan a QR code, it can lead to a signup page, landing page, contact page, or really any page on your website. Take away the hassle of navigating through your site – take them directly to where you want to go.
6. Use it on anything which is printed; you can include a website link (even shortened) but as people are embracing technology, they will more likely just scan the code and go direct.
7. Have the QR code for anything you wish people to download; it might be a catalogue or order form.
8. At business workshops, conferences or trade shows, you can engage the audience more. Having the code at your booth or stall makes getting information to people super easy. Sure it means you are not getting their email address; but many times these days, people don’t want to give you that and get spammed to death, so won’t ‘sign up’.
9. When you want to send a message only after the QR code has been scanned. This is most beneficial for SMS marketing. It can provide opt-in SMS registration, user support, sales transactions or product upgrade request.
10. An email sent after scanning the QR code which could be your email marketing or newsletters. You can monitor data like open and bounce rates through this method.
11. Share your business location and contact details all in this code. Great for business cards and other printed items. This is fantastic to include an online map – so people can find you or your special event.
12. Use a QR code to share specials, bonus offers or discounts.
13. Shopping and E-commerce. As well as discounts and promotions, the consumer can also receive the receipt or menu through his or her phone.
14. At workshops, conferences or meet-up groups, you can have a QR code printed on your name tag or shirt. Being still a bit novel it can be fun and you can share a lot of information about your business. Naturally, also have business cards; many also like having that tangible.
15. Thanking sponsors can be easy; put their QR Codes on the placemat or promotional material.
16. For any local business, place a QR code on the door to give visitors information on your business hours, contact numbers and website. If you have a PDF on your website, then the link can take the person directly there. If your business has an app, that would be better.
17. If you’re having a t-shirt souvenir, it would be great to print your QR code on the shirt. If they have any inquiry about your business then they can just scan a code. It may be best to put the codes at the back in the nape area (as it’s not exactly pretty).
18. Banners – whether at the front of your business, convention tables, in public spaces (anywhere there is pedestrian traffic) pop a QR code on your banner with all the important details.
19. Have an event or selling something? Rather than putting a poster on a shop front window and people having to take a photo or jot down the number … have a QR code.
20. For those in the car rental business, you can stick the QR code on the sun visor where it can be visible but won’t make the interiors of the car look messy. It can be directed to your business app where tracking regular car service and scheduling of next maintenance can be done online.
21. Use QR codes essentially as a coupon – offer a range of promotions and specials. Don’t just discount – remember to value add, so perhaps packaging up some products or services.
22. Storefront displays. Not too many retail businesses are open 24/7. Don’t (fully) disappoint potential customers after you’ve left for the day.
23. QR codes may lead to getting Likes and Follows in social media by creating mobile-friendly landing pages.
24. Enhance your retail space. Place QR codes beside pieces of art to help art galleries sell more art – all the info at once on (or next) to the piece, including info about the artist, the piece and pricing.
25. Increase e-commerce and shopping cart sales – having links to favourite products or this month’s special.
This is just 25 ideas that I was able to come up with. If you put your thinking cap on and think about where you have previously had to print information or wanted to share specific details – I’m sure you could come up with some options yourself for QR codes. Quite honestly, I’m surprised food manufacturers are not moving to this method more. That tiny print on boxes could be easily scanned to something readable. Remember it’s taking you to a place – that might be a video, audio file as well. The possibilities are endless. As with any newer technology, there are those who bury their head in the sand and those who see the opportunities – which person are you?
For more business coaching services, call me on 0411 622 666 or email donna@donna-stone.com.au.
