There is no stopping them now – QR Codes are on the move! From retail stores to pizza joints everyone is starting to get the QR bug. But what role should these funny codes play in your marketing mix…if any role at all. Here are 5 good reasons not to leave QR Codes out.
1. They are Free
Adding a QR code should not cost you anything. They are easy to create and simple to add to any marketing campaign. However, do not bother using QR Codes if you are not going to drive your audience to a mobile enabled site/content. A normal website is too difficult to navigate from a mobile device and your audience will quickly become disengaged. Creating a mobile site will have some cost to it, but it is worth the investment to create a good experience for your customer. Additionally, you can make a QR Code variable creating an even greater impact. When you provide tailored content in your messaging and carry that through to the QR Code you create a personalize experience. This will allow you to form fill data, so that the user has to take less steps to interact with you.
2. They Stand Out
We have access to so much rich dynamic contact with digital billboards, computers, tablets and mobile devices that traditional media can sometimes appear flat. However, simply by adding a QR Code to your signs, postcards, flyers and magazines instantly makes the content “jump” off the page. Instead of just providing static content you have now provided a way to engage the customer, create brand awareness and bridge the gap between your offline and online media. So do not try to disguise QR Codes so that they blend into your creative, let them stand out, “pop” off of the page!
3. They Drive Traffic
No one likes typing a URL into a mobile phone, but scanning a QR Code can take someone to your website 24/7, no typing required! Websites are more important than ever. Most of us surf the web before doing anything. Trying a new restaurant, we look up the menu. Making travel plans, we go to the web to find the best locations, hotels and airfare deals. Even going grocery shopping, we can check for coupons and special deals. Internet surfing is part of our lives and with so many of us always on the go why not make it easy to get to your site with a QR Code. Again, just make sure the site you choose is formatted for mobile.
4. How much more can you push Social Media
Don’t get us wrong, social media has its place, and it’s not going anywhere, but for many businesses it just is not practical. Everyone is immune to the Facebook and Twitter promotions and logos driving traffic to these sites, and therefore they are easily ignored. But a QR Code, now that is something unique and there is mystery behind it. Just where will that barcode take you… coupons, content, sweepstakes, I don’t know but I am intrigued enough to scan it!
5.The effectiveness can be measured.
It is often difficult to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. However, with QR Codes you can measure the results with clicks and leads. You can simply measure the number of clicks or you can drive deeper and use variable QR Codes to gain a better perspective of who clicked your QR Code and when. Encouraging customers to scan your QR Codes can be a strong call to action. You get them to engage with you while providing additional content and/or offers all while seamlessly tracking these interactions.
My favorite is Number 2. Too many people just use a QR code to send users to their website. Really? if that’s the best you can do, don’t use them. You will alienate your customers. But if you can make the it interesting, educational, heck – even FUN! … that makes the experience worth it. Engage and Captivate. that is what Digital Marketing is all about.