QR Codes, or sometimes known as Quick Response Codes, are quickly becoming a popular feature of technology. However, most people do not know what they are. Simply, a QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be read using smartphones or other devices which are enabled to read QR. This will then load a website, landing page, social media profile, app, offer etc. for the person scanning to enjoy! A QR code is an example of the many digital marketing techniques available.
QR codes can be used on physical marketing such as shop displays, product packaging, printed advertisements, billboards, magazines, newspapers, brochures, leaflets and business cards to name a few. They can also be used digitally in emails, websites and social media. Due to QR codes being directly linked with smartphones and being a smartphone-dominated generation, the barcode should definitely be in the discussion at your marketing strategy meetings. Smartphone users thrive on the aspect of quick and easy use, therefore the ‘weird black and white pixel square thing’ provides them with a quick link to the option displayed, e.g. link to a vegan recipe under £5… yum!
The process of scanning a QR code is simple, there are a variety of FREE apps such as Red Laser, Barcode Scanner or QR Scanner that users will download onto their phone and can then scan and display the appropriate content almost instantly. QR codes can alter your marketing campaign, taking it to new levels if they are implemented correctly.
For example, Turkish Airlines used QR codes in their campaign during the London Olympics. They created a scavenger hunt around London city’s bus stops, if people scanned a series of codes they were able to win a variety of prices. To further their efforts, they created a mobile optimised website which people could use to search for the nearest QR code to their location. In conclusion, the campaign gained 20,000 referrals and had users spending on average 1 minute on their mobile site. In website talk, 1 minute is a very good amount of time for visitors to spend on site as you are able to increase your likelihood of appealing and converting visitors into leads.
For further insights and guidance, we invite you to explore our blog at 07hm.co.uk/blog. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information tailored to the needs and challenges of SMEs navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, if you have specific questions or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at info@07hm.co.uk or telephone on 01702 410663.
