Quick Response QR Codes Link Your Information to Customers’ Devices

You know those little boxes full of black and white shapes, with larger black and white squares at the corners? The ones that used to be everywhere, on posters and produce stands and in store windows and even on the backs of books or clothing tags? Yeah, those. That’s a QR code. If you’ve never used one in your business, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Especially considering the power of mobile marketing (with 5 billion phones worldwide and more than 93 percent of US adults in possession of a cell phone), this opportunity is too good to miss.

Just What Is a QR Code?

QR” stands for Quick Response, because the function of a QR code is to quickly transmit information from an outside medium – a business card, a grocery bag, a flyer, a coffee cup – to your cell phone. By scanning the code, you pick up the information embedded in the design of that specific code, and your phone is sent to website, blog post, advertisement, coupon or other destination chosen by the QR code’s owner. That owner could be you, if you use them correctly.

The Myth of Dead QR Codes

Before we go any further, let’s address the myth that QR codes have gone the way of the dinosaur. In fact, many marketers have gone so far as to declare them useless, but that’s simply not true. Skewed statistics make it look as though QR codes are dying out, because while the number of consumers using them is remaining stable, the number getting mobile devices is climbing, resulting in a smaller percentage of customers using them overall. But while this might make it seem like QR codes are withering what it actually means is that businesses that know how to use them are still doing so effectively, but the number isn’t growing. This presents a good opportunity, because if other businesses are giving up, you have a chance to jump on unique technology and use it to your own ends. But you’ve got to do it right.

Making QR Code Marketing Work for You

If you want to succeed with QR codes, the first and most obvious solution is to avoid stupid mistakes. Don’t put them up in places with no reception (underground, the boonies), on video where people don’t have time to scan, or on difficult-to-scan surfaces (plastic bags, canvas). Use them on paper, primarily, and you’ll find greater success. Also, make sure that codes link to mobile responsive sites that are currently operative and that are useful to the consumer out in the world. Consider including directions on how to scan a QR code. Since doing so is not an intuitive process, and many consumers have never done so, directions can really up your number of converts. And of course, get help from professionals setting up your campaign.

Next Steps

QR codes might not be a technology you have a lot of familiarity with. They might even scare you a little. Well, that’s normal, and a far better place to be than your competitor, who’s likely ignoring them altogether. All you’ve got to do is get over the hump, which is exactly what MarketBlazer helps clients do: learn to use new technologies and tactics within a sound marketing strategy. We are here to help you take your business to greater heights than ever before. If that sounds like something you can get on board with, give us a call at 770-893-2443 or email us today.