QR Codes and How to Use Them to Market Your Business

Even if you are unfamiliar with QR codes, you probably have seen them and just didn't realize what they were.  QR codes (short for Quick Response) are similar to the bar codes you see on products at retailers.  They are generally square in shape and unlike typical bar codes which are one dimensional, QR codes are two dimensional. This gives them the ability to hold a lot more information than traditional bar codes. They are becoming increasingly popular as a marketing tool online and in print.   

A typical QR code is only black and white.  You may have seen them on business cards, product labels, posters, postcards and many places on the web.  For example, a QR code on a business card is often used to allow the business card recipient to scan all the contact information directly to their smartphone so they don't have to enter it themselves.  On the web, a QR code might be used to allow fans of a TV show or music artist to view a special video or listen to a new song.  I have seen QR codes on everything from ketchup bottles to tech hardware.  Scanning the code may bring you to a website that gives details about the product or provides a special offer or text message.  

12 Marketing Ideas for QR Codes

So you have created a QR code for your company, now what do you do with it? Here are just a few ideas:

1. Market an upcoming event by creating a QR code that automatically adds the event to their smartphone calendar.
2. Allow customers to enter a contest by scanning a QR code that automatically sends a text message to enter.
3. Create a scavenger hunt on your website or a print piece. If they find the QR code and scan it, they receive a coupon for a percentage off your product or service.
4. Create a QR code that automatically sends an email. This could be a request for a quote, a request to be added to your email newsletter or any other special message.
5. Provide a map for your location so new customers can find you.
6. Market a new iTunes app or let users review your app by creating an app QR code.
7. Create a QR code that lets customers view your latest tweet on Twitter 
8. If you have a physical storefront, place your QR code in the window so customers can view your website when your store is closed or perhaps even shop at your online store.
9. Create QR code apparel like caps, t-shirts or sweatshirts.  Other people will get curious and scan the QR code to see what it's for.
10. Invite people to "Like" your Facebook page.
11. Use a QR code with a clickable phone number in the message to allow customers to easily call you with questions. 
12. Provide further detail on products in store or suggestions for related products.

These are just some quick ideas. The marketing uses for QR codes are only limited by your creativity.

Custom QR Codes

While functionally QR codes can be fun to use, they have generally not been too interesting to look at.  Typically they are of the black and white variety and they tend to look pretty much the same.  However, it is now possible to have a custom QR code created that will help your brand stand out against the others (especially since the vast majority of retailers still only use the black and white QR codes). So if you are about to order a new batch of business cards or have a fun promotion coming up, you might want to consider creating a more eye-catching custom QR code that will get people's attention.  

QR Code Scanners

If you have not yet downloaded a QR scanner for your smartphone, there are many, many apps available for each device. I own an iPhone so I like to use "Scan" or "Qrafter".  For Android users, you might check out "QR Droid" which received 5 out of 5 stars from PCWorld. There are QR readers for Samsung, Blackberry and all the popular smartphones.  So if you just visit the app store for your device you should have no problem finding a good one. I have found that some scanning apps are more consistent than others, so if you don't like the one you downloaded, try another. 

Whether you are accessing a special coupon as a customer or marketing a new product as a business, QR codes can be helpful.  So if the technology is new to you, take a few minutes some evening to check it out.  You will probably be seeing more and more QR codes in the months to come.