There was a time when most people had never heard of a QR code, let alone used one in their daily lives. Those days are no longer with us.
QR codes are a terrific tool to contact audiences in today’s environment, extending the interaction with your business or product beyond the internet.
QR codes have had this ability for a long time (far longer than you might imagine), but the pandemic has pushed this channel ahead in a way it has never been before.
QR codes are now generally acknowledged as a part of our everyday lives.
What exactly is a QR code?
A QR code is a two-dimensional “matrix barcode” that “frequently carries data for a locator, identifier, or tracker that leads to a website or application.”
The ‘QR’ stands for ‘quick response,’ and these white-and-black striped codes can swiftly connect the scanner to a specific internet destination.
A Quick Overview of QR Codes
Denso-Wave, an automobile manufacturing business, invented QR codes in 1994 with the purpose of tracking parts and automobiles more swiftly and efficiently throughout the facility.
The code was created to establish a fast mechanism to decipher information, or, as Denso-Wave put it cryptically, “code read readily by the reader.”
Fun fact: In the year 2011, we were the first to write a blog on QR codes. Season 1 of Game of Thrones premiered in that year… so long ago in cultural history
The QR Code’s Ascension, Fall, and Ascension
QR codes were all the rage in 2010 and 2011. The gossip of the town in terms of marketing. However, they turned out to be a digital supernova, glowing brightly for a brief moment before fading away.
Although QR codes never completely disappeared from the world, they had become somewhat of a joke in the marketing sector by 2020.
COVID-19 is the name of the virus.
With the spread of the epidemic comes the need for a quick, contact-free approach to inform people.
To read QR codes back in the day, you required a special app on your phone. Updates to newer devices made it possible for any smartphone camera to read this data, making QR codes more accessible.
The use and awareness of the product spread like wildfire. In fact, the number of QR code engagements increased by 94% from 2018 to 2020.
How to Create QR Codes for Promotional Purposes
QRCode Monkey, Flowcode, and Visualead are just a few of the services and resources that organisations can utilise to generate QR Codes.
These services will allow you to create a QR code in minutes and will provide you with all of the necessary image sizes, link tools, and other features to manage your QR code.
Here’s how to make a QR Code in 5 easy steps:
1. Make a plan for how you’ll use a QR code (to provide customer value)
2. Go to a QR Code generator website and create a QR code.
3. Decide whether you want a static or dynamic QR code.
4. Fill in the blanks to personalise and generate your code.
5. Save your code for later use.
Let’s take a look at each one individually:
1. Make a plan for how you’ll use a QR code.
If you’re considering employing QR codes in your marketing plan, keep in mind that the ideal method to do so is to provide value to your audience. Each code should direct you to useful information, experiences, or resources. Make sure you only need a few clicks to complete your task.
2. Go to a QR code generator website and create a QR code.
There are a plethora of free websites that can assist you in quickly creating QR codes. You can get started with a fast Google search. If you want more advanced features, look for a service that offers subscription solutions with more analytics and code management choices.
3. Decide whether you want a static or dynamic QR code.
The distinction is that the data in a static QR code cannot be modified after it has been generated. Because it links to a URL, a dynamic QR code can be changed. Because they offer more flexibility and variety, dynamic codes are the most popular for marketing purposes.
4. Fill in the blanks to personalise and generate your code.
This is where you’ll need to figure out how you want to mark your QR code (customised branding can be pricey) and where you want it to go. Keep your objectives and target audience in mind!
5. Save your code for later use.
Make sure to check the optimal file type and size for the channel where you’ll be using your QR code, as well as the QR code’s download options. Then use your imagination to guide your audience to the next level of engagement.
QR Codes: A Fresh Approach to Your Marketing Mix
QR codes have become an essential part of the marketing mix, allowing brands to communicate with customers in new and innovative ways.
For both users and advertisers, they’re trackable, adaptable, and simple to utilise.
Like any marketing tool, successful use requires planning and precision, so think about how QR codes fit into your overall buyer’s journey and user experience.
These squares of black and white aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Make good use of them. Make good use of them.
