QR codes can be found almost anywhere these days, from restaurant menus to architectural monuments.
In marketing, this technology has become widespread due to the fact that QR codes provide businesses with communication with customers both online and offline. If necessary, you can convert text to qr code to simplify some activities.
How does a QR code work?
QR codes use machine-readable black and white squares to encode information. The encoding can be static or dynamic.
A static QR code has a fixed content. Therefore, if the encoded information contains a typo, the entire code will have to be changed. A dynamic QR code allows you to change its content, since the content is actually stored outside the code.
When scanned, a QR code can trigger various actions:
- show text or image;
- go to the website;
- send an email or text message;
- fill out and submit the form;
- call a phone number;
- download a file or document;
- leave a comment on social networks.
You can scan a QR code through your phone using a special application, or an option installed in the camera menu.
Why is QR code very convenient?
The only way to connect consumers to online content is by using a URL. But entering a combination of characters often takes a long time and is inconvenient on the screen of a mobile device. In addition, the user can type the address with an error – then he will have to enter it again.
A QR code solves these problems – the user just needs to scan it and quickly go to the desired site.
Also, a QR code speeds up customer service at times. In fact, scanning one code can replace many consecutive and long actions.
Unlike Internet marketing, print marketing has a lot of restrictions – in terms of formats, the number of characters and illustrations on one printed sheet, and so on. A QR code can be used in promotional brochures to send customers to pages with vibrant and detailed digital presentations.
How are QR codes used?
Today, there are an innumerable number of scenarios for using QR codes. Here are just the most common methods in marketing:
- product promotion – QR codes that contain data about a product or service, a link to a catalog, coupons, discounts, business information about the company;
- direct sales – payment for goods in a store or a link leading to an online payment gateway;
- customer instructions – links to PDF manuals, technical manuals, tutorials, knowledge bases and self-service portals;
- collecting feedback – a QR code can lead to a special page with a product questionnaire, a comment form, or a menu with service level ratings.
It can also be expanding the audience on social networks – using a QR code, a company can offer customers to share their purchases on personal pages or subscribe to a brand channel or page.
As follows from the above, a QR code is a very convenient and useful tool.
