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Using QR Codes

April 5th 2012       Sally Ormond       Marketing, online marketing, QR Codes

You’re probably aware of what a QR Code is.

If not, they are those curious boxes, filled with black and white squares that are popping up all over the place these days. Basically, you scan them with the QR Code reader on your smart-phone and they’ll either direct you to a website, voucher, sign-up box etc.

But before you think you must have one, think carefully about how your customers will use it. In fact, are your customers tech savvy enough to know how to use one?

If you suddenly use them as a way of accessing special offers, or as a way to sign up to your newsletter, will you be limiting your market reach?

I’m not suggesting that you shun them completely, just make sure whatever they offer is available through other means too.

So, before you start using them en mass in your marketing, here are a few things to bear in mind:

1. Educate

When you start using them, spent some time educating your customers about them and how to use them. Also, make sure you tell them what will happen once they’ve scanned it, i.e. it will take them to your latest offer, sign-up box etc.

2. Help them

Not everyone will know how to read the QR Code or how to get hold of a reading app.

Tell them what the need to scan the code and where to get it from.

3. Now what?

Once you’ve told them what they are and where to get the app from to read them, tell them what you want them to do.

Once scanned, the landing page they are taken to has to ask them to do something - sign up, buy now, offer a voucher etc.

4. Easy to read

If your QR Code is going to work, it has to be un-creased and flat to be read properly, so think carefully about where you print it.

Are you using QR Codes yet?

Have you already started using QR Codes?

If so, how are you using them and what successes have you had?

Leave a comment below, I’d be really interested in hearing how this technology is working for you.

 

Tags: Marketing, online marketing, QR Codes
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Comments (1)

Mike Robinson 8 years ago.

I have to admit that none of my clients have started using QR codes in any serious way as it's probably a bit early with this technology. I suspect they may well take off, but as you point out, there are many people who just don't know what they are and until we reach that tipping point they'll be a "nice to have" marketing tool.