This is a complete guide to how to use QR codes in 2022.
In this guide you'll learn:
• What is a QR code
• What can QR codes be used for
• How to use QR codes for better results
Let's dive right in.
What is a QR code?
QR codes—short for quick response codes—are two-dimensional barcodes that can help users deliver information more quickly and accurately.
Originally designed for the automotive industry, QR codes are now used in various industries including fashion, entertainment and media, consumer goods, healthcare, and financial services.
What can QR Codes be used for?
QR codes are a great way to get in touch with your customers, whether you're looking to connect with them on social media, provide additional information about your business, or track documents as they move through the supply chain.
However, there are a few key ways that QR codes can be implemented in your business, your marketing campaigns, or your school.
Using QR codes in your business
1. Use QR codes to connect with people
QR codes are an easy way to connect with customers and prospects. Just scan the code with a smartphone or other mobile device and you'll be taken directly to your website or social media page.
2. Use QR codes to provide detailed information
QR codes can provide detailed information about who you are and what you do—whether it's an asset management system that tracks your inventory or a delivery status tracker app that lets customers know when their orders will arrive.
Using QR codes in advertising campaigns
Using QR codes in advertising campaigns can help you connect with your audience in new ways. Here are some ways you can use QR codes to advertise your business:
1. Use QR codes to share your social media or website
Use a QR code to drive traffic over to your social media. This is a great way to increase engagement with existing customers and grow your audience at the same time.
2. Use QR codes to direct customers to download a user manual or driver
If you sell products that require the installation of software for their use, use a QR code to direct users to where they can download the software they need. This will save them time and frustration with trying to navigate the internet for that information themselves.
3. Use QR codes to ask people to enroll in your event
If you are hosting an event or offering some kind of promotion, consider asking attendees to scan a QR code before entering the event space or filling out an entry form.
This will make it easier for you to keep track of who was there so that you can follow up with them later on down the road through email newsletters or social media posts. Additionally, it will make everyone feel like they are getting something special when they show up!
4. Use QR codes to share a detailed information page about your menu items, products in your catalog, or lines in your pricing list
You can also use QR codes to provide more information about items in your catalog or menu for interested customers. While the catalog presents an overview of all your products, you can include QR codes that link to detailed product specifications, product demonstration videos, or an ordering page.
Also, you can use this opportunity to make your catalogs a multimedia experience with videos, additional photographs, and behind-the-scenes content. Linking to your sales website is a way to quickly make sales conversions using a traditional print catalog.
Using QR codes in education
QR codes are also highly useful in classroom settings. They are a great way to help students stay organized and keep track of their school learning materials. Additionally, teachers and faculty can use QR codes to efficiently collect votes or even track school assets.
1. Use QR codes for student administration
QR codes can be used to make student administration a lot easier by allowing students to scan their ID cards to get into a class or to access the library. This is a great way to ensure that students are who they say they are. It also makes it easy for teachers and administrators to check attendance without having to ask each student individually.
2. Use QR codes to provide access to course learning materials
Additionally, teachers can provide access to course learning materials using QR codes by creating links that go directly into your learning management system (LMS). This will allow students who may not have internet access at home or on their phones (or do not have time) access the materials they need without having to go through additional steps.
3. Use QR codes to collect votes
Students can use their phones as voting devices during classroom activities or presentations by scanning a QR code on a screen with their phone camera and answering multiple choice questions using their mobile device. This makes it easy for teachers to measure how well the class comprehends the material.
Additionally, QR codes can be used as a quick and easy way to collect student votes on issues that are important to them. Students who are planning a trip or a fundraiser will often use QR codes to let students vote on these events. Also, students can check out the details of these events by scanning the code on their phones or tablets.
4. Use QR codes for school asset tracking
QR codes can also be used for tracking school assets like textbooks, computers, and other equipment that schools use every day. This keeps the school organized and prepared for a new school year or for exam time.
How to effectively use QR codes for the better results
QR codes are a great way to get your message out, but they can be tricky to effectively implement. Here are a few tips for making the most of your QR codes:
1) Use clear call-to-action (CTA). This can be as simple as “Visit My Website” or “Download My App” if those are the actions you want people to take when they scan your code. A CTA is a good way to pique the audience’s interest in exploring your brand further.
2) Make sure your audience knows what scanning the QR code will do. Ensure that call-to-action language matches up with what is actually going to happen when someone scans the QR code—do not promise something that it does not deliver!
3) Make sure the landing page is polished and professional. Can the user easily interact with the page to get the information they want?
If you have a website or social media page associated with the QR code, make sure that the landing page is optimized for mobile devices and displays well on smaller screens. The less friction you have in your click-through process, the more conversions and sales you will get.
Conclusion
QR codes are enabling businesses and organizations from various industries to get in touch with customers in a distinctive manner.
By including appropriate content along with the QR code, businesses have improved click-through rates, increased sales, and gained huge marketing advantages.
There are myriad ways to use QR codes if you remember to use a clear call-to-action (CTA) that makes it clear to your audience what scanning the code will do for them.
