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How to Use QR Codes for Marketing to Improve Results

The ubiquitous QR code. Who would have thought this 90s tech for tracking auto parts would turn out to be the queen of the “contactless” world? But it is. In 2024, businesses are using QR codes for marketing with fabulous results. Here’s why.

 

What Does “QR” Stand For?

QR stands for “quick response.” In the last five years, the QR code has emerged as a popular way to deliver all sorts of marketing messages. People can take action instantly, especially your mobile audience.


Who Likes QR Codes?

Anyone who uses a mobile phone. Which is nearly everyone these days. Since QR code scanning was enabled on iPhones in 2017, smartphone users have come to love the convenience as well as the instant gratification. In 2023, 89.5% of smartphone users 18+ scanned QR codes for a variety of opportunities including making a payment, reading a menu, and interacting with a brand – a percentage that’s expected to grow to 99.5% by 2025.

Businesses are loving QR codes as a new way to generate leads. For reaching prospects – as well as loyal customers and specific target audiences – QR code scanning is easy and effective. For instance, 99% of senior ad execs recently surveyed believe marketers who want to target Gen-Z prospects successfully must leverage QR codes as a way to engage them.

 

3 Advantages of QR Codes for Marketing

  1. Reach on-the-go consumers where they are.

Customers and prospects alike have fast access to your information, coupon, or offer, no matter where they are. Because QR coding is standardized and every mobile phone has scanning capability built in, QR codes are one of the most accessible types of technology for marketers.

  1. Engage target audiences interactively, no matter how.

The use of QR codes turns traditional forms of advertising content, such as print, outdoor, signs, logo merchandise, and more, into dynamic messaging where digital calls-to-action are king. No matter how you choose to produce your marketing, you have an interactive option to engage customers and prospects quickly.

  1. Differentiate your business from competitors.

Be the business that piques interest and makes the sale with exclusive offers and other valuable content that is easy to access and provides instant gratification.

 

Businesses are using QR codes for marketing:

  • As a call-to-action for lead magnets such as landing pages for downloadable content.
  • At webinars or in-person presentations to collect participant information in exchange for free resources.
  • At trade shows for lead generation.
  • On printed marketing collateral to access information about a product, service, or brand, a special offer, video downloads, and nearly any other type of digital content.

Generating a code is free. All you need is a mobile-optimized website and all you have to do is add it to your marketing materials. The people you reach are curious and possibly enchanted about where a QR code scan could take them, so they do the rest.

But the QR code is just a means to an end. The key is to make sure you give your audience a delightful experience once they scan your code. And this still means creating value for your audience with a relevant offer, promotion, resource, and more.

 

How to Incorporate QR Codes Into Your Marketing

Create a Landing Page
A mobile-optimized landing page is the key to QR code success. It must be designed for smartphone screen viewing. From the form to the marketing message, keep the landing page simple. On-the-go people don’t have the patience for more.

Create a Unique QR Code
Generate your QR code from the landing page URL using a QR code generator. Search “qr code generator” to find a list of free options. Make sure to test your unique QR code before the content goes live.

Add the QR Code to Marketing Content
Download your QR code from the generator and save it to your computer in the format you prefer (.jpg, .pdf, .png, etc.). Include the code in all the places you want your target audience to see it: your website, social media, digital ads, print brochures, business cards, you name it.

 

11outof11 Knows Content Creation

When you want to use QR codes for your marketing campaigns, connect with 11outof11. Request a complimentary call with an 11outof11 expert. Contact us to learn more.

Topics: Marketing, Market Your Small Business, Content Marketing, sales leads