For those of you unfamiliar with QR codes, the letters stand for short for Quick Response.
They are essentially a two-dimensional matrix code (kind of like a barcode) which is readable by dedicated QR readers and camera phones. The technology has is big in Japan and South Korea and is getting more and more usage in the West.
So as Frankie would say: ‘What are they good for…?’
Get More Customers – When someone scans in the code, the device that scans the code takes them to a web page where they could get a special deal or a discount for your services. This could work especially well if you’ve placed the QR code on your retail location to attract new visitors. If you’re wanting to get people from online to your location, Tweet the QR code to your followers and send them to a page that has a coupon they’ll need to show you in order to redeem.
Grow Your Email List - If you offer something of value like a white paper or a special deal, you can direct anyone who scans the code to a sign up form. In order to receive their deal from you they’ll need to give you an email address so you can send them an email that contains the information they’re signing up for.
Grow Your Mobile List – Just like growing your email list, if you want to collect mobile numbers then you’ll need them to fill out their phone number so you can send them a text with the information contained in it.
Customer Service Videos - If you’ve got an informational video about your company, your products or services, you can direct them to a mobile-friendly page where you host the video.
Where You Can Put QR Codes to Work
• Printed advertisements
• Signs
• Sandwich boards or billboards
• Store or restaurant window
• Datasheets and collateral
• Direct mail postcards
• Product labels
• Business cards
• Take out menus
• Magazine publications
• Inbox shipments
And to finish off, here’s a great ‘50 uses of QR codes‘.
Can you think of any uses not covered here? Best suggestion wins a prize!
Oh, and what about putting one at the end of a blog post. Contact details attached…
