Mobile Marketing with QR Codes: A Beginner's Guide

Do you remember when QR codes first appeared everywhere and no one really had a clue what to do with them? Well, times have certainly changed! These small square designs are now one of the most potent weapons in mobile marketing, and for the life of me, if you're not using them already, you're missing out on an enormous opportunity.

What Are QR Codes Anyway?

Let's begin from the beginning. QR codes (Quick Response codes) are those black and white square designs you notice everywhere nowadays. Imagine them as turbo-charged barcodes that can hold a lot of information more than ordinary barcodes.

When someone points their smartphone camera at a QR code, it instantly reads the information and can take them to a website, show contact details, display a menu, or even connect to WiFi. It's like having a magic portal right on your phone!

Why QR Codes Are Perfect for Mobile Marketing

Here's the thing - nearly everybody's got a smartphone now, and QR codes are really great at closing the gap between the physical world and online content. Rather than requiring customers to enter a long web address or search for your social media, they simply scan and boom - they're exactly where you need them to be.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, QR code use has exploded. People became accustomed to contactless interactions, and scanning QR codes now comes as naturally as swiping their phones. Research indicates that QR code use grew by more than 750% between 2020-2022, and it continues to surge.

How to Use QR Codes in Your Mobile Marketing Strategy

1. Restaurant Menus and Ordering

This is most likely where everyone first saw QR codes in recent times. Restaurants began utilizing them for contactless menus, but astute businesses pushed it further. You can make QR codes that:

• Directly link to your online ordering platform
• Display daily deals and promotions
• Link to customer feedback forms
• Take customers to loyalty program sign-ups

Pro tip: Ensure your menu site is fast-loading on mobile phones. Nothing has a more depressing effect than waiting 30 seconds for a menu to load when you're starving!

2. Product Information and Reviews

Suppose you're in a shop browsing a product, but you need more information or you want to see reviews. A QR code on the packaging of the product can take customers directly to:

• Detailed product specifications
• Customer ratings and reviews
• How-to videos and tutorials
• Related product suggestions

3. Event Marketing and Networking

QR codes are total game-changers for events. You can employ them for:

• Simple check-ins: Forget long lines or paper tickets
• Contact sharing: Instead of business cards, have a QR code with all your contact details
• Event schedules: Link to live event updates and schedules
• Social media connections: Make it simple for individuals to follow your accounts

4. Retail and E-commerce

QR codes can be utilized by brick and mortar stores to generate flawless shopping experiences:

• Product catalogs: Display your whole inventory even if you're unable to show all that you have in-store
• Size and color options: Direct to online versions where clients can view all their options
• Instant purchasing: Allow clients to purchase things directly via their phones
• Locations: Assist customers to access your other locations or directions

Best Practices for Creating Effective QR Codes

Don't Overcomplicate Things

The most common business error is attempting to pack too much into a single QR code experience. When someone scans your code, they need to go somewhere definite and practical, not your homepage where they must determine what to do next.

Size Matters

Ensure that your QR codes are large enough to be scanned comfortably. A good guide is that they should be at least 1 inch x 1 inch (2.5cm x 2.5cm). If you need someone to squint or move very close to be able to scan it, you've made it too small.

Add a Call-to-Action

Don't simply plaster a QR code somewhere and expect that people will scan it. Let them know what they'll be getting! Use wording such as:

• "Scan for 20% discount on your next purchase"
• "Instant access to our VIP offers"
• "Scan to see the recipe come together"
• "Watch the product demonstration"

Test, Test, Test

Print thousands of flyers or label your packaging with QR codes before you do, and test them out with various phones and under varying light conditions. Ensure that they work efficiently and without delays.

QR Code Marketing Ideas That Work

1. Special Discounts and Offers

Develop QR codes that grant exclusive deals. It gives customers the sense of getting the inside scoop, and it's simple to monitor how many users are tapping into your promotions.

2. Social Media Growth

Rather than asking others to look for your social media pages, design QR codes that land them on your pages directly. You can even design separate codes for separate platforms and check which ones receive more activity.

3. Customer Feedback Collection

Collecting customer feedback is important but most will not take the time to fill out lengthy surveys. A QR code that directs people to a short 2-3 question survey with some incentive (e.g., small discount) will skyrocket response rates.

4. Virtual Business Cards

This is particularly helpful for sales teams and networking functions. Build a QR code that will automatically send all your contact information directly to someone's phone. No more missing business cards!

5. Product Tutorials and Support

Complicated products can gain enormously from QR codes to video tutorials, FAQs, or customer support. This cuts down support calls and enables customers to derive more value from purchases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make People Guess

Never deploy a QR code without telling what it does. "Scan me!" is not sufficient - let people know what they'll receive when they scan.

Avoid QR Code Overload

Don't feel obligated to put QR codes on absolutely everything. Use them intentionally where they truly enhance the customer experience.

Don't Forget Mobile Optimization

This should go without saying, but the destination of your QR code MUST be mobile-optimized. If someone scans your code and ends up on a site that is not phone-friendly, you've just made an annoyed potential customer.

Skip the Broken Links

Periodically verify that your QR codes remain functional and direct the user to the appropriate destinations. Malfunctioning QR codes are worse than having none.

Measuring QR Code Success

Measure the Right Stuff

Don't simply tally scans - that doesn't reveal much. Consider:

• Conversion rates: How many scanners actually converted?
• Geographic data: Where are users scanning from?
• Patterns of time and date: When are individuals most likely to scan?
• Type of devices: Are individuals scanning using iPhones, Android phones, or tablets?

Use Analytics Tools

Most QR code apps offer basic analytics, but you can get more advanced insights using Google Analytics or other tracking software. Install specific campaigns for your QR codes so you can track exactly how they're doing.

The Future of QR Code Marketing

QR codes are not disappearing. They're actually evolving. We're beginning to see:

• Dynamic QR codes that can be modified without a reprint
• Branded QR codes with logos and custom images
• Smart QR codes displaying different content at different times of day or locations
• Combination with augmented reality for even deeper experiences

Getting Started with QR Code Marketing

Ready to dive in? Here's your action plan:

Step 1: Select Your Objectives

Decide what you wish to accomplish. More website traffic? Social media followers? Sales? Email signups? Select one main objective for each QR code campaign.

Step 2: Develop Your Content

Ensure whatever users end up on after scanning is useful and mobile-friendly. This could be a dedicated landing page, discount code, or product catalog.

Step 3: Create Your QR Codes

There are many free online QR code generators. For commercial use, look into paid services that provide analytics and flexibility.

Step 4: Test it All

Test your codes with various devices and ensure the process is seamless from beginning to end.

Step 5: Deploy and Tweak

Launch small, monitor your results, and fine-tune based on what you know.

Final Thoughts

QR codes have come a long way from being a novelty technology gimmick to a valid marketing weapon that has the ability to deliver real business outcomes. The trick is to use them wisely - they always ought to make things simpler or more worthwhile for your customers, not merely introduce one additional step into their path.

Done properly: QR code marketing makes your real world and online worlds easier to connect. Your customers have instant access to the information or experience you offer, and you receive useful insight into their behavior and taste.

The mobile-first environment we now inhabit makes it more timely than ever to introduce QR codes. Individuals expect fast, easy means of accessing data and buying products and services. QR codes provide it.

So whether you have a restaurant, retail, event, or web business, there's likely a use for QR codes to integrate into your mobile marketing plan. Keep it simple, test frequently, and feel free to experiment with innovative uses.

What's your next QR code campaign?