A QR code is a specially designed type of matrix barcode that is commonly used for marketing purposes across a wide variety of different platforms. The main benefit of this type of marketing tactic involves the ease at which the customer can use a QR code to find out information. A customer can use their smartphone, tablet or other mobile device to scan a QR code using the device’s built-in camera. Information associated with that code, which can be anything from a link to an app download to a movie trailer and everything in between, pops up on the user’s device a few seconds later. When it comes to QR code marketing, however, there are just as many things that you shouldn’t do as there are things that you should.
When engaging in QR code marketing, you’ll definitely want to avoid putting your codes in areas with poor cell reception or no Wi-Fi access. The success of QR marketing depends on the user being able to employ a device like a smartphone to access the associated information. If they can’t get cell reception in the area where the QR code is located, you’ve essentially wasted your money.
You’ll also want to avoid making your QR code much too large or much too small. Codes that are too big or too small are difficult for even the most advanced mobile devices to properly scan. Keep this in mind when incorporating your codes on printed products and materials.
When it comes to QR code marketing, you’ll also want to keep in mind that your potential customers will be using a mobile device at the time they scan the code. If you’re trying to use QR marketing to drive hits to your website, for example, you’ll want to make sure that your website is optimized to be viewed on those devices. Sending users to a site that looks distorted or that is difficult to control on a mobile device will send a mixed message to those customers.
These are just a few common QR code mistakes you should avoid. Have you had any negative experiences when trying to utilize QR codes in your marketing efforts? I’d love to hear!
