QR codes are not a new form of technology by any means. Originally, QR codes were designed for the automotive industry to tag their products. Soon enough, they were adopted by marketers.
So what exactly is a QR code? Simply put, these quick-response codes are readable barcodes that scan to certain information linked to each code. There is an abundance of ways an organization can use QR codes, but the question many are asking is are they still relevant today? The answer is: YES. Technology continues to be a vital part of every day life. QR codes are a way to communicate, share, and point customers in the direction you would like through the use of technology. Here are a few ways you can use QR codes that demonstrate why they are still relevant today.
Business Cards
Yes, we live in a very technologically savvy world, but business cards and hand-to-hand transfer of contact is still a key part to doing business, establishing relationships, and making sales. Yet, the size of a traditional business card has not changed. Including all of your contact or relevant information on one small card may be a challenge. This is where QR codes come into play. By placing a QR code on your business card, the recipient can scan the barcode and be brought to your website or a landing page with all the information you want them to know. Bridging the gap between traditional business and technology is useful for an organization of any size.
Collateral
Collateral follows along the same lines as business cards. Whether on posters, handouts, pamphlets, flyers, or brochures, you have a lot of information but may not have a lot of space to share it. You want to grab the attention of the audience but make sure you also get relevant information out there. QR codes are the answer. Grab their attention with your collateral and include a QR code that can connect them to you and more information. These codes will help you take your relationship to the next level past just attention-grabbing collateral.
Coupons and Promotions
When was the last time you showed a coupon on your phone at the register? The answer is probably recently. Simply utilizing technology that is already on everyone’s finger-tips can increase your bottom line. These codes are easily trackable. You can see where they where scanned, who scanned it, what times people scanned the code, and more. With all of this information available, whether through simple coupons or promotions, QR codes are definitely relevant.
Social Media and Snapchat
Social media has become an integral part of most marketing strategies today. More specifically, Snapchat has become an effective tool in this strategy. Many companies and brands have figured out how to effectively use Snapchat and social media to connect to their loyal followers, promote their message, and advertise content. Every Snapchat account has its own QR code. This makes it easy to share accounts and connect with people. Taking Snapchat codes a step further, many businesses put their icons as this barcode. This is a great way to promote cross-channel communication. In the age of increasing social media awareness, QR codes are most definitely relevant.
Conference Engagement
You are speaking at a conference. You have a certain amount of time to talk to a large audience and then they are gone. How can you possibly connect with the entire audience at once? Is it possible to continue the conversation once your speech time is over? Yes. Again, with cell phones, QR code availability is at almost every attendee’s fingertips. Keep them engaged long after you are done talking. Use QR codes to send them further content, allow them to connect with other attendees, allow them to connect with you, ask feedback through surveys accessed through the code, or even give them a chance to win a prize by connecting with you or your organization.
In today’s world, technology and cell phones are everywhere. The potential of utilizing QR codes that are mobile friendly and easily accessible maximizes your reach as a business. These are just a few ways QR codes can be effectively utilized with technology and business today. Whether its business cards, coupons, collateral, or social media accounts, QR codes are definitely still relevant today!
