First of all, what is a QR code? A QR code is simply a 2d barcode. It looks like the picture right there. You know, the one that looks like a QR code.
You’ve probably seen them around, but might not have realized what they were. Or more importantly, not realized what they can do for your business.
Ok great….so what does it do? With a simple program you can embed information into the QR code so that it can be read by a Smartphone. For instance, the contact information on the back of your business card.
The great thing for a small business is that it solves one of the main problems between marketing in the real world and marketing online. You can now lower the disconnect between the two.
Instead of hoping that your potential customer remembers your message and searches for it online (and your SEO is good enough that they find it), with a QR code one click can get them exactly where they want to go.
So as a small business owner how can you use it?
A QR code can help foster engagement. Let’s say a potential customer sees your ad where you offer a 10% off coupon they can download. They simply scan the QR code and get the coupon. And of course you give them the opportunity to sign up for your newsletter, so they can get coupons in the future. They get something they value and you get a way to connect to them again.
In b2b marketing you can use the QR code in trade shows or on a piece of literature. It allows your customer to connect with you quickly. You can also send them to a targeted page.
Let’s say you put a QR code in your brochure about SEO. The QR code can direct your prospect to a page that specifically pertains to SEO vs. say your online relationship management.
A QR code gives shopping in a brick and mortar some of the benefiets of shopping online. Not the shopping in your underwear advantage, but some of the other ones.
You can add a QR code beside a product so users can read reviews and even compare prices. I buy more now in the stores vs. online because I get the advantage of seeing the product in real life combined with reading customers reviews..
Well I hope this gives you some ideas about how you can use QR codes. There are numerous creative ways small business can use QR codes to increase sales and help their customers.
Want to talk more about creative ways you can use QR codes to market your specific business? Contact 366 for a FREE one hour marketing consultation. We promise at least one actionable tactic you can put into use to increase your marketing efforts.