When planning marketing strategies with clients, one of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Green T Design is: Should I use a QR code in my marketing? Sometimes it sounds more like: What is that code thing I see people use? Or: Why do people use those QR scanners? They’re all valid questions because you might see them a lot, but do you really know how to use them appropriately?
What is a QR Code?
To understand how and when to use a QR code it helps to understand what it is. QR is short for Quick Response and is machine-readable code that contains data like a website address or contact information. It is scanned (or read) using a camera on a mobile device.
What are QR Codes Used For?
QR codes are used for many reasons like:
- Website links.
- Contact information like phone numbers and addresses.
- Mobile tickets.
- Menu access.
- Product information (like their original use, tracking automobile parts).
- Login verifications.
- Wi- Fi access.
Should I Post QR Codes on My Companies Social Media Accounts?
To answer this question, you want to think about your users. Your audience interacts with your business’ social media accounts via their phone, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. A QR code is used by scanning it with a mobile device. If they are on their device, they can’t scan it. If they are on a computer or laptop, is it really the most efficient way to share info to them by asking them to pull out their mobile device and scan their computer screen? So, yes you CAN share a QR code on your Facebook page but there are much better ways to communicate links via social media.
Best Practices for QR Codes
- Use the QR code on printed materials to drive people TO your Social Media Accounts instead of using it to take them away from your social profiles.
- Put the QR code on your postcards, letters and even invoices to drive clicks to pages where customers can review your business like Google, Trip Advisor and Facebook.
- If you use a QR code in a manner in which your audience will interact digitally (like an email), also include a clickable link.
- Make QR codes clickable if you use them on .pdfs like for product information and user manuals.
- Don’t expect the QR code to sell itself. Give people a reason to scan it and be clear about what they can expect when they do scan it.
- Always include the QR code and the link regardless of where it is placed. You don’t want to miss out on potential clients because your QR code isn’t working properly.
- Check and double check your QR code with mobile devices to be sure it works before you print it on flyers, business cards and t-shirts.
- Remember to be creative with the links you’re using for QR codes. Send customers to blog posts, social media posts, polls, calendars, events and more!
Bottom line, QR codes are a very effective tool for sending people to a particular site or give them particular information. You just want to make sure that it makes the most sense for your audience to use it correctly and get the most out of it. A slam-dunk way to use a QR code is to suggest that your clients follow you on Facebook or Instagram and then right below it have a QR code to your social media page on all of your printed marketing materials.
