Getting Creative with QR Codes
Posted by : Mercury Labels Ltd on Friday, July 15, 2022 in Choosing Your Labels.
Slowly but surely, QR codes are
becoming standard features on a broader range of products than ever before. Far
from a new concept, the QR code in its original form was actually created as
far back as 1994.
An advanced take on the traditional
machine-readable optical label, the QR code is designed to contain much more
information than a conventional barcode. Given how the overwhelming majority of
people now carry smartphones as standard, QR codes can be read and used by almost
anyone in an instant.
But when it comes to the full
practical applications of QR codes, evidence suggests they are still not being
leveraged to their full potential. QR codes are about more than product
information – they can also be a highly influential engagement tool. Not to
mention, play a pivotal role in a company’s branding and marketing strategy.
What Can I Do with My Product QR
Codes?
As with most things, the key to
getting more out of your QR codes lies in bringing a little creativity into the
mix. Millions of businesses use QR codes for basic informational purposes, but
there is so much more that can be done with these little squares of
machine-readable code.
Irrespective of the types of products
you sell (and whom you sell them to), QR codes could enhance the customer
experience in a variety of ways.
Detailed below are just a few ideas for taking your QR code strategy to the next level, and offering an improved customer experience in the process:
- Feedback QR Codes
First up, why not use your QR codes to
encourage your customers to submit their feedback and recommendations? Reviews,
ratings and testimonials are the most powerful and influential forms of customer
engagement and interaction in existence. You can use your QR codes to take your
customers straight to a review page, where they can share their thoughts with
you and their fellow customers.
- Video QR Codes
Video is the preferred online medium
for most demographics right now. You could therefore use your QR codes to link
to a video of some kind. A video that
shows the product in action, a behind-the-scenes look at your brand, maybe a
word or two from the owner of the company – anything that could have a positive
impact. Link different products to different videos with QR codes for even
greater appeal, as opposed to simply sending all customers to the exact same
video.
- Social Media QR Codes
Another option is to link your
customers directly to one of your social media pages with your QR codes. This
can be great for generating engagement and is another effective way to motivate
feedback. It is worth remembering how a huge proportion of consumers now take
to social media for product and service recommendations. If you can send them
instantly to a social media page that presents your products in a positive
light, you are golden.
- Company Contact Page QR Codes
One step further than a feedback QR
code, you could use your QR codes to provide your customers with detailed
information on how to get in touch with you. This could prove useful if you
sell the kinds of products that prompt regular questions and queries from
customers. Rather than leaving it to them to find your contact information, use
‘Contact Us’ QR codes to make it as easy as possible for them to get in touch.
- Business Page QR Codes
Similar to a social media QR code,
your labels and stickers could be used to link customers to your primary
business page. This could be your website, your LinkedIn profile or anywhere
they can find out more information about your products and your brand. If they want
to learn more about your company before purchasing your products, this will
make it much quicker and easier for them to do so.
- vCard Plus QR Codes
This is an interesting and
increasingly common choice for QR codes, which is essentially a modern take on
the traditional business card. Rather than printing off ream after ream of
paper cards, you simply link your customers to a virtual alternative. A digital
business card that contains all the details, along with much more in-depth
information about your brand, complete with clickable links and more.
- Product Range QR Codes
An effective way to sell more products
and generate interest in your product line-up is to use QR codes to link to
broader category pages. For example, if someone scans a QR code on an energy
drink, they are shown the full range of active lifestyle products from the same
brand. QR codes can be used to promote and push products that you predict the
viewer may be interested in, based on the QR code they scanned.
- Image Gallery QR Codes
Image gallery QR codes are about more
than simply showing a bunch of pictures of your products. They can be used to
show your products in action, show customers using your products, or even show
them how to use them the correct way. Informative, educational and
entertaining images are always more impactful than those that are simply
promotional in nature.
- Instructional and Tutorial QR Codes
Anything that shows the customer how
they stand to benefit by buying your products will work in your favour.
Instructional content and tutorials can be presented in a variety of ways –
infographics, how-to video, step-by-step visual tutorials and so on. Depending
on what you sell, QR codes linking to instructional content could be a real
game-changer.
- Audio QR Codes
If your business produces podcasts (or
audio content of any kind), this can be another great use for your QR codes.
Give your customers something to listen to on the way home, ensuring they don’t
forget who you are or what you do. Tell stories, share insightful information,
provide useful tips to help them get the most out of their purchases and so on.
- Recipe QR Codes
Hugely popular and consistently
effective, recipe QR codes are fantastic for all types of food products and
everyday ingredients. Anything you can do to inspire your customers before,
during or after purchasing one of your products will work in your favour. Share
creative and inspiring recipes or invite your customers to share their own
ideas with your QR codes.
- Discount Coupon QR Codes
If there is one guaranteed way to get
more people to scan your QR codes, this is it. Let them know that all they need
to do to claim a discount of some kind is to scan the code on the packaging.
After which, they can activate the discount, and will also be presented with
any other marketing materials you see fit. You could also make it mandatory
that they sign up to your mailing list to claim the discount, adding more names
to your address book.
- Loyalty Scheme QR Codes
It is exactly the same with loyalty
scheme QR codes, used to encourage customers to sign up and make repeat
purchases. Always remember that the easier you make it for people to join your
loyalty program, the higher the likelihood they will do just that. Link them
directly to your loyalty scheme signup page, and (if possible) request the bare
minimum information for them to sign up and get started.
- Mystery QR Codes
Sometimes, not knowing what you are in
for is half the fun. Mystery QR codes can be surprisingly effective, coupled
with a hook along the lines of “Scan Me for a Surprise!” At which point, the
customer is transported to some kind of promo page or offered some kind of
freebie. The enigmatic approach can work wonders, depending on whom you are
targeting and what you are targeting them with.
- Competition QR Codes
Last up, competitions and contests can
be just as appealing as freebies and giveaways. Where there is the possibility
of walking away with something for nothing, most people will give it a shot. Or
at least, a fair proportion of those purchasing your products will throw their
hat into the ring. Link them to a competition page with your QR codes and
ensure the prize on offer is of genuine relevance and value to those who scan
it.
For more information on the benefits
of QR codes or to discuss your labelling requirements in more detail, contact a
member of the team at Mercury Labels today.
