Advertising with QR Codes
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can reduce or eliminate the time it takes between someone seeing an ad and engaging with the brand
- QR codes are widely understood by the general public
- Codes can be greatly beneficial to brands of all sizes
I’ve said it before in other pieces on this site, but good advertising is important for any brand looking to engage with the public. You could have the very best product or provide an excellent service, but it doesn’t matter if no one can contact you or even know who you are.
Fortunately, it has become far easier in the digital age to promote brands and businesses of all sizes. One technology that has been a great boon to the marketing world has been QR codes.
In this piece I will go over how QR codes can and have been used successfully to promote various products and services and how you can make clever use of this technology. So let’s dive right in!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of image containing data that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to access the contents within. These codes typically appear as monochrome squares, almost like a jumbled up chess board, though they can be customized visually and vary in appearance.
Scanning these codes can allow you to easily conduct certain tasks, like checking into events or logging into WiFi networks, or access a variety of digital content, like websites, images, social media pages, videos, and more.
These codes are easy to use, can be created on your own through a service like QR Code Developer, and are generally understood by the public. They can be found everywhere in just about every field. You’ve likely already encountered a QR code in some form today!
Where can I put a QR code?
In the real world, QR codes are nothing but simple 2D images. Therefore they can be placed and printed on just about any surface capable of displaying a picture.
Below are a few popular examples for methods of advertising that QR codes can be applied to:
• Cards
• Stickers
• Posters
• Fliers
• TV commercials
• Movie theater ads
• Magazines
• Books
• Table tents
• Receipts
Why use QR codes?
Before QR codes, a potential customer could see an advertisement, become interested in the product or service, and forget the name or even that they saw the ad by the time they got in a position to do more research.
QR codes eliminate this time gap entirely, allowing interested parties to learn more about a product and engage with a brand the second they see an advertisement. And since QR codes are free to both use and make, they can be taken advantage of by businesses of all sizes, from the humble mom-and-pop store to the largest of big box chains.
Benefits of using QR code in advertising
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
How to make a QR code for a URL link
• In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code.
• Select the Website option as your code type.
• Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar.
• Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.
• Click Generate.
• Test your code on multiple devices.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can QR codes be used for advertising purposes?
A: Yes. QR codes can be used to reduce the time it takes between someone seeing an advertisement and engaging with the brand.
Q. What type of advertisements can QR codes be used in?
A: QR codes can be placed just about anywhere that can display a 2D image, like on cards, fliers posters, and even in digital ads, movies, and video games.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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