The Amazing QR Code! 9 Fantastic Ways to Use QR Codes in Comic Book Stores
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be used in many ways to help out customers of comic book stores
- Most comic book readers are familiar with the technology and know how to use QR codes
- Codes can be monitored and customized to fit your needs
Comic books are big right now. Anyone who’s seen a movie or a TV show recently will tell you, as some of the most popular works are based on comic book characters. The Marvel Cinematic Universe in particular is one of the most successful and well known works of fiction in the modern age.
With that being said, many of the stores that provide the works inspiring these big name blockbusters remain locally owned and independently run, providing customers with a more down to earth and wholesome environment. But running one of these stores can be a hassle.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways staff of comic book and manga stores can use QR codes to reach new audiences, provide to their existing customer base, and increase brand awareness. In this piece I will go over just that, 9 different ways comic book stores can make clever use of QR codes.
I will also go over how to use QR Code Developer to create your own codes, as well as provide helpful tips on using these codes.
So let’s dive right in!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is an image with data encoded within a monochrome design. They typically appear as squares made up of seven smaller black and white squares, almost like a jumbled up chess board, though they can be customized visually.
These codes can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, and allow users to easily conduct certain tasks, like paying for goods and signing into WiFi networks, or access a variety of digital media, like websites and social media pages.
These codes are easy to use, widely understood by the general public, and can be made on your own through a service like QR Code Developer. QR codes can be found all over the place, like on food labels, toy packaging, and vending machines, or in doctors offices, museums, and in this case, comic book stores.
How can QR codes be used in comic book stores?
QR codes can be greatly beneficial to those visiting their local comic book store as well as the staff members who operate them. Here’s just a few examples:
Advertising
Marketing and advertising is important to any business, big or small, but comic book stores especially. Most comic book stores are small businesses and owned by local shop owners, so it can be more difficult to get the word out about your store and what you have to offer.
Fortunately, a QR code can be attached to just about any form of advertisement, like on flyers, posters, cards, and even television commercials, and can allow any interested person to easily find out more about you and your store.
Online store
There’s only so much space in your average storefront, and comic book stores in particular tend to be on the smaller side. But in the digital age, many local comic book shops also offer an online store for customers to browse through your selection, order books currently in stock, and even pre order upcoming titles.
Hours and operating information
Linking a QR code to your official website can also allow interested readers to get a better idea of your establishment before they even walk in. They can provide the operating hours, address, any important updates, and even methods to contact staff and management.
Book recommendations
It can be hard to find a new book that fits your taste, which is why comic book store employees will often have a section set aside for their personal recommendations, as well as similar titles to some a reader already enjoys.
A QR code placed in these sections can go a step further, allowing readers to view even more lists of titles similar to the ones they already enjoy, as well as find out more about the creators, what other titles are in the series, and even pre-order upcoming installments.
Events and schedules
Comic book stores today often do more than just sell comic books and other related products. They provide a space for like minded individuals to gather and swap stories, play games, meet creators, or just simply enjoy each other's company. Free Comic Book Day in particular is a popular event for many in the community.
QR codes can allow staff and management a method to communicate these events to their shoppers, providing calendars, additional information, and even check-in information for any event they may be interested in.
WiFi
Just about every public business in the modern age needs to provide free access to WiFi to customers, but comic book stores especially, since that audience tends to skew younger and spends a lot of time online. Some comic book stores even double as cafes or small restaurants, making this necessity greater.
QR codes can be easily created to allow guests to sign into a WiFi network instantly, without needing to type in a password or ask a member of staff. This will also keep your network far more secure than if you were to leave it open for anyone nearby to use.
Reviews
Customer feedback is essential to just about every business dealing with the public. However, getting that feedback can be a struggle, since most customers simply want to pay for their goods and go.
Luckily, a QR code linking to a customer feedback survey or review page can easily be made and applied to a business card or receipt, allowing both satisfied and unsatisfied patrons to provide their thoughts to you as well as other potential customers.
Payment
QR code payment makes it possible for comic book store customers to pay for their goods without needing to fumble with cash or use a bank card. This can be especially useful if someone forgets their wallet or card, something I’ve done multiple times.
Several different services, like PayPay, Zelle, and Venmo, allow private individuals and business owners alike to exchange currency simply by scanning a code either on another person’s device or printed somewhere in the establishment.
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.
Benefits of using QR codes in comic book stores
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.
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 in comic book stores?
A: Yes, QR codes can be used in comic book stores to provide access to WiFi networks, store information, payment services, and more.
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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