This article is not about proving that QR Codes have a benefit over barcodes. The QR Code was developed to be superior to the barcode for inventory management. Here are 4 reasons why they’re better than barcodes.
This article focuses on the benefits of a QR Code when used in printed promotions. QR Codes have advanced from tools for managing inventory. They are now being widely employed in various areas, such as marketing too.
These QR Codes open up multiple possibilities for marketers to reach out to their intended audience. How?
Utilizing QR Codes on printed media permits consumers to participate with the media in a manner that’s:
1. Quick and free of errors
If QR Codes are not available and QR Codes are not available, the only way to connect users to online content is by using URLs. But typing a URL is tedious and difficult to use on a mobile device.
People are also prone to make errors while typing. In contrast scans, scanning a QR Code can be a much quicker and error-free.
In 2015, Chicago-based Wintrust Financial and technology provider FIS announced the opening of around 200 ATMs. These ATMs are equipped with QR Code-based cardless transaction capabilities.
Customers can withdraw funds simply using a QR Code on the ATM screen using their Wintrust app.
As per Wintrust as well as FIS, QR Code-based cardless cash withdrawal takes just 8 seconds, as opposed to 47 seconds for a normal withdrawal.
2. More informative
In contrast to online marketing printing-based marketing, it has its limitations. Particularly in the real estate industry. There is only so much you can do in a newspaper ad, product packaging, and brochure you think? Wrong.
With QR Codes it is possible to provide consumers with a means to get access to a variety of information.
In 2015, Nestle’s most loved product in India Maggi noodles was banned. This was because of claims by the authorities that it contained unapproved amounts of lead.
The ban was later lifted however Nestle recognized that the population had trust issues. In order to restore trust, Nestle took various steps to show its compliance with people’s health and legal requirements. To accomplish this they made a clear list of ingredients as well as other important information with customers. It could include information on safety, the environment, society and even recipes.
Obviously, it could not print all this information on the packaging. So , the company added an QR Code that took customers to a mobile web site with all the details.
Visit this website to scan QR codes.
3. Engaging with engaging content
Words are a good thing. A picture can be worth 1,000 words.
Video, on the other hand, contains hundreds of images. Also, audio is more convenient. Unfortunately, you cannot use these kinds of high-quality content with print ads, but only if you add the QR Code.
With the help of QR Codes Marketers can provide rich content to their customers via their print promotions. They will also see greater engagement from their audiences. For example, packaged food company Chef’s Basket added a QR Code on the package of its pasta product. When it is scanned that QR Code redirects the consumers to a short video showing the recipe for the pasta dish.
4. Affordable
Print media is still a great medium to use effectively for branding however it’s not an interactive medium as outdoor or digital marketing. However, with QR Codes it can be.
By incorporating a QR Code, you can make your promotions interactive and take inputs from the people you want to reach. You can run a contest, get people to sign-up for an event or product, take feedback, or let customers make purchases right from the flyer or newspaper advert.
A good example is ‘World Park” A campaign based on QR Codes that was held in the city of New York’s Central Park in 2010. QR Codes on boards were put in various places in the park. When scanned, the QR Codes engaged visitors in a Quiz on the park’s the past pop culture, art and music, and science and geology.
5. Trackable
If you are a marketer is the case, then you’re aware of the significance of data analytics. It allows you to gain valuable insights into your audience. It helps you recognize areas of strength and weaknesses.
However, print media on its own, has no tracking abilities, unlike digital media. This is why QR Codes assist you. QR Codes can help you assess the effectiveness of print media marketing efforts by tracking their scanning activity. For example how many people have done it, when did they scan it and from what location did they scan it.
Furthermore, it also offers an additional feature known as event tracking. It will show you how users interact with the content in the QR Code after scanning it. For example, it could be clicking on a button that says ‘Sign-up’ or ‘Register Now’.
With this information you will be able to optimize your future campaigns.
6. Simple to save
Another benefit of QR Codes is that the user can easily save the data to their smartphones.
For example, if you scan an Dynamic Vcard QR Code, a mobile page that contains your contact information will open. It has an Add to Contacts’ button which lets the user directly save the contact to their smartphone.
It is easy to convert your barcodes into QR Codes. Using an QR Code on a printed advertisement gives it a fresh life. Marketers can engage their customers in engaging ways while making the whole process quicker and more convenient.
How do you create QR Codes?
Now you are aware of the advantages having a QR Code can offer you. The next question is how to make one?
1. Make QR codes one by one
If you’re not looking for hundreds of thousands of QR Codes, then this is the best option for you. You will find an array of QR Code categories to choose from. Based on the needs of your situation you will be able to select the appropriate one.
To create one, you simply need an QR Code Generator. A simple Google search will provide you with numerous options.
2. Design QR Codes and create QR Codes in large quantities
If you’re looking to make QR Codes in large quantities, you’ll need a bulk QR Code creation service. It allows you to create thousands of QR Codes all in one move. You can choose from Website URL QR Codes or Simple Text QR codes, Serial Code QR Codes as well as VCard QR Codes.
Just upload a data file that contains all the data to be encoded. Wait for the QR codes to be generated, and then download them to a zip file.
3. Create QR Codes programmed
If you are looking to incorporate QR code generation into your own information system, QR Code API can aid you in doing it.
It allows you to generate QR Codes automatically in real time through your personal information system. There is no manual intervention needed to create QR Codes.
Best Practices
Alongside the advantages Apart from these advantages, you need to be familiar with the best practices while working with QR Codes:
1. Add an appropriate CTA
CTA can mean ‘Call-to action’. It’s a simple instructions that helps people do the action required.
It could be anything such as “Scan here to see the website”‘ or ‘Scan here to view the file”.
2. Add a design to the QR Code
If you’re intending to use QR Codes in print media content, you might create them. Because the custom QR Codes catch the viewers’ attention and in turn, get more scans.
3. Test scan the QR Code
It is recommended to conduct a test scan of for the QR Code before putting them in front of your audience.
4. Choose optimal print format
If you plan to utilize QR Codes for printing media or for large posters and billboards, it’s recommended to export them in high-resolution formats like SVG, EPS, or PDF. They ensure you that your QR Code doesn’t get pixelated no matter how much the resizing process is carried out.
That’s it. It’s all you need learn about the advantages of a QR Code.