Shelf Life of QR Code Programs

Are QR Code campaigns, promotions or inventory programs still a great option for you?

QR codes are those square pixelated boxes seen on products, advertising and other places that are only readable by digital scanners. Often referred to as two-dimensional barcodes, QR codes are originally designed by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, as a tracking mechanism that can hold about 100 times more information than a barcode. The “QR” stands for Quick Response and since the 1990’s, they are one of the most efficient ways to track parts through the manufacturing process.

QR codes rose in popularity as a quick way to access information about a product or service -people now use an app on their smartphone as the scanner, and away they go to the brick-and-mortar to buy. They enable businesses to connect offline customers with online content in an engaging and interactive way.

Marketing experts have been guess-timating the demise of the QR code for years and yet, they’re still a huge part of inventory programs as well as marketing campaigns – especially since there’s an estimated 182+ million smartphone users in the U.S. who want and need to get instant gratification.

Place QR Codes for Customer Value

Experts say the trick that makes QR code usage successful is to always provide some sort of value to make it worth the scan. Whether it’s a freebie, informative content or entertainment, these ideas all give you a good reason to scan.

The most useful deployments of QR codes are for instant action: scan to order, scan to “like”, scan to download, scan to view a video or listen to a song, scan to reveal a coupon code or exclusive offer.

Companies find success using QR codes to provide information such as nutritional data, tech specs, listing details, read the full article, etc. – as long as the information is the kind people want.

Businesses make good use of QR codes on business cards or mailings to link directly to Google Maps for directions, scan to send a text or call a number for entering a contest, reporting a problem or to get help.

6 Tips for Using QR Codes

1. Place QR codes where they can be scanned easily or transportable for an easy scan i.e. placing the QR code on a cup that the user can take with them.

2. Tell the user what to do with the code and exactly what they are going to get when they scan it. Make sure than both Android and iPhone users will be able to scan.

3. Only use a QR code if it will be easier to use than entering a URL, keying in a number, or sending a text.

4. If sending users to your website, make sure is mobile friendly and call to action is waiting for them on the web page.

5. Provide an alternative link, preferably a short, concise URL, in case they really can’t be bothered to find/download a scanning app.

6. Size your QR code appropriately. How does it fit best into the scanning window? Users will likely be standing when they scan it.

Create Custom QR Code Tags at PlaqueMaker

Our QR code custom tags make it easy to share information – fast! Share hyperlinks, Facebook likes, contact information and more. We suggest you make the actual QR codes at QRStuff.com. We can also print your message and artwork on some custom tag styles in vivid, full color that’s UV-resistant.