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What Can QR Codes Be Used For?

This article is not about proving that QR Codes are superior over barcodes. The QR Code was developed to be superior to an inventory management barcode. Here are four reasons they’re better than barcodes.

This article is about the advantages of using a QR Code when used in print-based promotions. QR Codes have made a huge leap from the inventory management tools. They are now being widely employed in areas like marketing, too.

These QR Codes provide a variety of possibilities for marketers to reach their audience. How?

Using QR Codes on printed media lets consumers engage in ways that are:

1. Speedy and error-free

If not QR Codes and QR Codes are not available, the only way to connect users to web-based content is through URLs. However, typing a URL can be lengthy and cumbersome on a mobile device.

Consumers are also likely to make mistakes typing. In contrast, scanning a QR Code can be a quicker and error-free.

In 2015, the Chicago-based Wintrust Financial and technology provider FIS introduced around 200 ATMs. These ATMs are equipped with QR Codes that allow cardless transactions.

Customers can withdraw money easily with a scan of a QR Code at the ATM screen by using their Wintrust app.

According to Wintrust as well as FIS, QR Code-based cardless cash withdrawal takes just 8 seconds, compared to 47 seconds for normal withdrawal.

2. More information

Like online marketing printed-based marketing has some limitations. Particularly in real estate space. There’s only the amount you can accomplish in a newspaper ad, brochures and packaging for products, you think? Wrong.

With QR Codes it is possible to provide consumers with a means to have access to all information.

In 2015, Nestle’s popular product in India – Maggi noodles – was banned. This was because of claims by authorities that it contained impermissible levels of lead.

The ban was eventually lifted however Nestle recognized that the population had doubts about their trust. To gain their trust back, Nestle took various steps to show its conformity with health standards and legal requirements. To do it they provided a comprehensive list of ingredients as well as other vital information with their customers. It could be about security, the environment and even recipes.

It was obvious that it couldn’t print all this information onto the packaging. Therefore, the company created a QR Code that directed customers to a mobile website with all the details.

3. Engaging with rich content

Words are good. A image is worth a thousand words.

However, a video can contain many thousands of pictures. Audio is also more practical. But unfortunately, you can use these kinds of high-quality media through printed promotions, unless you include the QR Code.

By using QR Codes marketers can share rich content via their print promotions. This means they’ll see greater engagement from their audiences. For example, packaged food retailer Chef’s Basket added a QR Code to the packaging of one of its pasta dishes. When you scan QR codes it can redirect the consumers to a video explaining the pasta recipe. dish.

4. Affordable

While print media still works as a branding tool however it’s not an interactive medium like digital or outdoor marketing. However, with QR Codes it could be.

With the addition of a QR Code, you can create interactive promotions and collect inputs from the people you want to reach. It is possible to run an online contest, ask people to register for an event or product and then collect feedback. Or, allow your customers to buy directly from your flyer or newspaper advert.

One good example is ‘World Park” which was a campaign using QR Codes which was launched in NYC’s Central Park in 2010. QR Codes placed on board were put in various places in the park. When scanned, the QR Codes were used to engage visitors in a Quiz on the park’s history, pop culture, music and art, and the science and geology.

5. Trackable

If you’re a marketing professional and you are aware of the importance of data analytics. It provides important insights into your customers. This helps you to identify the areas where you have strengths and areas that are weak.

But print media, on itself, lacks ability to track like digital media. This is where QR Codes assist you. QR Codes help you gauge the impact of printed marketing strategies by tracking the scanning activities of your customers. For example how many people have done it, when do they have to scan it, and where did they scan it.

In addition the QR Code also includes a feature called event tracking. It lets you know how users interact with the data encoded within the QR Code after scanning it. For instance, it might be clicking on a button that reads ‘Sign-up’ or “Register Now’.

Based on this information, you can optimize your future campaigns.

6. Easy to save money

Another advantage to QR Codes has to do with the fact that users are able to save the data on their smartphones.

For example, if you scan the Dynamic Vcard QR Codeon your smartphone, an mobile website that includes your contact information will open. The page features a ‘Add to Contacts’ button which lets the user directly save the contact’s information on their phone.

You can convert your barcode into QR Codes. Utilizing a QR Code in a printed advertisement gives it new life. Marketers can connect with their customers in engaging ways while making the whole process speedier and more convenient.

How do you create QR Codes?

Now you understand the benefits having a QR Code can offer you. The next question is how to make one?

1. Make QR codes one at one

If you do not require hundreds of thousands of QR Codes, then this is the ideal choice for you. Here, you will find many QR Code categories to choose from. Depending upon your use-case it is possible to pick an appropriate category.

To make one, you will need an QR Code Generator. A simple Google search will give you numerous options.

2. Design QR Codes and create QR Codes in large quantities

If you’re looking to generate QR Codes in large quantities, you’ll need an automated bulk QR Code generation service. This allows you to create thousands of QR Codes in one move. You can select among QR Codes for websites as well as Simple Text QR Codes, Serial Code QR Codes, and VCard QR Codes.

Simply upload a data file that contains all the details that need to be encoded. Then, you must wait for the QR Codes to be generated, and download them in an archive file.

3. Create QR Codes in a programmatic manner

If you are looking to incorporate QR code generation in your own system of information, QR Code API can assist you in this process.

It lets you create QR Codes automatically in real time via your own information system. No manual intervention required to generate QR Codes.

Best Practices

Alongside the advantages, you should also be aware of the best methods to work with QR Codes:

1. Include an appropriate CTA

CTA translates to ‘Call-to-action’. It’s a simple instruction that nudges people to complete the desired action.

It could be anything such as “Scan here to see the site” or ‘Scan this page to view the file or file’.

2. Design the QR Code

If you are planning to utilize QR Codes for printing media, you can make them yourself. It’s because the custom QR Codes catch the viewers’ attention , and consequently, receive more scans.

3. Make sure to scan the QR Code

It is recommended to conduct a test scan of your QR Code before putting them out to the intended audience.

4. Choose optimal print format

If you plan to use QR Codes to printing media, or even billboards or large posters It is recommended to export them in high-resolution formats like SVG, PDF, or EPS. They ensure that the QR Code doesn’t get pixelated regardless of how much scaling is changed.

That’s it. All you have to do is learn about the advantages of the QR Code.