How to Utilize QR Codes for Business in 2024

Category: Tutorials

The pandemic of 2020 has taught us a number of things about business, and specifically, the changing climate of mobile marketing. In addition to the comeback of snail mail, brands are rediscovering the importance of connecting with customers in more unique and meaningful ways.  Fortunately, one of the most impactful ways to boost engagement this year is quite simple-that is, leveraging QR code technology. 

What is a QR code, you ask? Follow along to discover how to utilize QR codes for business in 2023 and the benefits of adding a QR code to greeting cards with handwritten direct mail automation easy to navigate integrations and features. 

What Is a QR Code?

Before we jump into using a QR code to elevate your marketing efforts, we need to have a strong grasp of what they really are (and aren’t). In simplest terms, a QR code, or a quick response code, is a unique ‘barcode‘ like square to direct customers to an online URL through QR reader like a smartphone‘s camera app.

The truth is, QR codes are far from new. In fact, most businesses tried their adoption and failed with utilizing them a number of years ago. The difference now, however, is the pandamic and the rise of contactless communication over print media.

Over the past year, QR code usage has risen significantly. While this isn’t necessarily the ideal, this necessity has raised a lot of awareness around using QR codes and their accessibility.

You see, back when QR codes came out, the primary problems fell to the public’s lack of knowledge on how to use them and the need to download a separate moapp. Of course, these days, everyone knows not only what to do when they see one, but also how to use their phone’s built-in camera to access them. 

So why would you want to use QR codes for business? Let’s have a look at the distinct benefits of this tool.

Benefits of QR Codes

Now that QR codes are so popular, they actually offer an advantage to both businesses and their customers. By placing your unique code for a web address into their hands, you’ll instantly experience the following:

Higher Engagement

Boosting engagement with QR codes has never been easier than it is in 2023. Because of the vast awareness of these codes that we mentioned above, users are not only more likely to use them, but actually more interested. 

In fact, tasks like gaining Wi-Fi-connection are now even using QR codes based on consumer demand! 

The way these codes work with your business to boost engagement is quite simple. In an age where we all stayed locked in our homes for weeks on end, we now crave interaction. Because these codes are highly interactive, customers flock to them, thus boosting your brand’s engagement rate.

A great illustration of this is the 11 million households that were reported to have scanned QR codes last year alone. 

Simplified Navigation

Another of the key benefits of QR codes is their ability to simplify navigation and direct customers exactly where you want them. 

By using a unique code for a web address, you can make finding your brand an instant action. The best part about this is that the destination possibilities are endless. You can choose any URL on or off your site to steer traffic in an advantageous way. 

In essence, these handy codes are like putting your link strategy on steroids and skyrocketing your click-through rate.  

Unified Online and Offline Experience

The key to a successful marketing strategy is consistency. This not only means from platform to platform but also with your online and offline experience. 

Even if you have mastered both your online and offline customer journeys, the trouble often lies in connecting the two seamlessly. This is where QR codes can save the day. 

Utilizing these unique codes to drive online traffic is one thing, but connecting your online and offline traffic together is a whole new game. By printing these codes and delivering them in physical form with direct mail, you’ve got a flawless system for on-page and off-page integration. You’ll also be able to manage a marketing campaign‘s ROI with ease.

Detailed Campaign Analytics

Perhaps our favorite feature of using QR codes for businesses is the traceability and detailed data this tool offers for marketers.

As we mentioned above, there are a number of ways you can use these codes. Because of their diversity, there are bound to be methods that work better for your business than others. Fortunately, with detailed analytics, you’ll be able to get a solid understanding of your campaign at the touch of a button.

Learn about your customer‘s behaviors and use this information to advance your approach. Just like analytics on social media, you can then use this data in future campaigns and other endeavors alike. 

woman scanning QR code in cafe

How to Use a QR Code for Business

Now that you know the benefits, you’re probably itching to get started.  A genuine business thank you note can go a long way towards building customer loyalty.

Here are a few different ways to utilize QR code marketing that are clever and effective!

Route to a Product Page or Landing Page

This is a perfect option for new product releases or promotions. By creating a static QR code and mailing it to your users in a personalized, handwrytten card, you can subtly promote your product or service through a personalized approach

A great example for this is to direct your customers to landing page with exclusive perks or to a digital menu with more information than provided on your handwritten card. All you need to do is generate a QR code, drop it on your branded stationary, and the rest is easy as pie.

Promote Social Media Channels

Want your offline audience to connect with you online? Easy! 

Include a QR codes to a social media platform at the bottom of your branded content to encourage follows, engagement, and shares. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all great social media platforms for businesses. For bonus points, consider coupling these codes with a contest or online promotion to encourage follow-through once they scan!

Direct Them with Google Maps

If you’re trying to crack Google’s valued 3-pack, this could be the hack you’ve been searching for. 

By directing your customers to your Google Maps link, you’ll experience a few key benefits. First, your customers will learn exactly where you are and how to find you. Second, increased landing on your maps listing sends a message to Google that people are interested in finding you. 

This cues Google to feature you higher up on the page because of your newly gained traffic authority. After all, Google’s main quest is to satisfy its customers. 

Send Special Offers and Deals

Whether you couple this with your sales funnel or send out handwrytten gestures such as birthday cards or thank you cards, using QR codes for special offers is a fail-proof method for growth.

When your customer receives a personalized card, they’ll feel pretty special and considered. Pair this with a personalized offer and you’ll win dedicated customers for life. 

At the end of the day, we all want to feel like a VIP, so offering an easy to access deal is a winning strategy. 

Boost Brand Awareness

Even if you don’t have anything new and exciting going on, QR codes serve as a great way to boost your brand awareness by simply sending people to your landing page

Remember, adding value to your audience is crucial for dedicated customers. With this in mind, sending useful tips and tricks through your blog pages or recommending products or services for them is always beneficial.

Collect Reviews

Are you struggling to build up your collection of reviews? Try following up your sales with a custom, static QR code!

Because this QR code technology is so simple to use, customers will be more inclined to follow through with the review. To up your ante, consider including a special incentive for product reviews such as points towards your loyalty program.

Streamline Customer Service

Whether you are an e-commerce store or a dentist’s office, there are customer service advantages for QR codes in any industry. 

Develop QR codes that make booking an appointment as easy as pie, or set up a line for questions or concerns on receipt of delivery. By utilizing these codes to streamline communication and simplify procedures, you and your customers will reap the benefits. 

Get Creative!

The sky is the limit when it comes to QR codes, so put your thinking pants on and get creative!

From creating interactive games to personalized codes for every customer, there are endless different ways to use QR codes in any industry. 

Your Custom QR Code on Cards

Now that you know the answer to your burning question, “What is a QR code?”, you can set to work with these creative and effective uses. From boosting engagement to driving sales, we’re confident you’ll love the results you see from QR code marketing.

Ready to send your code out in personalized, handwritten cards? Sign up today to experience the difference adding a personal touch and QR code can have for your business.

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