10 Uses for QR Codes in Your Small Business Marketing Practices

One mobile technology marketing tool that has provided small business owners with an effective and comparatively inexpensive way to connect with customers is the QR code. QR stands for “quick response” and these pixilated images are barcodes that, when scanned by a smart phone or other mobile device, transmit digital data to prospects and customers. Formerly used in the auto industry to transmit parts information, QR scanning by consumers has skyrocketed since 2009 and companies of all sizes have been embedding this feature in their marketing assets. But their low-cost-to-implement stature makes QR codes especially useful for small businesses. Some websites offer simple QR code generation for free!

The amount of data that can be contained in a QR code is pretty large. You can embed images, directions, events, and other information. Marketers apply these barcodes everywhere: publications, labels, signage, posters, everywhere they are looking to create a deeper engagement with prospects.

We’ve found 10 creative ways to use QR codes for your small business:

• As a link to a product demonstration video, virtual tour or business profile
• As a quick, easy source for your contact details like on your business cards
• As an embedded URL to a microsite for specific promotions or product offer
• As a shipping label feature which allows recipients to easily make online payments or initiate repeat orders
• As a direct mail component that can link prospects to a catalog or menu
• As a response test for marketing messages that can link to specific web pages
• As a “clue” in a scavenger hunt that leads prospects to your storefront
• As a product label component that sends a customer to a product details page
• As a “like” or “follow” link that brings the user to a Facebook page or other social media site
• As a subscription or email sign-up link

For the more creative small business owner, customized color QR codes can be designed with your logo. Designer codes have been gaining popularity over the past few years. In fact, designer QR codes have been shown to invoke higher click-through rates than standard black-and-white versions.

QR code service providers vary in their service levels. Some sites only generate a code for embedding on your website. Some QR code providers offer analytics that report response rates and other traffic details. Other provide subscription-based services where you can modify the barcode when you need to. If you’re interested in this tool, check out what’s available before committing to a service provider.

As mobile technology becomes more embedded in our shopping lifestyle, quick and easy transfers of brand information will be crucial to your digital presence. We recommend exploring this useful tool for your company.