A QR code stands for Quick Response code and is represented by black and white symbols that can be scanned through smartphones or lasers. They allow individuals to pack a wide range of information within a limited space. This makes QR codes an extremely convenient way to educate your customers about your products or services if you have limited space on print media.
QR codes are a common occurrence in today’s day and age. You may have noticed QR on leaflets or pamphlets and may have been intrigued to scan and find out what it leads to. Marketers use QR codes to make their target audience aware of their products and services. This tool has become essential to every business marketing strategy, as it enhances customer engagement and improves operational efficiency. Moreover, it is very easy to scan a QR code and allows customers to access important information seamlessly. If you want to know how QR codes work and why they are important for your business, read on.
What are QR Codes?
QR or quick response codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information in a pattern of black squares arranged on a white background. They can encode various data types, including URLs, texts, contact information, product details, and much more. QR codes are a tool that bridges the gap between the online and offline worlds. They are mostly printed on physical paper, which leads an individual to the online world of information. A majority of businesses use QR codes to inform their customers about their products, services, and other details they wish to impart. As the world moves towards AI and machine learning, businesses must do everything in their capacity to stay on par with the latest developments, with QR codes being one of them.
How Does QR Code Work?
QR codes, although sounds complicated, are a simple process. QR codes encode data into a visual pattern that can be scanned and interpreted by a QR code reader, which is typically found on a smartphone. Once scanned, the encoded information can be instantly accessed, whether a website URL, promotional offer, or product details. QR codes are becoming so popular that they are also used by government agencies to provide information to citizens.
QR codes can be used by businesses in the following ways:
Print QR Codes on the Product Packaging:
Printing QR codes on product packaging enhances customer engagement by showcasing transparency and building trust and loyalty. Studies have shown that numerous brands have witnessed growth in the ROI and sales of their products by simply printing a QR code on their packaging.
Printing QR codes on a product’s packaging provides transparency about a product. For example, printing every detail about a product on top of its packing may not be possible due to space restrictions. However, when you have a QR code printed that takes your customers to a website that provides additional information about the product that can’t be printed on the pack, the customer starts to associate the brand with trust and credibility.
QR codes are the perfect alternative to physical menus and enhance customer experience by ensuring they can access the menu as soon as they enter the restaurant. Moreover, since physical menus are one of the major causes of surface-level infection, QR code menus have proven to be the best alternative to maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
QR Codes on Print Media to Increase Brand Interaction:
Using print media as a marketing tool is very expensive for most businesses. Moreover, the cost of print media depends on the type of ink used and the space utilised. If you have a print media strategy in place, you can enhance its results by printing QR codes, which not only reduces the amount of space utilised but also enhances the amount of information you are able to share within a limited space. Furthermore, by printing QR codes, you can track customer interactions with your brand and accumulate data regarding the performance of your print media strategy.
QR codes are great for social media marketing and increasing brand followers. Suppose you run a restaurant and are trying to enhance your presence on Instagram.
In such a situation, you can distribute pamphlets about ongoing exclusive offers and discounts along with a QR code printed on a corner of the pamphlet that directly takes your target audience to your Instagram page, thus encouraging them to start following you.
Is QR Code and Barcode the Same?
Most people confuse QR codes with barcodes and perceive them to be the same. However, both tools are different in terms of how information is stored.
Although both QR and barcodes are visual representations of data, barcodes are one-dimensional and store data horizontally. On the other hand, QR codes are two-dimensional and store data horizontally and vertically. Moreover, scanning a barcode on your smartphone is not as easy as scanning a QR and requires a special app to retrieve information.
Leveraging the Benefits of QR Scanner for Your Business:
As a business owner, you must be on par with the latest technological developments coming up in the world to ensure you can meet your customers’ expectations. Utilising QR codes is one such development that has become imperative for a business that aims to succeed in its respective fields. Moreover, developing a QR scanner for your business is straightforward and can be easily utilised for customer convenience. All you need to do is connect with a QR code developer and leave the rest to the professionals.