The Trending Multitool of the 2020’s
QR Codes have made an incredible comeback in the last few years. Starting as a simple tool to track automobile parts during the assembly process, QR codes have vastly improved their use and design. Nowadays, they serve as a simple scannable code that takes customers directly to websites, menus, and many other sources for your business.
But how do you know when to use them, or how to use them effectively? We’ll explain the best strategies for using QR codes in 2023, and why they’re the perfect marketing multitool for your small business.
The Comeback Kid
Quick response (QR) codes have only recently been adopted into everyday life, despite their continued existence over the last 30 years. Before COVID-19, QR codes were actually on the decline. While big tech companies like Apple were including QR code scanning software in their phones in 2017, the rest of the consumer world had little understanding of what they were, or what they did. However, the pandemic in 2020 revolutionized their contactless and quick use. With sanitation protocols and social-distancing measures, businesses quickly adopted the QR code into their day-to-day use, and eventually their marketing strategy. And there’s no sign of it slowing down. In 2020 alone, the global QR Code Labels market was valued at $916.7 million and is expected to grow to $1268.1 million by 2026.
Using QR Codes in Your Mobile Marketing Strategy
As a small business, you’re likely running several positions throughout the course of the day, and every minute of it counts. From running registers during the day to budgeting at night, how do you find time to create an effective marketing plan? With Streamwerks Media, you can use QR Code Scan-to-Win contests to build your contact lists, offer customers limited-time discounts that go directly to their phones, create one-scan event sign-ups, and bridge the gap between your in-store and online promotion. The best part? You don’t need any advanced tech knowledge to use them. Even better, Streamwerks Media will meet with you to understand your company’s vision, create the perfect marketing campaign, and execute it.
QR Code Scan-to-Win Campaigns
These simple contests are great for engaging new and existing customers. As shoppers scan your QR code, they are taken to a form to enter their information for the contest. As their contact information is uploaded to your contact list, they simultaneously get a notification that they’ve entered your contest. QR Code Scan-to-Win campaigns are great for enticing customers to sign up for your small local business with the chance of winning an exciting prize. This is the perfect segway to encourage them to join your loyalty program, and get future offers that you can send to their phones later down the road.
Limited-time Discounts
Who doesn’t love getting an immediate coupon while shopping? By advertising your QR code in your store, or on your social media, customers can scan these and get an auto-response text including a limited-time discount at your store. By offering a coupon that can be used immediately, but only within a certain number of days, you can push shoppers to make those quick purchases.
Event Sign-Up
This tactic will make any business owner squeal with glee. Paper classes and event sign-ups can bring a lot of stress. Not only do you need people to visit your store location to write down their information, but interpreting handwriting can also be a challenge when going back through the list at the end of the day. Long gone are the days of retyping endless email addresses and awkward group responses to your mass emails!
With QR code class sign-ups, you can avoid the chaos and confusion leading up to your grand event. As customers scan your code, they are directed to your web form to enter their information. The Streamwerks platform categorizes that data and enters them into a contact list for that event. When the day for your class or event finally arrives, you can send class information and instructions directly to your customers’ phones. What if you have multiple classes or events going on around the same time? Click here to learn more about QR Code Class Sign Ups!
Connecting Your Online and Offline Marketing
With the ever-changing technological world, there are a lot of platforms to advertise your business through. Aside from social media, in-store graphics and signage can also be time-consuming. But putting it all together? We know most small business owners reading this are already sweating at the idea of somehow collaging it all together. QR codes are an understatedly simple way to bridge the gap between your online and offline marketing. QR codes are most effective when used in conjunction with other marketing channels. For example, you can include a QR code on your print advertisements and on your website. This will help you reach more customers and increase the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
A New Year for New Growth
Advertising your small business shouldn’t have to be hard. But now that you’ve seen the many ways QR codes can be used, is it worth incorporating them into your small business marketing? Integrating a new system may seem intimidating, but the rewards are well worth it. In addition to being an easy transition to upgrade your business’s technology, you are saving far more time spent on your advertising. What’s more, most shoppers own a smartphone, making QR codes easy to use for a larger audience to grow your customer base. And finally, there are many ways in which QR codes can help your small business marketing an absolute success in the new year.
That’s a lot of information, but still not sure where to begin? Give us a call! We’ll sit down with you to learn what you want to accomplish for your company, create a plan, and do the work for you.
Scan the QR code for a chance to win 1000 free messages for your new year marketing campaign!
