Companies must regularly innovate to gain a competitive edge in today's digital marketing landscape. QR code marketing is one approach that is gaining traction with brands (not giving too much credence to the fact that QR codes have been a "thing" for some time now, and businesses still have not quite mastered their full capabilities when it comes to optimizing conversions). If you're looking for an effective way to use QR codes to promote conversions, you have arrived at the right place. This blog will look at the best practices when it comes to lead generation using QR codes and explore QR code marketing strategies that actually work.
We will look at the top 7 ways to use codes that promote conversions and support your business.
1. Interactive Print Ads: The Best of Both Worlds
When considering QR code advertising, the most effective strategy is to transform traditional print media into interactive media. Print media is a very effective way to engage users using QR codes. Magazines, brochures, flyers, and posters are excellent, but having a QR code allows the user to land on an interactive element such as a video, landing page, or exclusive offer. A second-chance promotion strategy effectively engages users.
Why does this approach work?
Printed tools may attract attention, but they rarely lead to immediate action. Including a QR code allows potential prospects (customers) everywhere to engage instantly from curiosity to conversion.
Best practice: Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) surrounding the QR code, like "Scan to Claim Your Discount." Including a clear CTA encourages the users' next step, as you would expect in any advertisement (this is a tried and true marketing practice that pays off with the highest engagement and conversion rate).
2. Using QR codes to market events and get leads
Event marketing is the perfect execution of QR codes through customer engagement in real-life situations. QR codes can be placed anywhere an attendee might receive an impression of the event, such as at trade shows, seminars, or product launches, including on badges, banners, and handouts.
How could you optimize QR codes for the purposes of event conversion?
Link the QR code from the print collateral to a personalized landing page or a form that captures contact information to facilitate lead generation. Your event attendees are now leads, and you can follow up with them.
Using QR codes in this way supports the best QR code practices for lead generation by making it simple and appealing for prospects to share their information to obtain value/content or exclusive access.
3. Mobile Payments & Promotions: Make It Easy & Reward Them
In the world of digital marketing, when it comes to convenience, QR codes rule! They simplify the payment process, reduce friction at checkout, and provide an opportunity for impulse buying.
Likewise, QR codes linked to special promotions or loyalty programs that are only available for a limited time can also drive repeat purchasing behavior. These promotions may include a QR code that clients can redeem for discount coupons or a QR code that links to the redemption of reward points.
This question seems very common among marketers: "Do QR codes increase sales?" The answer is yes, 100% when you use them to make customer journeys easier and encourage a desired behavior.
4. Social Media Growth with QR Code Sharing
Social media is an important pillar of your marketing plan. QR codes can fast-track your social channels by following and sharing content or joining exclusive groups.
You can place QR codes on any box, receipt, or business card. These codes will take clients directly to your social media pages or campaigns.
And why do these work? This approach reduces the number of steps customers must navigate and lowers friction points, facilitating their movement from engagement to conversion.
If you are a brand looking to expand your digital footprint, this is one of the best marketing ideas to use QR codes for.
5. Product Packaging: Educate and Engage to Convert
QR codes are a treasure trove that isn't used enough to boost conversions through product packaging. When you can add value to the product itself by linking to product tutorials, customer reviews, or tips on usage, you’re using their packaging to grow their value.
Not only does it improve the customer experience, but it also increases the likelihood of repurchase by building trust and offering engagement.
When determining how to design the shape and aesthetic of your QR code, you should utilize a shape that fits your packaging's aesthetic while also making it easier for potential customers to scan.
6. QR Codes and Personalized Experiences
Personalized experiences are a big part of improving conversions. You can use QR codes in a personalized way so that different segments of your audience are taken to tailored content or offers.
For example, a retailer may create different QR codes for VIP customers versus first-time customers, sending those two segments to different landing pages.
Personalized experiences, like QR codes customized for specific audiences, are the new way to use QR codes especially for marketing. Ultimately, personalized experiences have a better chance of converting visitors to (repeat) customers.
7. Investigate & Optimize: Tracking QR Code performance
Using QR codes without tracking them is like shooting in the dark. To maximize your QR code marketing plan, use QR code generators that provide analytics, like scan count, scan location, and scan time.
By understanding how users are interacting with your QR code and actual experience, you can optimize where QR codes were originally placed and how they link to your cherished content; the ratio of people converting into customers will always be on the rise.
This point is crucial for marketers who are seeking ways to use QR codes to boost conversions.
Benefit of Using QR Codes and Conversion Rate Optimization
Incorporating QR codes into your mix provides some advantages that relate to your conversion rate optimization strategy. Specifically, some key advantages are
A Simple Link Between Online and Offline
QR codes provide a direct means of connecting a traditional advertorial format with the potential of a digital experience. Used in handouts, print advertisements, product packaging, or at a live event, QR codes can assist customers with a more holistic view of your entire online buy.
Increased Customer Engagement
QR codes that provide instant access to promotions, product information, or interactive content enhance the customer's experience when trying your products, ultimately offering a clearer and more compelling value proposition that encourages customer action and fosters loyalty.
Economical Promotional Strategy
Using and implementing QR codes is cheap versus many digital advertising options, but they are much more effective. Combine data-driven focus areas with that strategy, and you're onto something; we call it a good marketing strategy that gives you a great return on investment.
Real-Time Metrics and Analytics
Leveraging a rounded QR code generator, you can track scans and get an overview of customer behavior trends. This information is critical to refocus on your QR codes in the scope of marketing and look at optimization for your campaigns moving forward.
Increases lead generation and sales
QR codes are a proven source of continuous leads and sales when used properly. When the QR code directs users to personalized, mobile-optimized landing pages, your normalized flow facilitates conversion.
User- and Share-Friendly
QR codes do not need a specific application to scan, as most phones can scan one without the need for an application. This reduces friction and ultimately encourages further users into your brand, creating a bigger digital marketing footprint, ultimately.
Final Thoughts: Do QR Codes Increase Sales?
The short answer is yes. When utilized in a thoughtful manner in your marketing strategies, QR codes can be one of the best ways to engage customers and maximize conversions.
The four opportunities from providing a bridge from offline to online channels, to supporting payment methods, to creating growth on social media, to gaining leads for you, and to providing a personalized experience there sure are a lot of ways QR codes can work for you.
To achieve real conversions, you should adhere to best practices for using QR codes in lead generation, ensure that your calls to action (CTAs) are strong, and consistently monitor and optimize your campaigns.
- Quick Tips for Effective QR Code Conversion
- Keep your QR codes simple and visually attractive.
- Before you print the QR codes, try them out on a variety of devices.
- Ensure the landing page is mobile-optimized.
- Provide strong calls to act in proximity to the QR code.
- Use tracking/analytics software to follow performance.
- Provide real value for clients who scan your QR code discounts, information, exclusive content, etc.
- Use QR codes on different touchpoints.
Implementing these practices will help your business use QR codes, not only as a gimmick, but as an effective component of your digital marketing business.
Frequently Asked Questions about QR Codes
1. Can QR codes increase sales?
Yes, QR codes can increase engagement and sales by sending consumers to an offer or more information when done properly.
2. What are the best practices for creating a lead generation campaign?
Place QR codes in places where consumers can easily see them, link to a landing page that is optimized for mobile, include an incentive, and measure your campaign performance.
3. What type of conversions do you drive with QR codes?
An important factor is to provide the consumer with immediate value. This could be discounts, exclusive content, etc. Make sure the landing page is mobile-friendly to capture engagement quickly with a clear call to action.
4. How can I get creative with QR codes in advertising?
You can add QR codes to printed ads, product packaging, business cards, or event materials directing to contests, offers, or additional product info.
5. How do I track campaign performance with QR codes?
Use QR Code tools that provide tracking analytics to measure scans, locations scanned, and type of device used to improve return on investment.
6. Do QR codes increase engagement?
Yes, QR codes provide a simple way for the consumer to access content, loyalty programs, and social media, which increases engagement with your brand by making it easier for the consumer.
