QR codes. Are you using them?
Here are sample of projects I’ve designed using Quick Response (QR) Codes recently. QR Codes are having a resurgence—readers are now built into smartphone cameras—no separate apps to download or open! Nearly three quarters of the world will use just their smartphones to access the internet by 2025. You’ll want to make it easy on them.
Quicker, less chance of mistakes
Would you have prospects type in a long, complicated url, like visitbuffaloniagara.com/business-type/lgbt/ – or just have them scan a code? Always safe to have both present, for the few that aren’t using their smartphones.
You’ll want a call to action
QR codes can direct prospects to more than your website—send them to surveys, donation forms, applications, blog posts, petitions, and more. Let the viewer know what they’re going to visit— “Scan for more information”, “Scan for a discount!”, “Scan for tickets!”, “Pay Online!”.
Customize with your branding
Incorporating your company’s colors, fonts, and logo can help discern your QR code from generic codes used elsewhere. A custom QR code can boost scans by 30% compared to standard, black and white codes.
Make it interactive and memorable
Make sure your QR code is something a prospect wants to interact with. Here are some I’ve created for different projects.
Let your website work harder
Here’s just some of the QR Code-enabled articles and ads in the 62-page Visit Buffalo Niagara 2022 Visitors Guide I designed. Visitors get “quick-click” access to information that can be updated in real time – more complete stories, restaurant lists, partner sites, accommodations, and more. The guide is interactive and more useful for visitors.
Use anywhere and everywhere
Marketing print materials. Perfect for business cards, brochures, sell sheets, rack cards, banners, name tags, posters, transit advertising, etc.
Product labels Give purchasers quick access to future discounts, product specs, recipes, etc. Send them to your online store.
Ticketing and reservations, ticket confirmations. Set up online RSVPs, payments, and confirmations.
Posted next to artworks. Visitors can learn more about an artist, other works, related artists, and link to museum shop items.
Signage Real time information at conferences; events and trade shows. make map signs interactive.
Send prospects directly to an online store or Amazon page.
As part of a personalized direct mail piece. Each QR code can go to a PURL (personalized URL).
Historical sites and walking trails signage. Links to more specific information, walking tour audio/video, or Wikipedia entry.
For Sale signs. Have link to listing, video walk-throughs, contact info.
Email newsletter signups. Build your subscriber base by having quick links to an email signup box.
Restaurants Menus and restaurant tabletoppers
Retail Signs: Give shoppers quick access to discounts, product specs, recipes, etc.
Reviews on Yelp, Tripadvisor, Expedia, Airbnb, etc.
Invitations, vehicle wraps, clothing, temporary tattoos, cake decorations, giveaways, resumes, headstones, treasure hunts – the list is endless!
Free QR Code Generators
Try these sites for creating QR Codes—they all allow for some customization. Contact me if you want to unlock their power in your marketing!