Once dismissed as a marketing gimmick that had little practical application for business owners, QR codes are making a comeback. These square-shaped barcodes can be scanned by any smart device with a built-in camera, instantly taking the user to a predetermined web page.
Poor implementation and utilization of QR codes could be to blame for their initial downward trend. But since the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for contactless interactions, they’ve returned in a big way. QR codes are relatively easy to create and utilize for any small businesses type. Here are just a few ways in which the use of QR codes can help your small business succeed.
You can use a QR maker to effortlessly generate customized codes tailored to your specific business needs, ensuring seamless integration into your marketing and operational strategies.
Enhance print materials
Flyers, postcards, and circulars remain powerful marketing tools, but they’re limited in the amount of information they can relay. By adding a QR code that redirects to your website, each piece of marketing material now becomes a conduit to more information about your products and services. They also make it possible for a potential customer to get to your e-commerce site or contact page instantly, without having to remember or manually enter the URL. Additionally, incorporating a call-to-action encouraging customers to scan and make a QR code empowers them to effortlessly connect with your brand, enhancing their overall experience and boosting your marketing effectiveness.
Gather customer feedback
Conducting customer surveys can be a useful tool to help improve your operations. By automatically printing a QR code at the bottom of your receipts, customers can scan it and be taken immediately to an online survey. This can help improve the engagement you receive, and lead to more data you can use to help make informed decisions.
Enable Contactless Visitor Sign-In
QR codes offer an excellent way to enable contactless visitor management for almost any industry. It’s convenient and efficient for both your customers and for you as a business owner. By scanning the QR code on their smart device, customers can quickly sign in to access a site, building, or event. It’s the perfect visitor sign-in option for busy reception areas.
Offer contactless pickups
Offer more convenient pickups for online orders with the use of QR codes. Users can scan the code on outdoor signage to notify your employees that they are ready and waiting for their order.
Consolidate your social media presence
Advertising the various social media platforms you use can take up a lot of real estate on your marketing materials. It can also become outdated quickly if you leave a certain platform or it becomes less popular with your target audience. With a single QR code, however, you can link to a regularly updated page where the links to all your social media profiles live. This makes it easier to keep everything up-to-date and reduces logo clutter on your marketing materials.
Streamline payments
You may be able to offer your customers a scan-to-pay option if it exists through your POS system. If so, customers can point their cameras at the code on your device screen and make contactless payments without having to dip a credit or debit card or hand over cash. Including QR codes on your invoices could also mean faster payments from your B2B customers.
QR codes can pack many possibilities into a space the size of a postage stamp. Your small business can leverage that potential to help streamline your processes, connect with customers, and keep up with the evolving payments landscape.
