Get the Most Out of QR Codes

When QR codes were first introduced, it seemed as though marketers were going to attach them to everything, from print ads to billboards to television spots. Unfortunately, little thought was put into the user experience behind the QR code, which left many campaigns falling flat. However, QR code marketing can be effective tools to deliver your message when use properly, and can be an effective part of a mobile marketing plan.

One way to get the most out of QR codes is to place them in easily accessible locations. Cell phone users won't necessarily take the time to scan the codes if it is perceived as too much trouble to do so.

Another thing that I can suggest to companies that want to use the codes effectively is to make sure that customers understand that they will receive a benefit from scanning them. Linking the codes to a unique coupon, daily special, or unique content only available through the QR code will create a sense of urgency and encourage the customer to scan the code on the spot.

Not everyone who sees a QR code is familiar with what they are and how they work. To make it easy for customers to use them, I would suggest providing detailed how-to instructions, including where they can get a QR reader. The goal here should be to give the customer everything he or she needs to use the codes properly.

To get the maximum marketing benefit out of QR codes, it is important for companies to focus on offering value to the customer. That is the key to QR code success.