QR codes are most commonly associated with websites. When they scan a code, most people expect to be taken to a website. However, the truth is they are extremely versatile and they have a plethora of uses. In fact, they can be used to trigger various actions on smartphones. Not only do you have access to plenty of opportunities, but those who scan your code will also be pleasantly surprised to find out that it is not all about links.
Now, what other uses can you take advantage of and why are they often overlooked?
Linking Websites
You can link to anything – be it your homepage, your special offers page or your contact page. Once the QR code is scanned, users will have to tap on the result and they will be directed to a website. Make sure the content is mobile optimized though.
This is the most popular type of QR code for marketing. Use a different type of code and most people will be surprised.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
If your business has a waiting room, you can come up with a large QR code in there. Once scanned, it will link to your Wi-Fi network, providing free access to your guests. Basically, the code has Wi-Fi network credentials. Once scanned, the smartphone will connect within a few seconds by itself – no further actions needed.
This way, users can connect much faster and the password is still kept secret – ideal for waiting rooms, bars, restaurants and other similar environments.
Business Cards
Most business cards end up in the bin – unfortunately, before your contacts are even added to the receiver’s address book. QR code business card can also contain vCards. In other words, once scanned, your contacts will be added to your potential customer’s address book. You are more likely to get a call this way.
You can add names, addresses, numbers, emails, websites and so on.
Get an Instant Call
Interested in getting people to call you? You can add a phone number when creating a QR code for marketing. Once scanned, users will be asked to call you. The number will be automatically dialed in. It is a much easier method than typing digits one at a time. People will find it more convenient.
Get a Text Message
Whether you want people to subscribe to your newsletter, register or ask for a call back, you can add your own phone number and a message to the QR code. When scanned, users will be prompted with a confirmation button. If they accept, they will instantly send a text message to you. Easy!
Get an Email
This type of QR code works if the user has an email application setup and running. It works just like the text QR code, only it sends an email. Add your email address, a subject and a text. It can be used with the exact same purposes – registrations, call back requests, sign ups, newsletters and so on.
Geolocation
Trying to help your customers find you? If your address is not so easy to find and you know that satnavs tend to take people the wrong way, a QR code with your location might do the trick. It will include the longitude and latitude coordinates of your place. When scanned, users will see the location with their default application.
Never Miss an Event Again
Trying to make sure that potential clients will not miss your event? Be it a launch, a release, free sampling or a party, you can add calendar entries with QR codes. Add all the details of the event, including the date, a suggestive name and the perfect time. Users will be prompted to save the event to the calendar – excellent to make sure they will not miss it.
Simplest QR Code
The simplest QR code displays a plain text on the screen. There is not much you can do about it, especially as text is limited. Sure, you can add ten pages worth of text, but the QR code will be so overwhelming that many scanners will not be able to read it. If you want to add such a long text, it makes more sense to upload it somewhere and link to it.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, QR code for marketing can be quite versatile. Obviously, it depends on what kind of message you want to send. They make great call to action buttons if linked to the right action and displayed in the optimal places. Their capabilities will never end if you are flexible.