A Breakdown into QR Codes, their uses in Marketing and how leading brands use QR Codes to boost Marketing efforts

QR codes or Quick Response codes are a technology / tool created in 1994 by Toyota subsidiary ‘Denso Wave,’ which still holds patents over this technology. Earlier, it was used to track vehicles, but now it is most commonly used to log into websites or Wi-Fi networks, make payments, and store tickets or contact information on mobile devices like phones.

QR codes were standardized in 2000 all over the globe and were used by mobile phones in Japan by 2002. QR codes are free to use, but the ISO/JIS standards should define them. Using a QR code is simple; all you need to do is scan the image sensor and convert the code to binary and display the information. Several apps are used to read QR codes; Google Lens is one of them.

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QR codes in marketing

QR codes are extremely versatile, and does not require any downloading of an additional app. Businesses can easily adopt a customer-centric approach while improving the overall experience by keeping QR codes readily available in stores. It will help attract customers and get more engagement from them. QR codes can help redirect your customers from their social media pages to help by writing a review on Yelp; there is nothing a QR code can’t do.

Here are some of the uses of QR codes in marketing:

• It is useful in creating email signatures that link the QR codes to the website.
• It can be used to make payments in restaurants and other shopping places.
• It helps advertise shoppers with short video content that the person can scan and watch.
• It helps in converting customers into repeat buyers.
• It helps to send and receive a great musical experience through these codes.

Some of the best practices that a company can follow while building a QR-based marketing strategy:

1. It should be a decent size that makes it easy to scan.
2. It should be put in a convenient and relevant place.
3. It should have all the necessary information and the additional information below the QR code.

Are QR Codes Initiating New Marketing Success?

QR has been successful in many aspects of marketing. It helps enhance the customer’s experience, driving them to write online reviews, educating them about the business, promoting discounts, and building an emotional connection with the customers.

And it can be most definitely said that QR codes are initiating new age marketing success by reaching out to the customers in a more approachable way with a call of action. It helps to enhance the customer experiences with the help of interactions that helps in building trust and validating the buying decision of the customer.

For example, Walmart launched QR codes that incorporate the characters from Waffles+Mochi from a Netflix show for children. It helps to keep the kids engaged while the parents can shop in peace. It helps in enabling the kids to search the nine characters that are hidden in the grocery aisles. This was launched in Partnership for a Healthier America.

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How Leading Brands use QR Codes to Boost Marketing Efforts

Brands and companies in modern society use a great deal of technology for advertising and marketing purposes. QR codes have become an important element across markets. A few recent examples:

1. Levi’s

QR codes have become one of Levi’s most effective marketing tools after collaborating with an advertising firm MOD in 2016. This campaign was run in China to build brand awareness among young people. The benefit of using QR codes is that the brand didn’t need to produce advertisements for the campaign. It allowed and encouraged people to make their ads.

2. Victoria’s Secret

One of the world’s leading consumer brands Victoria’s Secret launched their campaign called ‘Sexier than skin’ with QR codes by getting people directly onto the brand’s latest collection just by them scanning the QR code.

3. L’Oreal

QR codes are often used inside taxis with a marketing technique to promote the product lines from Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent. It has all the required information on how to use them when to use them. After scanning, the user can reach the shop’s website leading to a pique in people’s interest.

4. Nike

One of the leading footwear companies, Nike, had a personalized QR for customers in collaboration with WeChat, China’s popular messaging app. The customers who want customized shoes can scan the QR code and then submit it. The brand will then send the personalized shows to the person.

Regardless to say, QR codes have been a success around the globe with luxury brands and essential brands as well. They are easy and free to use, giving you all the information you need.