effective ways to use qr codes in your marketing plan

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Effective Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Marketing Plan A quick response, or QR, code can be an incredible marketing tool for your business, and as a result they are popping up virtually everywhere. There are a number of methods that are used to promote QR codes presently that make sense, for example placing them on your business card which will result in people being able to find and scan the information about your business rather than having to search for it in the traditional way. However, there are some other QR code placement options that make absolutely no sense – for example on a billboard where the traffic is moving extremely fast. If you really consider this, how is anyone supposed to be able to scan the QR code you have developed as they drive by. There are also a number of other QR codes on various websites that have brought the user back to the same site when they are used – on your smartphone. If you are actually viewing the QR code, then you are likely already on your computer, which is not a very good use of the technology. QR codes are able to provide a number of various types of information, with the most typical ones being text, links to various apps and internet links.

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Page 1: Effective ways to use qr codes in your marketing plan

Effective Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Marketing PlanA quick response, or QR, code can be an incredible marketing tool for your business, and asa result they are popping up virtually everywhere. There are a number of methods that areused to promote QR codes presently that make sense, for example placing them on yourbusiness card which will result in people being able to find and scan the information aboutyour business rather than having to search for it in the traditional way.

However, there are some other QR code placement options that make absolutely nosense – for example on a billboard where the traffic is moving extremely fast. If youreally consider this, how is anyone supposed to be able to scan the QR code you havedeveloped as they drive by.

There are also a number of other QR codes on various websites that have brought theuser back to the same site when they are used – on your smartphone. If you are actuallyviewing the QR code, then you are likely already on your computer, which is not a very gooduse of the technology.

QR codes are able to provide a number of various types of information, with the mosttypical ones being text, links to various apps and internet links.

Page 2: Effective ways to use qr codes in your marketing plan

How You can Create a QR Code

The fact is that the creation of a QR code can be quite simple. If you simply Google thesearch term, “Make a QR Code” then you will be produced two quality sites: Qurify andKaywa, both which will work for this purpose.

It is important that you take the time to actually download the QR image on your computerand that you then upload the image on your actual website, if you would like to, instead ofrelying on the QR code maker sites that will provide hosting for you. This will ensure thatif the hosting sites no longer works, the QR Code will not be affected. A good SEOconsultant can also help you create useful QR codes.

What is Considered Bad Use of QR Codes?

The bad news is that there is a plethora of bad QR code usage out there which makes itextremely difficult to know how you can use the codes effectively.

Some bad uses of QR codes that you should avoid include the following:

In airline magazines – if customers are in a plane then they will not be able to usethe internet for following them.

A subway platform where there is not a signal. Billboards. Sending the QR code through email. A QR code that does not lead to any mobile friendly content.

Page 3: Effective ways to use qr codes in your marketing plan

A Checklist for Developing Your QR Codes

In order to develop a smart campaign with your QR codes, use the following checklist:

Provide something that is useful on mobile devices with the QR code. You shouldnever send anyone to any website that has not been optimized for use by mobiledevices via your QR code.

You should only use a QR code in a location where they are able to be safely andeasily scanned.

If your code is in digital format – through a website or email – then you should alsoensure that it is made as a link for the exact same content.

Be sure that there is 3G or WiFi access where ever you plant to place the code. Be sure that the code you develop is clear and big enough so that a lower quality

phone will be able to scan it without problems. There needs to be an indication of the types of devices that are able to be used

with your QR code. You need to specify if it is for only iPhone or Android users.

Helpful Ideas for Utilizing QR Codes Effectively

With the information that was provided above, there are a number of helpful ways for youto use a QR code, which are highlighted here.

1. During a meetup or conference, put a unique QR code onto your shirt or name tag sothat people will be able to scan it instead of having to take your business card. Inmost cases the card will likely just wind up lost with a number of other cards thathave been received. Be certain that you also offer business cards, as well. Thereare some people who will enjoy having something that is tangible.

2. If you have a local business, then you should place a QR code on the door that willprovide people with a file including a link to your website, phone numbers as well asyour opening times. Hosting a PDF on your website is ideal for this purpose. If youhave a custom app for your business, then this will be even better; however, youneed to ensure that you include your phone numbers and hours in the app.

3. If you decide to offer a giveaway of t-shirts, then you may want to include your QRcode on the t-shirt that you give away. This way if anyone has a question regardingyour business, they can simply scan the code and be provided the answers they areseeking. Consider placing the QR code on the back, right in the middle of theshoulder blades, since putting it on the front will make it unattractive.

4. Giving a t-shirt away is much more influential than a keychain since they are muchmore visible; however, if you are giving away trinkets or other key chains as well,

Page 4: Effective ways to use qr codes in your marketing plan

you should consider putting the QR code that is on them as well. You just need tobe sure that you do it so that it does not make them appear ugly.

5. Banners at your convention table or in other public spaces where a person mightfind interest in your product or app can be effective.

6. If you have a business that offers a service car, then you need to place a QR codesticker right on the sun-visor and make it lead to your app where you will be able totrack the regular service of a car as well as schedule the maintenance for yourvehicle online. You can make it even more appealing by offering freebies andcoupons.

7. Place a QR code on webpages or emails.

The fact is that you should utilize QR codes whenever you can. They are a marketing trendthat are not going anywhere any time soon and can be an effective way to enhance yourmarketing campaign.

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