QR codes are like fancy barcodes, holding the information that allows people who scan them to open up web-pages, to view videos, and even to save contact details. Although QR codes are nothing new and have been around in Asia for some time, they’re still fairly novel over in the US and so here are six reasons why you may want to start using them in your marketing efforts.

Image Credit: Pexels, Free to Use Licence.

1. They are novel

The novelty of QR codes is one of their greatest assets. Setting those businesses that use them apart from their competitors whilst also increasing the chances of a consumer scanning the code to see what will happen and where it will lead. As with anything new, novelty won’t last forever, so jump on the trend quickly if you want to make the most of this advantage.

2. They are easy to make

If you’re wondering how to make a QR code, then the answer is very simple. You simply find a QR generator that will do all the hard work for you, link it to the information you want people to find when they scan it and then download it as an image to use on your materials.

3. They are interactive

The interactive element of a QR code makes them more appealing to consumers than other calls to action, increasing the chances of people using them and viewing the information they contain. In an increasingly digital world, QR codes are a great way to communicate with potential customers, putting the power in their hands.

4. They are measurable

Print advertising such as magazines, flyers, brochures, and posters, are notoriously hard to track making it difficult for marketers to know how they are performing. QR codes make the call-to-action part of print advertising measurable, enabling businesses to see what is working through analytics and to track their metrics so that they can measure their performance.

5. They are versatile

QR codes can be used in so many different ways depending on your marketing goals. They can be used to share contact information, to open up a new email, to dial a number, to take people to a promotional video, to take people to the App Store, or to take people to any landing page or web address of your choosing. No matter which stages in the customer journey you are creating marketing materials for, a QR code can be used to move consumers to the next stage.

6. They are accessible

QR codes can now be scanned with virtually any smartphone camera, meaning that consumers can access them without downloading a 3rd party software or app on their phone. For the small number of people who don’t have a smart-phone, there is a wide range of free QR scanner apps available online that will enable them to open up a QR code, making them accessible to anyone with a phone fitted with a working camera.

So there you have it – just six of the reasons why you may want to consider using QR codes in your marketing strategy. What would you use them for?

About the Author: Garlak Theodorakis

My name is Garlak Theodorakis, I am graphic designer with almost 10 year experience in the field. Founded Tooft.com in january 2010 with idea to share my knowledge with the world.