The concept of “contactless marketing” is shaping the way we run business today. Businesses big and small are looking for ways to offer customers a touch-free experience. In fact, there’s one technology that has been around for quite some time and is making a huge comeback.
We’re talking about QR codes!
QR codes, short for “quick response” codes, have been around since the 1990s. They are square-shaped black-and-white symbols that hold encrypted information like links, coupons, event details, and other information that users might want to take with them for referring to later. When someone scans the code using a smartphone, the encrypted data will be revealed.
How Business Are Using QR Codes
During these socially distanced times, many businesses have discovered the potential of QR codes. Here are a few examples of how you can leverage QR codes to promote your product or service.
Touchless check-ins
QR codes are great for offering safe, hygienic and contactless check-ins for events, hotels, resorts, museums or sports arenas. Simply generate a contact tracing form using a QR code. Then guests can scan the code, enter their details and submit the form using only their smartphone.
Cashless payment
Offer a contactless checkout option for your customers. There’s no physical touch required and all your customers need to do is scan a QR code to send payments
Virtual menus
If you run a restaurant or cafe, virtual menus generated using QR codes offer more flexibility. Customers can scan the code and download the menu on their phone. Also, the staff can easily update the menu to reflect a sold-out dish or add daily specials.
Product packaging
If your business offers a delivery service, you can attach your QR code to the packages your customers pick up. Your QR code can contain all kinds of information – such as product details, links to social media, coupons and deals.
Customer reviews
Many consumers are now reading online reviews to evaluate local businesses before they make a purchase. QR codes can be used to gently nudge existing customers to leave a review on your preferred review platform.
As you can see, QR codes are everywhere. So if you’re not using QR codes for your business yet, you should consider them this year.
How to Create a QR Code
Creating your own QR code is pretty straightforward. The first step is finding a QR code generator that allows you to design a unique code for your business.
One of the most popular free QR code generators out there is QRCode Monkey. It offers millions of already created QR codes. The high resolution of the QR codes and the powerful design options are perfect for commercial and print purposes.
Here’s the step by step process for creating a QR code with your logo:
- Go to www.qrcode-monkey.com/
- Select a content type for your QR code (URL, Text, Email, Event, etc.)
- Next, enter all fields that should appear when scanning your QR code
- Double-check the content because you can’t change it once your code is printed
- Set a custom colour and replace the standard shapes of your QR code
- Add a logo to your QR code. Select it from the gallery or upload your own logo
- Set the pixel resolution of your QR code with the slider
- Click the “Create QR Code” button to see your QR code preview
- Check if the code is working properly using your QR code scanner
- Download the image files for your QR code as .png or .svg, .pdf, .eps vector graphic
Once you’ve shared your QR code, be sure to monitor the amount of traffic from each code so you can make adjustments as needed.
If you upgrade to QRCode Monkey’s pro plan, you’ll get access to more advanced features such as scan statistics. This feature enables users to track their QR codes and get insights about scans. With the pro plan, you’ll also have access to bulk creation and editing, campaign folders and more design options.
When it comes to building a stronger business during this pandemic, QR codes could help a great deal. You can use them in many different ways with very little time and money invested. Get started now and let us know in the comments below how you’re leveraging QR codes to grow your business.
