QR code
A quick reaction or QR Code is a two-dimensional square barcode which can store encoded data. Most of the time the data is a link to a website (URL).
Today, QR Codes can be seen on flyers, posters, magazines, and so on. You can easily spot these two-dimensional barcodes around you. QR Codes let you interact with the world using your smartphone.
Specifically, a QR Code extends the data at disposal on any physical object and create a digital extent to marketing operations. This technology enables and speeds up the use of mobile web services: it is a very creative digital tool.
History
QR Codes were created in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese subsidiary in the Toyota Group. The use of this technology is now free. The QR Code is not the only two-dimensional barcode in market, another example is the Data Matrix code.
QR Code is the most famous 2D barcode in the world. It has gained its success in Japan since the 2000s where he is now a standard. In 2011, an average of 5 QR Codes were scanned daily by each Japanese - more than the average number of SMS sent!
In 2010 QR Codes started to expand in the USA then in Europe where they can notably be seen in advertisements.
How Does A QR Code Work?
Basically, a QR code works in the same way as a barcode at the supermarket. It is a machine-scannable image that can instantly be read using a Smartphone camera. Every QR code consists of a number of black squares and dots which represent certain pieces of information. When your Smartphone scans this code, it translate that information into something that can be easily understand by humans.
Quite simply, a QR code is an encoded piece of data. The data in a QR code can be alphanumeric, numeric, binary or Kanji (Kanji is a form of Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese writing system)
Although that is the technical explanation of how a QR code works, something much more important to focus on is the fact that QR codes can be scanned at the touch of a button by the hundreds of millions of people around the world that use a Smartphone on a daily basis. This makes them great for marketers.
If you've ever scanned a QR code with your Smartphone, you'll likely have noticed that they can be scanned extremely quickly (we're talking within a second-or-two here). This makes QR codes an extremely simple way to access stored information in an instant which in-turn, makes them a perfect solution to conversion-hungry marketers.
How to scan a QR Code?
Nowadays, the newer versions of smartphones have an integrated QR Code reader in the phone camera such as Bixby Vision for Samsung and the iOS 11 operating system for Apple. But no worries. If your phone does not have a QR Code reader, there are a plethora of options in the app stores that are easy to download and use with just the touch of a button. We prepared a guide for Android and iOS to make it easier as well.
Dynamic QR Code
On the other hand, Dynamic QR Codes allow you to update, edit and change the type of the QR Code however many times you need, which makes them the best fit for business and marketing purposes.
As we mentioned earlier when explaining the QR Code basics, the more information you input into a Static QR Code, the bigger and more complex the structure becomes. For a Dynamic Code, however, the content you present to scanners is not directly contained in the Code, but instead has a short redirection URL assigned to it. That means the code remains small and is easier to integrate into your print material and packaging design.
Capturing and measuring your advertising statistics each time a Dynamic Code is scanned is, perhaps, the best feature for optimizing marketing campaigns. You can have access to when, where, and with what device a scan took place. You can add campaign info like medium, start and end date, print run and you can even reset scans and download results as a CSV report.
Common uses of QR Codes
Boost app downloads
Chick-fil-A saw a 14% boost in downloads of their mobile app by advertising it on digital signage with a QR Code. By linking to multiple app stores, the App Store QR Code makes it easy for customers to download your app by linking to Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. From the mobile-friendly page, you can also include a link to a video trailer or website with a personalized button.
Redeeming coupons made easy
It’s the holiday season and you have a big sale to promote. The Coupon QR Code is perfect to help you optimize your coupon campaign by allowing customers to simply scan and instantly save or use your coupon. They can email it to themselves and share it with friends on social media or anywhere online. By saving it to their phone, customers never forget to bring their coupons to be redeemed.
Get more followers
If you want to make sure people are up to date on their favorite platforms with all your latest news, add a Social Media QR Code to your storefront window or flyers. With just one scan, they can directly connect to either your Twitter or Instagram.
Give voice to your customers
There is often no easy way to receive feedback from customers, and even when they do give it, businesses are often left with a pile of forms to sort through and organize. But that is no longer necessary. With the Feedback QR Code, you now have a convenient way to collect customer reviews and information directly to your chosen email address. Divided into categories and subcategories, you can easily update the information any time based on the product or service you want to hear the most about.
Amplify your events
With the Event QR Code, you can help your event marketing efforts succeed in generating more attendees. By offering additional information with the Code, you ensure potential leads can save your event dates on their favorite mobile calendar, link to Google Maps for directions, and register or purchase tickets in advance in order to simplify planning.
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