QR Codes: To Use Or Not To Use
Posted 14th May 2013 at 02:59 AM by MobiDev
Tags mobile, mobile app, mobile application, mobile apps, qr code
Quick Response codes have occupied a significant place in marketing. They can contain more information than standard barcodes. There is a number of scanner apps available on smartphones and tablets. Most often QR codes serve as links to websites and apps, contain text information etc. Despite their popularity, for some reason they have gathered so far numerous negative responses and opinions; and most of them concern the flaw, which does not really have anything to do with the concept of QR code - wrong use.
Correct - this means QR codes are often used where they aren't needed at all. They are used in the way that doesn't work out well. Furthermore, these codes often lead interested visitors to wrong destinations. As a result of these mistakes, QR codes generally give low click rates. So before deciding - to use or not to use - you should consider a number of helpful tips that improve the efficiency of this marketing tool. Before launching QR codes, decide on several hugely important details.
Determine the purpose of a QR code. It must solve something precise, whatever business you're in. You may use QR code as a business card, sharing your contact details with a click of a QR code scanner. The selfsame code must solve a visitor's problem right away. For example, it may be simply scanned to avoid text input - wherever it's necessary. Definitely good for those who love convenience - this means everyone.
Bring motivation - make people willing to scan it, tell them what it's for. Aside from the code itself, your banner should include some words about the use and benefit of scanning - a clear reason to use your code. Clarified benefits are the best way of motivation.
The code must be located in a place where anyone willing is able to notice and scan it; a place where there is stable Wi-Fi or 3G Internet access (which means not underground, planes etc.). The place mustn't be hard to reach; people must have enough time to read the banner, decide to check it out, launch a QR scanner app and scan the code.
Size of a QR code is as well important; it mustn't be too small, so that even low-end smartphones must be able to focus and scan it. This can be done by testing the code on various selected devices from a selected range of distances.
Choose the destination carefully and precisely. The link mustn't necessarily lead to the homepage of your website, for example. You know the audience you are targeting, you leave the message beside the code, so choose a page that is most likely to be of use and interest to the visitors. They must access the information they need as quick as possible, without having to surf through the content of secondary importance.
If your QR code leads to a website or some other content, make sure it's mobile-friendly, to avoid disappointment. And of course, track the usage of your QR codes with analytics.
So, the question was: to use or not to use? At the meantime QR codes peak in their popularity, despite all their foibles, such as unattractive appearance, limited use, or low click rates. In the long term they are likely to be replaced by some better alternatives. But here and now, why not? If you decide to use them, follow these simple tips, and QR codes will get more efficient to become good assistants of your marketing strategy.
Correct - this means QR codes are often used where they aren't needed at all. They are used in the way that doesn't work out well. Furthermore, these codes often lead interested visitors to wrong destinations. As a result of these mistakes, QR codes generally give low click rates. So before deciding - to use or not to use - you should consider a number of helpful tips that improve the efficiency of this marketing tool. Before launching QR codes, decide on several hugely important details.
Determine the purpose of a QR code. It must solve something precise, whatever business you're in. You may use QR code as a business card, sharing your contact details with a click of a QR code scanner. The selfsame code must solve a visitor's problem right away. For example, it may be simply scanned to avoid text input - wherever it's necessary. Definitely good for those who love convenience - this means everyone.
Bring motivation - make people willing to scan it, tell them what it's for. Aside from the code itself, your banner should include some words about the use and benefit of scanning - a clear reason to use your code. Clarified benefits are the best way of motivation.
The code must be located in a place where anyone willing is able to notice and scan it; a place where there is stable Wi-Fi or 3G Internet access (which means not underground, planes etc.). The place mustn't be hard to reach; people must have enough time to read the banner, decide to check it out, launch a QR scanner app and scan the code.
Size of a QR code is as well important; it mustn't be too small, so that even low-end smartphones must be able to focus and scan it. This can be done by testing the code on various selected devices from a selected range of distances.
Choose the destination carefully and precisely. The link mustn't necessarily lead to the homepage of your website, for example. You know the audience you are targeting, you leave the message beside the code, so choose a page that is most likely to be of use and interest to the visitors. They must access the information they need as quick as possible, without having to surf through the content of secondary importance.
If your QR code leads to a website or some other content, make sure it's mobile-friendly, to avoid disappointment. And of course, track the usage of your QR codes with analytics.
So, the question was: to use or not to use? At the meantime QR codes peak in their popularity, despite all their foibles, such as unattractive appearance, limited use, or low click rates. In the long term they are likely to be replaced by some better alternatives. But here and now, why not? If you decide to use them, follow these simple tips, and QR codes will get more efficient to become good assistants of your marketing strategy.
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