The use of QR codes to support advertising is increasingly booming in the current era. How not, besides being practical, QR codes are in fact also very effective in terms of business. So that it can provide opportunities to increase consumer interaction with a product or service.
Advantages of Using QR Code to Support Advertising
Basically, a “Quick Response code” or QR code is a type of two-dimensional matrix code. This matrix code stores information in the form of a pattern of black and white squares. The advanced system was first developed by a Japanese company, Denso Wave.
In the modern era like now, QR codes are increasingly popular for people. Its presence has successfully become a sophisticated tool for various purposes. One of them is in terms of digital payment transactions.
QR codes also function to facilitate access to websites, store contacts, and direct to geographic locations. Their popularity cannot be separated from their advantages of being able to store more data than traditional barcodes.
Interestingly, some companies are starting to use QR codes to support business advertising. Then, how effective is the use of this system in the marketing field? Let’s review its advantages one by one.
- Faster Access to Additional Information
The main advantage of using QR codes to support advertising lies in their ability to provide quick and easy access. Through a camera app, consumers can simply scan once to jump straight to the product or app’s website.
For example, a food company can display a QR code on its product packaging. When customers scan the QR code, they can jump to a webpage that provides more information about the product. So there is no need to type in a URL or search for information manually.
In addition, QR codes also make it easier for technology companies to provide more detailed guidance such as video tutorials or usage procedures. This provides added value to consumers who are looking for a detailed understanding of the tool before deciding to buy.
- Discounts and Special Offers
Using QR codes to support advertising can also be a gateway to special offers or discounts. For example, a clothing store wants to give a discount to buyers.
Then the store embeds the QR code for the special discount on the poster. By scanning the code, consumers can go directly to a page containing promos or discounts when purchasing.
- Increasingly Interactive Promotion
Interactive advertising is the key to success in promotional activities, both products and services. To enhance an increasingly interactive experience, QR codes can be an element worth considering.
For example, by embedding QR codes in posters or print ads. Consumers can then access quizzes, polls, or other interactive content. Things that will keep them actively engaged with a brand.
In Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, QR codes can be embedded on billboards or large posters to expand the advertising experience. For example, restaurants can display the code on their billboard ads, allowing people to instantly order or view the menu via mobile.
- Campaign Tracking
Thanks to the sophistication of QR codes, companies can track the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Through analytics tools, they can easily monitor the number of scans, locations, and times when QR codes are most used by the public. This data can serve as a measure of campaign ROI as well as make adjustments if the company needs it at any time.
- Boost Social Engagement
Unlike traditional barcodes, the use of QR codes to support advertising can be integrated with social media platforms. For example, consumers who scan a QR code can be directly connected to a company’s Instagram or TikTok page.
This makes it easy to share their experiences or just follow the account to get up-to-date information. This also provides an opportunity for companies to increase visibility and interaction with their target audience.
How to Make QR Codes for Advertising
From the above review, we know that QR codes in marketing not only provide convenience for consumers. It also effectively helps companies create a more dynamic and responsive promotional experience. To create a QR code to advertise a product or service, you can follow these steps.
- Decide on the platform or website you will use to create the QR code.
- Select the type of content you want to include in the QR code. For example, a website URL, phone number, text, or links to social media.
- After that, enter the information that corresponds to the content type. Make sure all the information is detailed, correct, and relevant. So that all consumers can understand it easily.
- Some platforms allow users to customize the appearance of QR codes, such as colors and shapes. Choose the one that suits your taste or advertising needs.
- Once you are satisfied with the editing, download the QR code or copy the code. Make sure to save it in an image format that you can use in your creatives.
- Next, place the QR code on the advertising material. This can be a poster, brochure, or other media. Make sure it is easily visible and can be accessed flexibly by the audience.
- Before disseminating the advertisement, you should test the QR code first. This aims to ensure that the code can be scanned properly, using various devices and QR code reader applications.
Always remember that the effectiveness of using QR codes to support advertising also depends on several factors. Such as how good and interesting the ad campaign itself is. Therefore, try to maximize the advertising elements to increase consumer interaction while expanding its reach.
