Technology has an unquestionable potential to change human life, and we are experiencing it for several years now. From watching TV and using computers to indulging in online shopping and playing video games, things have changed tremendously in the last few decades. Take a while to peep into the past, and you will realize how far we have come. Our undying desire to invent innovative technologies for the betterment of human life has played a vital role in bringing a sea change in our lives

The use of technology is influencing both our personal and professional lives. It is not only making the lives of the individuals more convenient but is also allowing businesses to flourish rapidly.

One such development that has transformed the way businesses used to market their products is the invention of QR codes.

Invented in Japan, one of the most innovative and tech-savvy Asian nations, more than two decades ago, QR codes are bringing a dramatic shift in the way businesses used to function earlier. An abbreviation of Quick Response Code, QR codes are nothing but two-dimensional barcodes that contain valuable data about the product that carries them.

The history of QR codes dates back to 1994 when Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota unveiled its QR code to improve manufacturing efficiency. Designed for experiencing fast decoding speeds; Denso Wave’s QR code helped in tracking vehicles.

Difference Between QR Codes and Barcodes

Both QR codes and barcodes have similar uses, but they are not the same. The factor that sets them apart is the amount of information they carry in them.

Used extensively by retailers, barcodes are one-dimensional codes that help in keeping track of the inventory. Apart from that, they are also essential for pricing the products when they are ready for sale. These codes can support a maximum of 20 numerical digits.

On the other hand, QR Codes possess the ability to support way more information than barcodes.

To fetch the information that a QR code contains, you have to scan it with your smartphone, which will allow you to access the content that’s available on the web. Apart from that, you can also use your emails, connect your phone to a web browser, and use SMS.

How QR Codes Benefit Small Businesses

Promoting Products and Services

If you run a small business, you can take advantages of QR codes to strengthen your marketing efforts. You can use these codes in marketing collaterals to promote your products and services.

Here are the items where you can include your QR code.

1. Brochures

One of the best ways to promote your business is to use a QR code in your brochure that links to your website. It will help users access detailed information about your product and services by visiting your site. If you sell something online, your customers can see the images of your products, their rates, and customer feedbacks, etc., on your website. And if they are impressed by your product, they may end up buying it immediately.

2. Business Cards

Put your QR code in your business card, if you want to get the most out of your small meetings. Again, if you run a business, using a QR code in your business card that links to your website and social media pages, can turn out to be highly useful. It will allow people to engage with you through your website and your social media pages.

3. Marketing collaterals

If you are running a marketing campaign, make sure that you include a QR code in your marketing materials such as flyers, banners, and handouts.

Whether you are running it for launching a new product or for offering deals and discounts on existing ones, including QR code on banners, flyers, and handouts will take the effectiveness of your campaign to the next level.

4. Restaurant Menus

Do you own a restaurant? If so, you can use a QR code on your menu whenever you provide stunning deals and discounts. It’s the most convenient way of promoting your offer.

Apart from that, you can also use your QR codes on product tags and packaging, event tickets, and conference nametags, etc.

Sharing Detailed Information

Provide detailed information to your customers has become way too easier with the adoption and implementation of QR codes.
For example, if you sell equipment, you can help your customers access installation instructions with the help of a QR code.

Similarly, you can also use QR codes for making your customers aware of complementary products and services, giving them access to customer feedback forms, making coupons accessible to them, and helping them get directions to your business.

You can share any amount of information with your customers by using QR codes.

Driving Traffic to Your Landing Page

You can use QR codes for driving traffic to your landing page, which will not only increase your conversion rate but will also increase credibility, enhance brand awareness, and improve the effectiveness of paid search campaigns.

By scanning the QR code from your marketing collaterals, customers will be able to arrive on your landing page that you have created to achieve a specific goal. And if your landing page is attractive enough to hold the attention of the visitors for more than a few seconds, you will surely see a massive increase in your conversion rate.

Boosting Mobile Marketing Efforts

Mobile marketing is becoming more and more popular with each passing day, and if you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s essential for you to embrace it. You can use QR codes to send marketing messages to your customers. They will receive the messages once they scan your QR code.

Apart from promoting your products, you can also use it for user support and enhancing sales.

Enhancing The Effectiveness of Email Marketing

As in the case of mobile marketing, you can also use QR codes for enhancing the effectiveness of your email marketing efforts. If you send emails through QR codes, you will be able to access data linked to your email marketing and newsletters. You will also be able to track your emails’ open and bounce rates.

Besides, you can also use QR codes for boosting your app downloads and simplifying the payment process.