QR And Its Benefits For Social Media

QR And Its Benefits For Social Media

Today, Quick Response (QR) code is not limited to the automotive industry. It has become an important part of almost all industries.

It has become popular due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. It benefits anything it gets used in.

What is QR?

The QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. The information encoded by a QR code may be made up of four standardized types (“modes”) of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, kanji) or, through supported extensions, virtually any type of data.

However, today QR is also used in many other items and not just automobiles.

QR codes are computer-generated images that are used as a shortcut to connect customers directly with websites or online resources without having to type a URL into an internet browser.

What are the benefits of QR codes?

Following are the benefits of QR codes:

• • Bridging gap between offline media and online media:
    You can use QR codes to add to business cards, brochures, flyers, signs, billboards, and posters. When you add QR codes to this type of offline media, you create an opportunity for the users (or potential customers) to gain access to any type of online source you wish them to visit. This can save the amount of space you use on the offline media, hence save your money and time when printing.
  • The user can then be directed to the official website of your business, the promotion you are offering, your personal profile or any other type of online media you wish to send them to. If you link the code to your social media, you can direct users to your social media and in a way, promote your social media.

• • Easy to spread the word:
    QR codes make it easier for you to spread the word about a product, service or event that you wish to promote. For instance, if you choose to promote something, you can design a QR code that links to a social media website, such as Twitter or Facebook, so that others can “Share”, “Like”, “Tweet” or “Retweet” the coded information.

• • QR code enhances visual appeal:
    You can link your QR code to an instructional or promotional video. This can add visual appeal to your promotion. If you sell products that must be assembled, use QR codes to direct your customers to videos that you have created which show them how to use or put together the product they have purchased. Likewise, if you are a marketing service instead of a product, you can also create a video to link to that shows the potential customers what they can expect when they purchase your service.

• • Easy to create a QR code:
    Creating a QR code is a simple process that can be accomplished through many generators. It takes a few minutes to complete. However, while choosing the design of your code, you should make sure that you understand that the traditional designs that can be easily recognized by majority QR code readers. This is important if you are concerned with a large number of people not being able to connect to your website.

• • QR Codes boost traffic to the website:
    Right usage of QR code can boost traffic to your website. The right way to use QR codes is to place them in a convenient location where people can take the time to scan them, visit the site they are directed to, and take the intended action.

• • QR codes get more feedback:
    People are busy. They usually do not have time to respond to your survey and share their feedback about your product or service. With a QR code, you can give them a chance to participate in your survey while they are waiting in a queue, seated at a table, or finishing up at the register. It is much more convenient and it will generate better results for you.

• • QR codes get you more email subscribers:
    If your customers sign-up for your newsletter, you can easily share the updates about your product, services, or upcoming discount deals with them. For new customers, connecting with you by easily signing up for the newsletter via QR code can make them stay connected and learn more about your business. For you, it is a way to continue your relationship after they walk out of the store and improves the likelihood they will come back in the future.

• • QR codes can get more Likes and follow on social media:
    If you provide a QR code that links directly to your Facebook or Twitter page, it would be easy for people to follow your social media.

• • QR codes boost promotion on Pinterest:
    Pinterest is a great way for small businesses to use pictures to showcase their products online because a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are a retail store with a new seasonal collection or a bakery that turns desserts into works of art, you can take pictures and pin them to your boards for the world to see.
  • With a QR code, you can link customers to your Page, specific boards, or directly to pictures of products that you have already pinned to your boards. This means you will not only be able to build your following, but will also give customers the opportunity to link directly to products they have found, love, and want to share with their friends. Because Pinterest will be new to many of your customers, you should explain what your QR code is linking to and what they can do after seeing your Pinterest profile.

• • QR codes can get target customers for the local deal:
    Using a QR code to connect people with your deal can enhance your chances of turning them into repeat customers and get them talking about your business. Finding a new business they love and getting a great deal in the process will definitely make them happy.

• • QR Codes increase readership of your blog:
    With a QR Code, you can get your customers to read your blog later. You can turn one of your most popular posts into a handout, place a stack of them where customers will find them and include a QR code on the page to link to more content. You can also add a QR code to the back of your business cards.

• • QR codes can help you generate more donations:
    QR codes can be a great tool for driving donations and participation from your customers. All you need to do is to create a flyer that captures the cause or organization you support, include fundraising goals and a description for how funds will be used, and include dates and deadlines to create a sense of urgency. You can even offer a discount that day, for anyone who makes a donation online.

• QR Code can add virility to your video:
  Aside from sharing video-clip on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, you can set up a QR code in your store that leads visitors to the videos that you are using to market your business? Like QR codes, videos can be free and easy to create and provide a memorable first impression for people who are just discovering your store. Always make sure to provide some information about your video and why your customers should take the time to watch it.

Hence, here are the thirteen benefits of QR code. Which one benefit is most helpful to you? Post your comments.

By Avijit on February 17, 2014   /   ChatterBox   /   Leave a comment