Remember QR Codes?

• by jakeaull

Quick Response codes have been around since 1994 (1994! invented in Japan for labeling auto parts). They are 2D scanning codes for marketing usage. They aren’t just a fading trend – there are still a lot of advantages to them, such as:

• There are a lot of free, easy-to-use QR code generators (such as with Google;
  https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/the-qr-code-generator/gcmhlmapohffdglflokbgknlknnmogbb?hl=en )
• Apple and Android smartphones have native scanning (no additional app required)
• Because they’re just black and white squares/pixels, they’re infinitely scalable (from business cards to billboards; not that they should go on billboards due to traffic disruption, but they can).
• They may be ugly, but they’re very utilitarian

In the early days of smartphones, the QR code was popular as something to do on mobile, but usage declined because they required users to download a QR code app and then scan the code, which led to mostly non-mobile web pages (poor user experience). They were used in mostly poorly conceived marketing campaigns with no real user incentive and no real benefit, and didn’t send users to strategic landing pages. However QR codes have been bouncing back and 2022 is projected to see 5.3B QR coupons redeemed (according to Juniper Research). Here are some good examples of QR code use:

• They have been used since the inception of smartphones in Japan and South Korea for mobile grocery store shopping and delivery (billboards in transit rail stations showing grocery items with QR codes for users to snap and shop for home delivery).
• Concert and event electronic tickets use QR codes so that you don’t have to print the tickets out for admission (just show your phone).
• Trade show event promotions can have QR codes to enter users into a raffle.
• LOS (local, organic, sustainable) foods have QR codes on their labels to give shopper access to info about where the food was raised, farm background, how organic it is, etc.
• Museum displays show QR codes to allow users to read or listen to display descriptions without crowding around one area.
• Company vehicles show QR codes for contact info to make it easy for passers by to contact.

These are just some of the advantages to using QR codes for marketing. Don’t forget about or count them out!

Thanks for reading! – Jake Aull