ALL COMPANIES SHOULD USE QR CODES TO ENHANCE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Whether knowing what it is or not, you’ve probably seen a few QR (Quick Response) codes by now – these rather soulless small black and white two-dimensional bar codes that have started showing up within media and advertising to storefront window displays.

QR codes instantly link the offline world and the digital world together— Its therefore a powerful tool businesses can use to allow consumers to engage with their brand or product.

Stats from Jumpscan say that QR code scanning has increased by 1,200% from September to March 2011. Not surprisingly, social media users are the key driver of this growth, with 57% of Facebook and Twitter users reporting that they’ve scanned at least one QR code in the past year.

The QR code is a simple and effective tool that brands can fuse into their marketing strategy to deeper engage a new generation of digitally savvy consumers. And the good news is that as smartphone adoption continues to explode it’s becoming ever more important for businesses to embrace the simplicity of the QR code as a way to enhance the customer experience, drive traffic, and connect with consumers wherever they are.

Below are some great examples of QR codes that businesses in the travel and retail sector can easily incorporate into their marketing strategy.

Travel

Arguably the most compelling uses of QR codes in the travel world is the paperless ticket, (as seen in the US by airlines like Delta). This allows travelers to use their smartphone as a boarding pass. By quickly downloading their boarding pass to their phone, travelers can end the worry of losing their printed boarding pass and, most importantly, save what usually is a huge time at the airport.

A recent campaign from Jet Blue incorporated QR codes onto poster advertisements within the New York City subway. Users scan the code, and then are directed to a landing page where they were prompted to enter their contact information for the chance to win a free flight.

Airlines can also place QR codes in advertisements within their in-flight magazines. By encouraging readers to scan these codes, airlines can send customers directly to special offers or deals. Yet another way for airlines to enhance the customer experience is by incorporating QR codes into their awards programs.  Printing QR codes on awards statements and other promotional material, airlines can easily direct users to their online award status area.

Hotels are another logical industry where QR codes can make a big impact. On the hotel property, QR codes can be used to easily direct guests to local activity guides on their mobile phones so they can avoid lugging printed guidebooks throughout the day. This is beneficial for the guest, in addition to the hotel itself which can use these information guides to deepen relationships with local businesses.

Furthermore, hotels can encourage guests to write online reviews of their hotels while they are still on the property — and the positive experience of their stay is still fresh in their minds — by creating a dedicated display where guests are asked to scan a QR code that directs them to an online reviews page.

Finally, to encourage repeat visits and increase recommendations, hotels could and should integrate QR codes on referral cards they provide guests upon checkout. After scanning these codes, users should be directed to an offer to book additional rooms with a special friends and family rate.

 

Retail

As consumer adoption of smartphones and tablets continues to increase at a staggering rate, the retail industry has taken notice of the massive value that a comprehensive mobile strategy provides to their bottom lines. Since a new generation of consumers is increasingly using the mobile Web as a primary gateway to the Internet, the nation’s retailers are determined to more deeply engage with consumers and strengthen the link between their physical stores and the mobile Web. What retailers have quickly realised in forward markets is that new mobile technologies can make shopping not only easier for consumers, but also more lucrative for themselves.

One of the most effective ways retailers can take advantage of QR codes is by integrating them into print advertisements as a vehicle to incentivize users to visit their brand on the mobile Web. After scanning a QR code in an ad, a consumer would be directly linked to a product, a special coupon or offer, or other exclusive content. Target is a great example of a retailer that has seized the opportunity to integrate QR codes into its advertising. Looking at the US- In a recent campaign, by Target, they directed readers who scanned the QR code to videos featuring style expert Sabrina Soto, during which she shares information and tips on how to use Target home decor and furnishing products.

Another powerful way for retailers to use QR codes is by incorporating them into the in-store experience — directing shoppers who scan the codes to enhanced product information, reviews, or other related content online. Successfully enhancing the in-store shopping experience, Macy’s recent “Backstage Pass” campaign encourages shoppers to scan QR codes included on product displays in order to access exclusive video content that provides fashion inspiration, advice, and tips from style icons and experts like Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, and others.

Best Buy have been an early mover on QR code technology and last year added QR codes to all of its product information tags. Users who scan the QR codes on Best Buy product tags are directed to the product detail page on Best Buy’s mobile site. Demonstrating the emphasis that Best Buy places on QR codes, a Best Buy executive was recently quoted by Advertising Age as saying that they view QR codes as a “personal shopping assistant.”

In addition to their consumer benefits, QR codes also present a unique opportunity for retailers to capture crucial customer information. For example, retail brands can easily include a quick sign-up area on the QR destination page that encourages visitors to enter their email address in order to receive special loyalty deals, exclusive content, or other store information.

In conclusion, I think it is fair to say that QR codes are the biggest thing to hit marketers and advertisers in the last 20 years. They offer a new way of engaging an audience and allow a new way to track performance and customer journey. 

Generate a free QR Code here- http://www.qrmediacodes.com