5 Ways QR Codes Are Helping Australian Businesses Grow
“QR codes are dumb.”
This is probably your natural reaction when looking at the seemingly random use of black and white pixels typically slapped on the bottom corner of an ad.
After being rolled out around 2012 with great promise, QR codes were largely ignored by both businesses and consumers alike.
Fast forward to 2018 and we could be witnessing the rise of the QR code thanks to adoption by tech giants such as Apple, Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest.
Below we’ve included the top ways Aussie businesses are putting QR codes to work to help grow and manage their business.
What is a QR Code and why are they relevant in 2018?
In a nutshell, QR (Quick Response) codes are barcodes that store data in both horizontal and vertical directions. Unlike the barcode on the back of your favourite packet of Smiths Crinkle-Cuts which only stores data horizontally. See diagram below:
This allows the code to contain data such as text, hyperlinks, location, contact information and more. Giving users who can the code to instantly play a video, download an app, snag contact details or be taken to a website.
When excecated correctly, QR code provides a great opportunity for Businesses to connect and interact with customers and users.
So how did QR codes get such a bad rep?
Maybe it was QR codes on the sides of buses (pretty hard to scan), motorway billboards (definitely not encouraging safe driving), or on an athlete’s backside (don’t even ask). At the end of the day, it comes down to poor execution.
Now, in 2018 mobile users are becoming more familiar and comfortable with the use of QR codes thanks to social media giants such as Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest integrating their use into everyday use. Smartphone providers have even ensured that QR code scanners are built into their camera software – goodbye downloading and installing a dodgy third parts QR app.
How your business can put QR codes to work.
1. Marketing/Advertising
Okay so this is an obvious one, but QR codes can really be a powerful marketing tool if excecated correctly. You will need to consider your audience (who are they, the placement of the ad, what could they be doing when they come across your ad) as well as what you would like to achieve (should your code send them to a landing page, product page or promotional video?).
Bus stops, shopping centres, flyers. The only limit for placing QR codes is your imagination. Just remember the fails listed above before you rent that motorway billboard.
2. Digital Payments
Yes, that’s right. QR codes can help streamline your billing system. With the ability to generate a QR code containing billing details, your customers can simply scan a code on their invoice to complete a payment. No more logging into banking apps and entering details manually.
This can simplify your customer’s billing, keeping them happy and getting you paid quicker.
3. General Business/Office Operations
Let’s say your office printer runs on a specific type of ink. Ordering that ink online from manufactures can be a tedious task. Imagine having a QR code stuck to your printer that when scanned could take you directly to the online order and checkout with your details pre-loaded and ready to go.
Imagine no more. The future is here and accessible to all through-the-use of QR codes. The same principle can be implemented throughout your office to help boost productivity.
4. Location Tags
Place a QR code on your shopfront and link it back to your website or any other digital asset that can continue to sell your products even after you’ve clocked out and headed home.
Or, link the QR code on the bus stop ad to your restaurant location. Providing an easier way for your customers to come visit or book a table.
There are multiple ways you can utilise QR codes in conjunction with location tags to help your customers find you.
5. Quick Contact Details
Include a QR code on your business card or marketing collateral that links back to your contact information. You can even set codes to automatically load and save your contact details into a scanners phone, ready for them to contact you when they need you the most – perfect for all you tradies out there.
There are many more uses for QR codes, the above are some of the more popular trends starting to gain traction within Aussie businesses. These codes are hyperlinks and bookmarks for the real world. With more Australians operating smartphones than any other mobile device consider there’s never been a better time to utilise this tech to get your business in front of them.
How would you incorporate QR codes to help your business grow?
How your business can put QR codes to work.
1. Marketing/Advertising
Okay so this is an obvious one, but QR codes can really be a powerful marketing tool if excecated correctly. You will need to consider your audience (who are they, the placement of the ad, what could they be doing when they come across your ad) as well as what you would like to achieve (should your code send them to a landing page, product page or promotional video?).
Bus stops, shopping centres, flyers. The only limit for placing QR codes is your imagination. Just remember the fails listed above before you rent that motorway billboard.
2. Digital Payments
Yes, that’s right. QR codes can help streamline your billing system. With the ability to generate a QR code containing billing details, your customers can simply scan a code on their invoice to complete a payment. No more logging into banking apps and entering details manually.
This can simplify your customer’s billing, keeping them happy and getting you paid quicker.
3. General Business/Office Operations
Let’s say your office printer runs on a specific type of ink. Ordering that ink online from manufactures can be a tedious task. Imagine having a QR code stuck to your printer that when scanned could take you directly to the online order and checkout with your details pre-loaded and ready to go.
Imagine no more. The future is here and accessible to all through-the-use of QR codes. The same principle can be implemented throughout your office to help boost productivity.
4. Location Tags
Place a QR code on your shopfront and link it back to your website or any other digital asset that can continue to sell your products even after you’ve clocked out and headed home.
Or, link the QR code on the bus stop ad to your restaurant location. Providing an easier way for your customers to come visit or book a table.
There are multiple ways you can utilise QR codes in conjunction with location tags to help your customers find you.
5. Quick Contact Details
Include a QR code on your business card or marketing collateral that links back to your contact information. You can even set codes to automatically load and save your contact details into a scanners phone, ready for them to contact you when they need you the most – perfect for all you tradies out there.
There are many more uses for QR codes, the above are some of the more popular trends starting to gain traction within Aussie businesses. These codes are hyperlinks and bookmarks for the real world. With more Australians operating smartphones than any other mobile device consider there’s never been a better time to utilise this tech to get your business in front of them.
How would you incorporate QR codes to help your business grow?
Feature Image by: Rodion Kutsaev via Unsplash
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