Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan

Why Your Small Business Needs QR Codes

You want to promote your small business and showcase everything you offer, but printing full-color promotional materials can be expensive. Let’s explore how using QR codes can be a cost-friendly way to advertise and drive traffic to your website.

What is a QR code, and why should I use them?

A QR code is a type of square barcode that stores data. This group of pixels are set in a code that phones, computers, and tablets can read. These codes direct users to an online page where you can decide what you want them to see.

A mobile-friendly sales funnel can start with a QR code that grabs customer attention. With almost 80% of the population making mobile purchases, QR codes are a great way to quickly capture shoppers’ attention.

The pandemic revived the use of QR codes, and their popularity skyrocketed. Their use has continued to grow since.

QR Codes and your existing business channels

Every business should have a website and social media. While consumers of all ages shop online, younger generations prefer using their mobile devices to explore businesses and make purchases.

Half (55%) of consumers make purchases through social media. 29% make weekly purchases, while another 24% shop more than once a week. All of these statistics add up to an opportunity for your small business.

How to use QR Codes

Making a QR code is simple. Several free QR code generators are available. Some will only allow the code to be accessible for a specific period, which might be helpful for short-term sales or promotions.

Some free QR generators include Adobe Express and Canva. Both sites will also allow you to customize your QR code and place it on promotional designs that are ready to use. You can print them or put them directly online on your social media channels.

You can also integrate your QR codes into your Google Ads for a faster trip through your sales funnel.

Ideas for QR Code Use in Small Businesses

• On business cards for enhanced information
• For menus for restaurants, spas, or services
• On social media for easy access to your storefront
• To relay sales, promotions, or events and direct customers to a landing page for purchases
• Create QR codes that direct customers to leave reviews
• Direct new customers to your business landing page
• Create interactive games that involve QR codes to continually engage customers as they "find" promotions, deals, sales, and unlock new offerings
• Link your QR codes to videos to promote them, offer demonstrations, or tell your small business story
• When hiring, use a QR code in job descriptions to offer more information about the position
• Use QR code coupons
• QR codes can provide information on packages
• Place QR codes on promotional items or flyers to direct people to a landing page full of information

There are endless options for using QR codes. Because they are so easy to track, they also offer a simple data collection and analytics option.

QR codes are easy to create, have a multitude of uses, and allow customers to be proactive in the sales journey. This simple set of pixels is easy on the marketing budget and big on returns.

Resources:

https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-qr-code-how-to-scan#:~:text=A%20QR%20code%20

https://www.businessofapps.com/news/82-of-shoppers-use-social-media-to-make-a-purchase/#:~:text=Social%20commerce%20is%20booming%20with,purchase%20using%20their%20mobile%20phone.

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/11/21/for-shopping-phones-are-common-and-influencers-have-become-a-factor-especially-for-young-adults/#:~:text=Roughly%20three%2Dquarters%20of%20U.S.,things%20online%20on%20a%20tablet.

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/1767-qr-codes-business.html