How to Use QR Codes to Grow Your Business

Sarah Landrum

October 25, 2016

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Also known as quick response codes, QR codes provide a great way for businesses to connect with their target audience in a whole new fashion. While there are plenty of applicable and advantageous uses for this unique type of code, we'll take a look at some of the most helpful when it comes to cultivating a productive business.

A Brief History

With roots dating back to 1994, QR codes have a history that many consumers don't realize. They were originally used in industrial and manufacturing applications. This highly unique and secure type of identification code skyrocketed in popularity shortly after the dawn of the 21st century, when young and tech-savvy professionals began embracing the technology for use in mobile communications.

Sharing Your Digital Content

Today, QR codes are most often used as a means of sharing some sort of content. Whether this comes in the form of a digital image, video, music file or something else entirely, QR codes can make it possible to connect with your customers from an angle that was unimaginable just a decade or two ago.

Many business owners use QR codes in order to direct a customer to their website. The label can be printed directly on any product packaging or promotional materials, thereby making it easy for the customer to learn more about your business and your product line. When doing so, take care that your website is not cluttered with pop-ups, advertisements or bandwidth-intensive content.

When utilizing QR codes, it's important to design any linked content with mobile users in mind.

Building Communities Online and Offline

QR codes also have a very relevant application when it comes to building online and offline communities. Given the widespread use of social media as well as online message boards, discussion forms and bulletin boards, it makes sense to link your QR code with your company's social media profile. In some cases, QR codes can even be used to automate the process of following your account, liking your content or joining your group.

Supplementing Strategies in Marketing and Promotions

Marketing and promotional strategies, including tradeshows, fundraisers, giveaways and other community-oriented events, are all great opportunities to interject your own QR code. Apart from directing your target audience to a website for more information, as mentioned above, cunning business leaders are now using QR codes to automatically enroll customers into giveaways, sign them up for mailing lists and even offer discounts or coupons.

Startup businesses can benefit greatly from the creative use of QR codes. By placing your codes in storefront windows, printing them on business cards and distributing them with any swag or freebies you may be offering, QR codes can have a significant impact on the success of nearly any startup enterprise.

Creating Your Own QR Codes

The process of creating your own QR codes is relatively straightforward and, perhaps even more importantly, completely free of charge. A simple internet search will yield dozens of online code generators, all of which have their own perks, quirks and nuances. Some generators provide additional features, too, such as the ability to add color or special formatting to your code.

Making the Most out of QR Codes

Now that you have a better understanding of the history behind QR codes, some of their practical applications and even how to create your own, it's time to put all this information to good use. By monitoring current trends, responding to customer feedback and providing value through your own QR codes, you'll be poised to improve your market position as well as your industry reputation.