QR Codes: Bridging The Gap Between Online & Offline Marketing

A strong digital marketing strategy is essential for business success, however, it’s important not to neglect print marketing methods: print advertising offers a staggering 112% return on investment.

QR (quick response) codes are an effective tool with the power to bridge the gap between online and offline marketing and tie your efforts together.

Easy to print, QR codes can send customers from your print marketing materials to the interactive landing page of your choosing, therefore increasing engagement and customer experience, as well as generating sales.

Discover the most effective ways to utilise QR Codes for your online and offline marketing campaigns to boost your marketing efforts.

Increase web traffic

By creating QR codes and placing them on your printed marketing materials, you can successfully drive traffic to your website. All customers need to do is scan the code with their smartphones, and they’ll be taken to a specific page – therefore eliminating the need for customers to remember your URL to visit themselves later.

As such, it’s important to put thought into which page you want customers to end up on, and the action you want them to take. For example, a QR code on your business cards, fliers, or brochures could take customers to a landing page built to encourage sign ups to your newsletter.

Not only is this an effective way to engage customers, but you can also collect their personal details at the same time. Keep in mind, the quality of your print marketing materials plays a key role in the overall impression you leave on customers, and whether or not they choose to scan your QR code.

Business cards with a high-gloss UV coating, for example, allow your design to pop, while also being durable, Clashgraphics.com explains.

Provide directions

QR codes on your printed marketing materials can also provide directions to your brick-and-mortar premises, and therefore encourage in-person business. By sending people to Google Maps, for instance, your QR code can help people find out the quickest walkable or driveable route straight to you.

You can even incentivise customers to scan the code by letting them know they’ll be eligible for a free product, a giveaway or get a discount code once they do so. And, if your business is set to attend an exhibition or conference, you can similarly use these QR codes to show customers where your brick-and-mortar is located – and therefore boost foot traffic and in-person sales.

Solicit reviews

 

Customer reviews are an essential form of marketing – 91% of customers either regularly or occasionally read online reviews, while 84% trust online reviews the same as personal recommendations. QR codes can make it quick and easy for customers to leave your business an online review; simply display them anywhere within easy sight of your customers (like the check-out or front desk, for instance).

Alternatively, you can place them on print marketing materials, or on the outside of your company car. Direct customers to the review site most useful for your businesses, whether that’s Yelp, Facebook, or Google, for example.

Final thoughts

QR codes can be an effective way to connect your online and offline marketing efforts if utilised in the best ways. By increasing web traffic, providing directions, and soliciting reviews, QR codes can effectively engage more customers, generate more leads and help grow your business.