What’s a QR code? Easy:
A QR code is a bar code readable by an electronic device like a smartphone.
You might remember scanning them in restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. They replaced a physical menu and provided instead an online version of it.
Ok, but what can it do for me? How could a QR code boost your online sales? Can it do more?
There are 5 reasons why a QR code on your packaging is good for your business:
- It facilitates the repurchasing process.
- It can reduce dependency on intermediaries.
- You can share more content and increase your conversion rate.
- You can personalize and update content.
- It allows you to analyze consumer behavior.
Make Reorders a Breeze
Okay, that’s the obvious part.
QR codes simplify the reordering process for consumers.
Instead of searching for a product online or in a physical store, your customers can quickly scan the code and access the product page in your online shop. It’s convenient and can lead to repeat purchases.
Reduce Retailer Dependency
That’s more touchy. Ideally, you want to take control of the relationship with consumers. Reducing dependence on traditional retailers is a good way to achieve that.
QR codes enable brands to establish a direct relationship with consumers, potentially cutting out the middleman and improving margins.
In reality, many brands have agreements with retailers and distributors. And they would not jeopardize their relationships by selling directly to end consumers on their website for instance.
Also, many brands grew thanks to their network of distributors and retailers in the first place.
The main 2 questions you should ask yourself:
- Does it fit my strategy and capacities to sell directly to consumers?
- If yes, am I strong enough to impose it? To put it differently, who, between you and your distributors, has the most leverage?
Give More Content
Product packaging can quickly get jammed. You can use QR codes to share additional product information, customer reviews, videos, or other promotional materials, freeing space on your packaging.
Imagine sharing a video for example. Shoppers can instantly better understand what your product does, its benefits, and for whom it’s for.
Focus on relevant content your packaging can’t carry on its own – or not with the same efficiency.
Real-Time Updates and Personalization
QR codes can provide updated information and personalized offers to your consumers.
You can push notifications to people who have scanned your products, informing them of new arrivals, discounts, contests, or related products.
Analytics and Enhanced Tracking
QR codes can provide valuable data and insights regarding consumer behavior.
You can track how often the QR code is scanned, which products are the most popular, and where these scans take place.
This data can inform you about future marketing strategies and product development.
How to Create a QR Code and Link it to Your Website?
Creating them is fairly easy. Here are two methods covering both types of QR codes: static and dynamic.
Create a Static QR Code
Advantages of a Static QR Code
- You can link it to many types of content: URL, e-mail, image…
- It’s free.
Disadvantages of a Static QR Code
- The data it contains cannot be changed. So you can’t change the URL embedded in the QR code once it’s been generated.
- You can’t track data from scans.
How to Create a Static QR Code?
- Go to a QR code website generator like QR Code Generator (No affiliation with this website).
- Choose the type of content (URL, image, vcard…)
- Enter the URL (address of the landing page, social media account…) or drop an image.
- Download the QR code in the format you want.
It’s that easy!
Create a Dynamic QR Code
Advantages of a Dynamic QR Code
- You can link it to many types of content: URL, e-mail, image…
- You can update them without having to create a new one (e.g., changing the URL).
- You can track data from scans, allowing you to understand user behavior (how many scans, location of scanners…).
- You can have multiple links in 1 QR code. It means that the link will be different depending on the settings you decide (e.g., location of where the scan takes place).
Disadvantages of a Dynamic QR Code
- You have to pay for it. But it is quite cheap. Each dynamic QR code you create should cost no more than a few Euros/Dollars.
How to Create a Dynamic QR Code?
- Go to a QR code website generator like QR Code Dynamic (No affiliation with this website).
- Select a plan. Most websites provide a package deal for a fixed price.
- Choose the type of content (URL, image, vcard…)
- Enter the URL (address of the landing page, social media account…) or drop an image.
- Download the QR code in the format you want.
Quite easy too.
Key Takeaways
QR codes have several benefits by:
- Reducing friction for reorders,
- Giving you more control and direct connection with your consumers,
- Allowing to share more content,
- Sharing updates and personalization,
- Tracking and analyzing behavior.
Their popularity is increasing. Considering their low cost, possibilities to embed multiple types of content and tracking possibilities, I would not be surprised if their use expands in the coming years.
You’ve had the experience already?I’m curious about your feedback. Don’t hesitate to share it with me by dropping a message.
