Category: QR codes

Explore blogs on QR codes, creative use cases, and marketing strategies. Learn how to engage audiences with smart QR campaigns.

Uses of QR codes: Marketing, sustainability & convenience
QR codes have become ubiquitous in recent years, and for good reason – their potential uses are virtually endless. From marketing to sustainability to convenience, QR codes are being used to enhance our daily lives in countless ways.

Marketing is one of the most popular uses of QR codes. By placing QR codes on product packaging, flyers, and other marketing materials, businesses can drive engagement and sales by providing easy access to additional information, promotions, and other interactive features.

But QR codes are also being used to promote sustainability and responsible consumption. By placing QR codes on products, businesses can track and monitor their lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal, and ensure that they’re being produced and consumed in an environmentally friendly way.

So whether you’re a marketer looking to boost engagement, a sustainability advocate looking to promote responsible consumption, or just someone looking for an easier way to navigate your daily life, the uses of QR codes are sure to impress and inspire you.

How to use QR Codes to boost sustainable marketing strategies?

QR codes have become a popular tool for businesses to enhance their marketing strategies in a sustainable way. With the fast-paced technological advancements, QR codes offer a quick and efficient way for customers to access the information they need without wasting time in lengthy procedures. One of the most interesting features of QR codes is that anyone can use them without any prior knowledge. They offer a virtual communication platform between brands and customers, increasing the reach of advertising and enhancing the customer experience.

QR codes have a wide range of applications in various industries, from bookshops and restaurants to medical facilities and ticket booking services. They can store a variety of information, such as contact details, book data, website URLs, medical history, and educational material, making it easy for users to access all the information they need in one place with just one click.

QR codes also offer significant advantages in the medical field, allowing patients to access critical information about doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies with a single scan. For doctors, QR codes eliminate the need to wait for assistants to access patient history and authorization details, saving them valuable time. Integrating QR codes with practice management system features can further streamline patient management and improve overall efficiency

The rise of e-commerce has made transactions through mobile devices a popular way to shop. QR codes offer an authentic and secure pathway to facilitate these transactions, making them an essential tool for promoting websites and businesses. They can be incorporated into clothing tag details and shopping carts, allowing customers to choose an item, select its quantity, and complete the payment process with ease.

QR codes can also be used as a Call-to-Action (CTA) to engage target audiences with promotions, giveaways, launching offers, challenges, and scavenger hunts, among others. By providing a fast and secure way to access information, QR codes motivate people to join and gain maximum information from them.

Finally, QR codes are a secure way to facilitate cashless payments, which is increasingly important in the era of cybercrime and faulty transactions. Customers feel secure using QR codes for touch-free payment methods, making them a popular choice for businesses.

Did you know? Drones formed a giant QR Code in the sky of Shanghai

If you have not yet started your business marketing with QR codes means you are missing a blast of opportunities to grab your customers. Start creating dynamic QR codes and become a part of this booming technology. Hundred of drones were collectively displayed on Shanghai’s night sky to represent China’s remarkable work in the release of the Japanese game Prince.
On March 29, Hyundai’s brand launched 3100 drones in the sky of Shanghai. The sky gives a captivating look and is filled with fancy characters. These vibrant ideas reflect the booming technology to engage maximum consumerism.

Top 10 Ideas to Use QR Codes

There is a huge list of using QR codes. Let’s have a look at a few that are used in our daily life but still, we are not much aware of them. Right from our home for example very basic munching items that cannot be skipped all eatable do have these scans for detailed ingredients and allergic items as well. Moreover, we can have its price and it’s very handy to use.

While traveling we face a lot of hustle for reservations, timings, available slots, and missing flights and every solution to our problem ends up with just a tick of the clock scanning a QR code and here we go.

Also read: How to shorten a link?

1. Direct customers to a landing page/website

Customers are a big asset for the business lead and it can be more productive if they are kept in high priority. Social media pages or the very first page that is the landing page of your website can easily be approachable with the help of a QR code scan. You can gain potential users once they are redirected to a landing page with detailed information about your brand. Brand recognition is of equal importance along with customer care, all depends upon sustainability and social accountability.

2. Shopping and e-commerce

Qr codes are of great edge for cashless payments as customers are always tilted toward comfort payment methods and what else is needed when you have a safe and secure cashless payment method. So QR code not only increases customer loyalty but also increase businesses’ marketing strategies. Here what’s more appealing to customers is touch-free hygiene and efficient method.

3. Use QR Codes for real estate marketing

Did you know what is a more attractive thing on your visiting cards or in advertisements? Marketing campaigns, strategies, and advertisements must be clearer and give a minimalistic look to have an attractive appearance. So, this can only be possible with QR codes and it shows all elaborated information with a single scan. Real estate marketing needs to be more expressive and catchy for attention grabbers. Our banners, visiting cards, billboards, and brochures only need to go with advanced technical marketing campaigns.By leveraging a Real Estate Drip Campaign, you can consistently nurture leads with targeted messages, ensuring your brand stays top-of-mind throughout the buyer’s journey.

4. Share your social media accounts

Social media account sharing is one of the best ways to get a maximum audience, users always go for a comfortable yet secure way and a QR code is the solution. You only need to copy your profile URL and paste it into the QR code generator app. There is no need to put your credentials first then authentication codes everything is replaced by this QR scan. It is the pathway to engage more comments, likes, requests, and more traffic on your account.

5. Ask for reviews or feedback

Feedback is an efficient way to overcome our weaknesses and produce a better version. Rather than asking users to give feedback, and reviews on given cards within a limited space, one only has to scan the code and be directed to the feedback page. This gives a sound feeling between the reader and writer.

Also read: Social Media Risks For Brands. How To Avoid Them?

6. Track inventory, delivery, packaging, and people

Courier services and all applications where GPS is integrated for tracking and status activities everything can be controlled with the help of QR codes. Location is linked, you can follow your rider on the map by scanning the code and addressing him. It is the fastest and most reliable way to have better communication within no time. Integrating top courier management solutions can further streamline these processes, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

7. Offer incentives and coupons via QR codes

Everyone is crazy for coupons, bouncing offers, and amazing deals. All can easily be available under one scan and users can take full advantage of present or even upcoming offers. It is a brilliant idea to get detailed information on various brands, companies, restaurants, and hotels.

8. Integration with Search and social ads

Social media ads and different marketing strategies through QR codes are now commonplace and continue to give brilliant hype. Integrating such codes to attain customers’ attention and provide them with maximum information. QR codes prove to be an innovative idea and it also promotes brand awareness.

9. E-learning

QR codes guide every level of education. Scanning it can automatically lead to an open-source library with enormous knowledge. Suppose a researcher needs in detail guidance on a particular topic no matter whether it’s advanced or beginner level every kind of information is available behind QR codes. One can solve his maths problem or even programming within a few seconds only.

10. Authenticate people and documents

QR codes help to share the encrypted content in the QR code with the concerned person or system only. As authenticity is the most prior characteristic while exchanging information So, It is a mandatory step to follow a QR code scan to get access. Moreover, it is widely used in multiple organizations as a biometric verification. Users can scan the QR code and can see all detail of the document on mobile only with one scan.

How are brands using QR Codes?

Brands are using QR codes in various ways, such as providing quick access to product information, offering exclusive discounts or promotions, facilitating easy mobile payments, and enhancing customer engagement through interactive experiences like games and surveys.

Here are some examples of how brands are using QR codes:

Nike: Nike used QR codes to provide customers with additional information about their products. By scanning the QR code on the product, customers could access videos that showcased the shoes in action, as well as tips on how to use them.

Pepsi: Pepsi used QR codes as part of a scavenger hunt promotion. Customers scanned the codes on various Pepsi products to find clues, which led to prizes and giveaways.

Heinz: Heinz used QR codes to create a more engaging experience for customers. By scanning the code on a ketchup bottle, customers were directed to a landing page where they could create their own personalized label and share it on social media.

Tesco: Tesco, a UK-based supermarket chain, used QR codes to provide customers with additional information about their products. Customers could scan the codes on produce items to learn more about where they were grown and how they were produced.

Starbucks: Starbucks used QR codes as part of its rewards program. Customers could scan the code on their app to earn points and redeem rewards.

These are just a few examples of how brands are using QR codes to enhance their marketing strategies and improve customer engagement.

How to generate a QR Code for any website or URL?

QR codes can easily be generated by following a few steps, this could be anything related to your marketing businesses, content, website pages, social profiles, documents, books and etc.

Here’s how to generate a QR code using Replug:

With Replug, you can easily generate QR codes for everything from product information and promotional materials to event invitations and social media profiles. Simply design your code with our user-friendly interface, and watch as it comes to life in seconds.

Step 1: Sign in or create a Replug account
Go to Replug and log in to your dashboard. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up in minutes — no credit card needed (free trial available).

Step 2: Go to the “QR Codes” section
– In the dashboard menu, click on “QR Codes.”
– Then click the “Create New” button to start building your QR code.

Step 3: Select the QR code type
– Replug supports various QR code types; like URL, text, email, and more.
– Pick the type that suits your needs. (For example: link to a webpage, vCard, etc.)

Step 4: Enter your content
Based on the type you selected, add the content you want the QR code to contain.
This could be a URL, plain text, contact info, or other data.

Step 5: Customize the QR code design (optional)
You can:
- Change the QR color
- Add your logo in the center
- Choose a frame or border
- Add a call-to-action like “Scan Me”
Step 6: Download and use your QR code
Once you’re happy with the design, click “Download.”
You can now use it on print materials, websites, or social platforms.

How to track & measure QR code success?

Creating a QR code is just the first step in a successful marketing campaign – the real challenge lies in tracking and measuring its performance. Fortunately, with the right tools and strategies, it’s possible to track your QR code success and make data-driven decisions to improve your marketing efforts.

Replug offers analytics features that make it easy to track and measure the success of your QR code campaigns. With our advanced analytics platform, you can monitor everything from scan locations and devices to conversion rates and engagement metrics.

By tracking and measuring your QR code performance with Replug, you can identify which campaigns are resonating with your audience, and which ones need improvement. This information can help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategy, and optimize your campaigns for maximum impact and results.

So if you’re ready to take your QR code marketing to the next level, sign up for Replug today and start tracking your success. Enhance your campaigns further with our free link shortener, a perfect match for QR code optimization.

Also read: Campaign Tracking: Data-Driven Tools for Marketers

Frequently asked questions

Why use dynamic QR codes?

It is of more importance than static QR codes because dynamic QR codes can be updated and altered at any time and it helps in tracking data, number of visitors, and location. In this way, it is less time taking and more efficient as you can change it while it’s active.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?

Static QR codes can not be updated while dynamic QR codes can be updated easily.
Static QR codes cannot fix mistakes if occur you have to recreate them from the start while dynamic QR codes can be fixed and no need to recreate them every time

Which countries used QR codes in Covid?

It proves to be a safe and secure way to avoid the spread of pandemic disease. Countries like China, India, Qatar, Singapore, and many more countries use QR codes.

Do QR codes expire?

Yes, QR codes can expire. The expiration time of a QR code depends on the creator and can range from a few minutes to indefinitely. The purpose of setting an expiration time is to ensure the security and effectiveness of the code. Once a QR code has expired, it will no longer be scannable.

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A Complete Guide To Use QR Code Marketing
What is QR Code Marketing?

QR code is the bridge between your online and offline marketing efforts. Nurturing your consumers through the marketing funnel by giving them the correct information at the right time is the key to a successful influencer marketing campaign

Technology is meant to complement traditional print marketing and advertising instead of replacing it. The most successful and engaging marketing campaigns have one thing in common: integrating digital marketing approaches with conventional advertising.

What is QR Code?

QR are 2D barcodes that are scanned through smartphone devices through cameras or their QR code scanning capability.

The strategic use and placement of QR codes with access to the updated and relevant information can be the most significant asset.

Why does QR code marketing matter?

The QR codes were used by a Toyota subsidiary named Denso in 1994. They helped in tracking the vehicle parts and streamline the manufacturing process.

This allowed the fast-decoding process and thus called Quick Response Code.

Back when it was introduced, there was a minimum number of people leveraging this technology. With a tiny number of use-cases, marketers predicted the QR code trend not to last too long.

Fast forward to 2020; the pandemic catapulted the QR code adoption not because of its versatility but for the fact that it was a safe, hygienic and cost-effective solution.

Not just that, it also gave an option to collect data from the traditional marketing campaigns.

Is QR code marketing here to stay?

According to Bank My Cell, there are 6.648 billion smartphone users globally, which means 83.40% of the world population owns a smartphone.

With the growing rate of QR code adoption, they can help increase brand awareness, increase sales and enhance customer engagement with the brand.

Modern way to create QR codes is through URL shorteners. Tools like Replug (i.e., an all-in-one link optimization platform) and other allows users to create custom shortened URLs without needing to know anything about HTML.

If you’re just getting started and want a free tool to manage and shorten your links, check out this free link shortener.

When sharing these shortened links, users just need to scan the link with their smartphone camera. You can easily shorten a link and then create a QR code pointing to it, all in a few clicks. This method is great because no technical skills are required.

How can you use QR codes for your marketing goals?

Increase social media following:

Social media presence for any business is no longer an option. It’s a necessity. You can use QR codes on the products for your marketing material to direct users to your social media pages like Facebook, Instagram.

This is a great way to maximize reach on social media networks. You can also ask them for a review of your product or tag them in the user-generated content with your product.

Get app downloads:

If used strategically, QR code marketing can be one of the fastest ways to increase app downloads and drive users into the mobile app marketing funnel. Burger King used them during 2020 MTV VMAs to let viewers download the Burger King app. These ads encouraged the viewers to scan the codes to download the app and avail various discounts.

Related: QR code sharing with bio links

Drive more traffic to your website:

You can use the QR code to direct viewers to a page or website with detailed information. The information not covered in the print ad, such as product description, pricing list, dates and time, the procedure to place an order, can be communicated via the code. The luxury brand, Burberry, introduced sustainable labeling where they outlined the product attributes through this.

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Build email marketing lists:

QR codes can be used on marketing materials from billboards, print ads and business cards to direct users to webpages. This helps marketers to build email lists by asking users to sign up to avail certain offers.

This will be a good strategy to boost your email marketing strategy.

Enhance the user experience:

You can improve the user experience by offering them valuable and necessary information in the QR code—for example, an instructional video to set up the product or printable sheet or link to the recipe on food products.

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Increase leads:

QR codes can be strategically used for lead generation according to the kind of business. For example, a real estate agency had to sell a large office building. They used these to generate and track leads.

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Win customer’s trust and loyalty:

You can use QR codes for establishing product transparency through product packaging. This will help you to win your customer’s trust. It will increase the customer’s loyalty and engagement which is why they are more likely will stick to the brand.

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Share contact details:

With the vCard QR code, you can share your contact details such as email, work address, phone details, location etc., with your customers. The dynamic one gives you the freedom to edit the information many times without reprinting the code.

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Personalize the experience:

With the flexibility to embed multiple content formats into QR codes, brands have attracted customers with personalized shopping experiences. JC Penny on Christmas released “Santa tags”. The idea was to allow the giver to record a personalized message played when the recipient scans the code.

Increase post purchase engagement:

Avail the opportunity to engage your customer after the purchase. QR codes for rating and review pages are the one way to go about it. You can also link these to discount coupons for their future purchases, so they continue shopping with you. The Amazon QR codes drive repeat purchases and thus increasing the website traffic.

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Get reviews and feedback:

According to writers block hive, 86% of people said they trust online reviews as much as they believe in word of mouth.
You can use a QR code to ask for product reviews and build the customer’s trust by providing them with the information they are looking for.

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QR code marketing Use Cases:

1-Restaurant Menus:

With the pandemic, restaurants looked for safe and hygienic options for their customers. From menus to payments, restaurants used QR codes to design a contactless experience for their customers.

QR code menus lower the printing price and are also more convenient to update about the availability of items, price, details etc., without reprinting.

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2-OOH Advertising:

One cannot deny the effectiveness of OOH advertising. According to Dash Two’s study, 71% of consumers said digital billboards are more appealing than online ads. Pairing the billboard with a QR code strategically can drive consumers to take action and thus getting you data.

Walmart, during the 2020 holidays, when their sales are supposed to be high, didn’t observe the shoppers due to the covid-19 pandemic, they launched virtual billboards at places where they did not have brick and mortar stores.

These virtual stores allowed people to scan and buy the products on the spot from their online stores.

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3-Adding a twist to museum:

Sukiennice Museum in Poland used QR codes to tell the “secrets behind paintings”.

Visitors scan the code next to a painting, and they get a series of stories about the artwork, its history and the painter themselves.

The intriguing stories about war, deception, insanity, love and romance added to the experience of the museum visitors.

4- Recycling:

PepsiCo used an integrated hydration platform with QR codes in their soda stream style dispenser. For single-use plastic, PepsiCo used an integrated hydration platform. Other companies are embracing this innovation as well. Waste Direct, a leading waste disposal and recycling service in the UK, is leveraging QR codes to simplify waste management for convenient waste collection scheduling and more.

The users can bring their bottles to fill them with still or carbonated options. Thus, replacing the vending machine with dispensers that use QR code stickers. The system was launched in schools and offices, but it was later expanded into public places.

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How to get more scans with QR code:
1. Add a call for action next to your QR code:
  A QR code is like the door opening into the experience your customer wants to have. But if there is no sign on the door, nobody will enter. A compelling call to action is therefore necessary.
2. QR code Placement:
  Make sure your QR code is strategically placed in a well visible place where your target user can notice it and quickly scan it. It should be set against a bright background to increase its readability.
3. Brand your QR code:
  Make sure the QR code reflects your brand identity. Branding is an essential part of it as well to generate more scans. Make them more attractive by customising them with brand colours and logos.
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4. Mind QR code proportion:
  While using it on the marketing material or packaging, make sure not to distort the ratio since it can make the scanning difficult.
5. Minimize the number of QR codes:
  If there are multiple QR codes on the package or your print ad, it’ll confuse the audience, and thus you’ll miss the opportunity.
  Ideally, you should go with one goal per QR code, but if you want to give them a holistic view of your product, then you should create a universal link and direct them to the information they are looking for.
6. Use interactive landing pages:
  When linking your QR code to the video, file or landing page, make the content accessible on a smartphone and mobile-friendly.
7. High-quality QR code:
  Make sure you use a high-quality QR code with well-maintained whitespace so it is easy to read and scan.
8. Track data:
  Once your QR code marketing goes live, keep track of data. This data will tell you about your best performing and underperforming campaigns, and you can optimise them accordingly.
Benefits of dynamic QR code:
1. Editable:
  You can edit your dynamic QR code’s content at any time, allowing you to print your active QR codes, and you can still change the content at any time.
2. Data tracking:
  You can track data of your dynamic QR code addresses, contact numbers, and names; you can follow the number of scans, time of a scan, location of the scan and even people used it to scan it.
3. Cost-effective:
  A QR code generator is very cost-effective, and some platforms even offer it for free
Choosing a QR code generator:

Making the right choice of a QR code generator is the prerequisite of leveraging QR code marketing for your business. There are unlimited free QR code generators available, but make sure to choose with:
- The accurate data tracking feature
- Cost-effective with unlimited scans
- High-resolution printable QR codes
- Excellent documentation
Excellent customer support service

Related: How to create a QR code for a URL?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the data points you can get from QR codes?

QR codes are easy to use and are a great tool to analyse users’ click behaviour. They offer multiple data points such as time of the scan, location of the scan, times it has been scanned etc. With the right messaging and strategy, you can ask your users for email addresses, contact numbers and names.

Is there any expiration date for QR codes?

Some QR code generators offer a limited period or a limited number of scans. Once that is over, your QR code expires. However, some QR codes provide a lifetime of free access, and there is no limit on time or number of scans. In this case, you only have to make sure the URL is not broken.

How can we use QR codes in marketing?

QR codes are one of the most widely used tools for marketing by brands and businesses of all sizes.
You can use QR code for:
– Directing customers to your website
– Getting App downloads
– Share the business and contact details with potential clients
– Share the address and location
– Building email lists
– Encouraging customers to leave a review
– Engaging the customers for post-purchase
– Personalized marketing tools the marketing
– Sending prompted SMS and emails
– Access AR for marketing

How to promote QR codes for your business?

There are various ways in which you can promote QR codes:
– Include QR codes on the packaging
– Include QR codes on marketing material both online and offline
– Include QR codes in email signatures
– Include QR codes on your business cards
– Stick QR codes on tables, doors and signage where it can grab customer’s attention
May 6, 2023
How to create a QR code for a URL?

Static URL QR codes are QR codes that can be scanned with your smartphone or another device to open a specific webpage once you scan them. There are several benefits to using this type of QR code.

One benefit is that it allows people to easily access a webpage without manually typing the full URL into a browser. This can save time and reduce the potential for errors. Additionally, most modern smartphones come equipped with a built-in QR code reader, making it easy for people to scan the code and access the webpage.

Another benefit is that it is free and easy to implement. Anyone can generate one by using a QR code generator and linking it to a specific URL. Plus, it is the standard way of using a QR code, so it is widely adopted and recognized worldwide.

Modern short URL generator, such as Replug can also track clicks and other analytics on the link, which can be useful for understanding how the QR code is used.

Let’s continue with how to create a QR code for a URL.

Also Read: A Complete Guide To Use QR Code Marketing

How to create a QR code for a URL using Replug?

Follow these simple steps to create a QR code for any URL with Replug in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create a new account for free.

Step 2: Select the desired campaign on the main dashboard or create a new one.

Step 3: Paste the URL in the “URL to shorten” section below the “select your campaign” section and click create.

Step 4: You’ll first see a shortened version of your URL. Click the edit icon to customize your URL and click update.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Step 5: To access your newly created URL, go to the manage section on the main dashboard and click Replug links.

Step 6: Here you’ll see your newly created URL. click three dots at the end of the URL and then click download QR code.

Frequently asked questions

What is a URL QR code?

A URL QR code is a type of QR code that, when scanned by a QR code reader, directs the user to a specific webpage or website URL. The QR code contains a string of characters that represents the URL and can be easily scanned with a smartphone camera and QR code reader app. This allows users to quickly and easily access a webpage without having to manually type in a long and complicated URL.

Is there an expiration date for URL QR codes?

URL QR codes do not have an expiration date built into them, but the webpage or website that the QR code directs to may change or be taken down, which would render the QR code unusable. Also, if the website or the URL changes, the QR code will not work anymore

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