A qr code is a quick response (QR) barcode that can hold a lot of data in a small space. They are a staple of the advertising world, from magazine adverts to billboards. They can be used to open a website, take you to an online menu in a restaurant, and even direct you to an interactive map to help you navigate a new city.
QR codes were invented in the mid-90s by the Japanese company Denso Wave as a way to track vehicle parts during manufacturing. They were a great innovation, but didn’t really catch on until smartphones became popular. Since then, they have exploded in popularity, and are now found almost everywhere.
In fact, a study in 2020 found that QR codes are being used 94% more than they were the year prior. So, it’s not surprising that marketers are rethinking their strategies and jumping on the bandwagon.
While most people are aware that a qr code can open a URL, many people don’t know all of the other actions it can trigger on a user’s device. These include:
Add calendar events: Create a dynamic qr code that automatically sends an alert to a user’s phone when they are in a specific location or time period.
Share YouTube videos: Create a unique qr code that can automatically redirect users to your YouTube channel. This allows for easy and quick sharing of your video content.
Connect to WiFi without a password: QR codes can link directly to your WiFi network, eliminating the need to share and remember a password.
Download apps: QR codes can link directly to an app on the Apple App Store or Google Play, making it super simple for users to add your application to their phone.
Create a link to your podcast: Whether you are promoting a podcast episode or simply want to provide an additional media option, a qr code can do the trick! Just make sure your code is generating the correct format for the platform.
Get the word out about your business: Embrace a qr code and use it to direct your customers and prospects to your website, social media profiles or a special landing page. This is a great way to offer more information about your product or service, as well as encourage customers to take action and convert into sales.
QR Code Security Threats
It’s important to keep in mind that while a qr code can be highly useful, it is possible to hack and manipulate the information that it is directing to your audience. This can happen if the QR code is static, meaning that the information it is pointing to cannot be changed, or if it is not updated regularly. Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, are a great tool for businesses that want to change or update their information often. A qr code can also gather scanning metrics, which is useful for analyzing the effectiveness of your marketing campaign.