QR Codes are becoming a simple and effective way to make everything a little more digital while people are keeping their distance, so if you haven’t incorporated this simple technique into your digital marketing strategy, you may be behind the curve.
How QR Codes were used in the past
When the QR Code first came out they were mainly used for tracking purposes and intended to replace barcodes, but they never really took off like they were intending. In the past, they have been used to quickly navigate you to a website or for tracking packages, products, and even people, but these strange little squares may be becoming the answer to contactless business during the time of Social Distancing.
Everyone has seen or used a QR Code at least a few times since they were introduced, but in recent years they have become less and less popular, until now. In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become increasingly popular for their vast applications and ease of use. Now that businesses are starting to open up and some restrictions are being lifted, people are starting to take advantage of QR Codes.
Most Popular Uses in 2020
In the past few months, the way business is conducted has been turned completely on its head. Even the simplest of things like shaking hands, handing someone a business card, or giving someone a tip has become impossible. Businesses are getting rid of the tangible objects that their customers can use such as pens, menus, brochures, and printed receipts, However, with the use of QR Codes, most of these problems can be solved.
One way you can slow the spread of the virus is to eliminate the objects that are passed from person to person. Instead of walking into a restaurant and being handed a menu, there are QR Codes at every table that are to be scanned and will direct you to an online menu. Racks of brochures are starting to be replaced with a wall of QR Codes to browse from your smart device. Instead of using cash to pay for things or giving tips, these QR Codes are being used as a contactless paying and tipping alternative. All of these alternatives also drive traffic to your website and even your social media.
In order to further understand all the different ways QR Codes are being used across the world, the team at QR Tiger, the developers of the easy to use QR Code Generator, has created this insightful infographic:
Other Ways QR Codes Are Being Used Around the World
Around the world, countries are starting to adopt genius ways to use these QR Codes to help their citizens stay healthy.
In China, each person is assigned a colored code and it tracks where they have been and cross-references to data concerning virus transmission and decides what color your code is. Green, yellow, and red codes are assigned to represent a person’s risk of spreading the virus.
In Northern Ireland, stores have adopted QR Codes to aid their shoppers and create a lower contact environment. The codes are used to browse the store’s inventory, check prices, and even pay through their phone. In Indonesia, the high amount of virus testing has put an immense strain on health professionals. Their government has come out with an app linked from QR Codes that will test your likelihood of having the virus. After completing the survey it will use the information to decide whether or not you should be tested or not.
Incorporate QR Codes into Your Digital Marketing Strategy
Since everyone is going more digital now more than ever, it is becoming harder for possible customers to find your business in the immense sea of the digital world. No matter what business you’re in, you can find a creative way to incorporate QR Codes into your digital marketing strategy. Whether you want your customers to feel like they are safe in your establishment or you want to drive more traffic to your social media and website, these codes are the way to go.