5 More Creative Ways to Use QR Codes

Earlier this year we explored what makes QR codes effective, how to use them in your marketing campaigns and how to avoid some of the most common mistakes associated with QR codes.  And since the research predicts half of Americans will have smart phones by this Sunday, we wanted to share five more creative ways you can use QR codes to help achieve your 2012 marketing goals.

1. Support the launch of a mobile phone app. Consumers who already have a QR code reader app are already engaged in mobile marketing and are likely willing to try new mobile apps.  Integrate QR codes into both your digital (users can scan QR codes from an email or website) and print efforts that allow users to download your app directly, rather than searching for it in the app marketplace.

2. Lead a guerilla marketing campaign. All you need is a little creativity.  Ask street teams to wear QR codes on T-Shirts, lead a QR code scavenger hunt with each code sharing a new promotion or consider strategically placing QR codes in highly-trafficked public spaces to heighten mystery and anticipation surrounding a new product launch.

3. Engage customers at POS. Consider developing point of sale displays that incorporate QR codes.  Use this as an opportunity to provide an in-store coupon or perhaps engage consumers with a video that makes the purchasing decision simpler.  Also, do not forget to consider ways to add QR codes to your packaging. Hang tags on bottle necks, for example, are used to help products stand out on the shelf.  Now that you have captured the consumer’s attention, place a QR code on the tag that allows the customer to learn more about your product and encourages a purchase.

4. Enhance the impact of a corporate sponsorship/charitable giving. Sponsoring a charitable event or launching product packaging that will benefit a cause? Add a QR code next to your corporate logo and use it to direct consumers to a landing page or microsite that details your commitment to the cause.

5. Drive a sampling campaign.  Link a QR code to a sign up page where consumers can request a sample or trial of your product and get a coupon to purchase the full sized version.

Jim Sweeney

CEO & COO

Jim is a veteran of the agency industry and the founder of Sweeney. He is uncommonly passionate about the idea of creating and implementing insanely great marketing campaigns that achieve insanely great results. He pioneered the full-service, full-circle agency model and continues to forge new ideas in an ever-changing industry. And he is accessible to everyone about anything, seemingly all the time, serving as a mentor to all agency personnel and clients.