By the end of this year, it’s projected that over 100 million US adults will be using QR scanners on their smartphones, according to Statista.
These little pixelated squares have gone from niche tech curiosity to an everyday essential over the last few years, and it’s safe to say that QR codes are here to stay.
In fact, many experts predict that QR codes will remain a mainstay in marketing for years to come.
So, how can you take advantage of this versatile tool? In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of QR codes, explore how to use generators like OnlineQRcode to make custom designs and look at an interesting case study of a top global brand that used QR codes in its marketing strategy.
Why Use QR Codes For Social Media?
Social media thrives on quick engagement — and that’s exactly where QR codes deliver. QR codes are a must-have for any brand looking to effortlessly connect audiences to your social media and drive engagement.
One of the most important benefits of QR codes is their ability to seamlessly “bridge the digital gap” and connect offline customers to your online presence.
Instead of asking potential followers to manually type out your Instagram handle or copy-paste a lengthy URL (which has a high potential for typos, by the way!), you can simply print or display a QR code in-store, at events, or even on your packaging.
This frictionless experience often leads to higher engagement and a positive brand experience.
Besides being practical, QR codes are also interactive and inspire an element of curiosity. When people see a custom-designed QR code, they’re more likely to explore what’s behind it.
This interactive element helps boost engagement, such as new followers, likes, comments, shares, and so on.
The statistics speak for themselves: according to a recent study, the main reason why people scan a QR code is out of curiosity (39%), followed by to redeem coupons (36%), learn more about a product (30%), and to find instruction on how to use the product (28%).
QR codes aren’t boring black-and-white pixel squares, either. Thanks to recent advancements, custom QR code generators let you incorporate your company’s unique branding elements, including colors, logos, shapes, and much more.
Even better, a beautiful QR code sparks curiosity and encourages more scans!
Finally, you can set up QR codes to lead customers to a landing page (or microsite) that has links to all of your platforms — Youtube, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.
This all-in-one-place approach saves time and provides a single destination of all of your brand’s digital content!
How to Set Up QR Codes For Social Campaigns
To get started, you’ll need to choose a QR code generator that meets your specific needs. This is the most important step, so be sure to take your time and really compare and contrast the different tools and websites available.
Some QR code generators are free, while others offer premium features like custom design options, an analytics dashboard, and/or tracking capabilities.
Once you’ve selected a tool, it’s time to design your code. While it might sound exciting to use a ton of eye-catching colors, shapes, or your company logo, make sure you follow best practices: leave a quiet zone around the edges so the scanner can recognize the code, avoid color schemes that reduce contrast, and don’t overcomplicate the design (which can make it harder for phones to scan the code!)
Finally, link your QR code to the social media content that you want to highlight. This is your chance to promote your brand’s sales, contests, or even special QR-only content — the options are endless!
Ways to Use QR Codes for Campaigns
From fun hashtag challenges to exclusive flash sales, QR codes offer plenty of opportunities to elevate your social media marketing. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can use them.
One of the easiest ways to start using QR codes is to have them link to special discount codes or flash sales that users can claim simply by following your social media accounts.
If you’re planning to launch a new product or campaign, consider having QR codes link to teaser videos, countdowns, or launch events on your social media channels.
For something more interactive, integrate QR codes into scavenger hunts or trivia games. These codes can lead participants to social media pages for clues, challenges, or exclusive rewards, making your campaign both fun and engaging.
Speaking of engagement, another creative way to leverage them is to use QR codes to encourage user-generated content (UGC). For example, you can print a custom QR code on in-store signs or product labels that leads users to a hashtag challenge on TikTok or a photo contest on Instagram.
In conclusion, incorporating QR codes into your campaigns can save time, boost engagement, and keep things simple for your audience. Consider adding it to your marketing strategy!
