QR Code Uses: 14 New Ways to Grow Your Business

In today’s fast-changing business world, staying ahead of the competition is a must. We all know that, right? But here’s the cool part – a secret weapon is helping businesses grow. And it’s as simple as getting your users to scan a code on their phones. Yes, we are talking about QR code uses.

Yep, those little square boxes you’ve seen everywhere. They’re not just for scanning groceries anymore. QR codes are like magic keys that can unlock excellent opportunities for your business.

This blog will discover fantastic QR code uses that can boost your business. They’re easy to use and can do much, from making your business run smoother to getting more customers excited about your offer.

So, if you’re ready to discover the superpower of QR codes and take your business to new heights, stick with us. It’s time to make your business journey much easier and more successful.

What Are QR Codes? 

QR codes, also known as Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional matrix barcodes that store information in a pattern of black and white squares. They are designed to be easily scanned and read by smartphones and other devices equipped with cameras. 

QR codes can store a variety of data types, such as URLs, text, contact information, and more. They are commonly used for quick access to websites, product information, and various types of data.

How Do QR Codes Work?

Before understanding QR code uses, it’s crucial to know how do they work.

QR codes are like those barcodes you see in supermarkets. Instead of just straight lines,  QR codes work by encoding information in a matrix pattern of black squares and white spaces. 

When you scan a QR code with your smartphone or QR code scanner app, the camera captures the pattern and a specialized software then decodes it to extract the embedded information. 

This can be a website link, contact information, coupons, or anything else the code creator wants to share. The transaction happens in seconds. And due to their small size and versatility, QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. 

The QR code industry is experiencing rapid growth, with businesses and individuals increasingly creating QR codes for various purposes. Here is a growth chart of the global QR code industry.

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Now, if you are wondering what their core benefits are, the next section is for you. 

What Are the Benefits of QR Codes?

1. Effortless Information

QR codes make sharing and finding information easy. Users can quickly access product descriptions, event schedules, contact information, etc. by scanning a QR code. Besides, they can provide WiFi access authorizations, making it convenient for users to connect to wireless networks seamlessly. It’s like having a key that can open any door.

2. Global Accessibility

QR codes are internationally recognized and can be read by most modern smartphones, making them accessible to a broad audience.

3. Enhanced Marketing

Businesses can use QR codes for promotional purposes. They enable interactive marketing campaigns, link customers to special offers, and provide additional product information.

4. Offline-to-Online Integration

QR codes can bridge the gap between offline and online experiences. They allow physical objects to link directly to online resources, encouraging engagement and conversions.

5. Emergency Information

Another reason why QR code uses have become immense nowadays is because of how they can store emergency information. QR codes on medical bracelets or ID cards can provide critical health information to first responders in emergency situations.

QR Code Uses for Interactive Marketing 

Several industries are using the goldmine hidden behind QR codes in different ways. To give you a perspective, here’s an interesting finding on the top industries making use of QR codes to grow their business.

Source

Now that you know the top industries utilizing the technology, let’s understand the different QR code uses that you can implement in your business. 

1. Enhance Offline Shopping Experiences 

Offline store experiences play a crucial role in retail and eCommerce. While the rise of online shopping has transformed how we shop, we cannot deny the significance of brick-and-mortar stores even today. 

So, how do we bridge the gap between online and offline shopping? The answer is through the strategic use of QR codes and interactive experiences. 

Yes, interactive experiences are now possible even at offline stores. You can offer eCommerce recommendations and discounts or even guide customers through the store. 

For this, you can place QR codes near their products of interest. These QR codes can take them to a digital shopping platform where they receive personalized product suggestions. 

To create such experiences, you can take the help of interactive tools like Outgrow. It’s a one-of-a-kind tool that helps you create personalized, interactive experiences with zero coding. 

For example, if you run a lipstick brand, you can place QR codes near different lipstick shades and include an eCommerce quiz like “What Lip Color Should You Wear?”

This will help customers find the best lipstick that suits their skin tone without trying multiple combinations at the store.

2. Optimize for Higher Reach and Brand Awareness

We all know how difficult it is to reach and engage customers these days. However, QR codes can help you out. 

You can use it to encourage customers to participate in contests and giveaways. Whether your target audience is shopping in a store or standing in a metro station, this will pique their interest as people love freebies. 

For instance, you can conduct a contest as “Enter this contest to win a Game Day Party!”

You can place a QR code anywhere with your brand contest embedded in it and see your brand awareness and reach go through the roof! 

It’s a great way of increasing brand awareness and engagement while also collecting valuable data you can use later for marketing purposes.

3. Streamline Customer Feedback and Data Collection 

In any industry, gathering customer feedback is like peering into the minds of your clients. It’s a way to connect with them, understand their needs, and improve their overall experience. 

Knowing what your customers think is invaluable whether you run a hospital, a retail store, or an online platform. Use QR codes to gather feedback and conduct surveys at physical locations or events. Users can scan the code to access interactive surveys, feedback forms, etc. providing valuable insights.

Let’s take hospitals, for instance. You have a hospital but need to know how your patient feels about your services. Create a “Patient/Customer Satisfaction Survey“, embed it in a QR code, and place it across your hospital or clinic premises. 

This will allow patients to quickly provide feedback on their experience and give you helpful information about what they liked or disliked about the care they received. 

Then, you can make appropriate changes that will improve the patient’s satisfaction and help create an environment of quality healthcare delivery. 

Similarly, if you’re in the hotel industry, you can use QR codes to collect customer data by creating a “Hotel Feedback Chatbot.”

This will help you to see what people liked and disliked about their stay, identify areas that need improvement, and make changes accordingly to create a better experience for your guests. 

But not everyone is interested in giving your feedback for free, right? 

So for this, you can encourage them by offering incentives in return for customers’ insights. Whether it’s a discount on future stays or complimentary amenities, these rewards motivate guests to share their thoughts. 

4. QR Code-Driven Gamification 

Do you know the global gamification market is projected to rise from $9.1B in 2020 to $30.7B by 2025? 

Gamification is nothing but implementing game-inspired design and mechanics in a context outside of traditional gaming.

And you’ll be surprised to know that QR codes are a great way to turn ordinary activities into fun and engaging experiences. Using QR code-driven gamification, you can reward customers for participating in loyalty programs or completing tasks like visiting different restaurants or completing QR code surveys. 

For example, you could have customers scan a QR code for points at each restaurant they visit. Later, they can redeem these points for discounts or other rewards. 

This type of gamification encourages people to engage with your brand and promotes positive behaviors that benefit both the customer and the business.

5. Educate Customers on the ROI of Your Products 

Picture this! You’re at a busy Marketing Expo with many companies promoting similar products. People attending might struggle to choose the right one. Perhaps they want to learn more about a specific product without talking to a salesperson.

To address this, you can place a QR code at your booth. When attendees scan this code with their smartphones, it instantly takes them to a special calculator. This calculator helps them determine how much money they can save or earn using your product. 

For example, if you are into a marketing business, you can use a calculator like “Calculate the ROI of Using Outgrow” 

Here, users can know their Return on Investment (ROI) before investing money in the marketing tool. This helps them understand whether the expenditure is beneficial or not, and hence make a wise decision. And to reach this ROI calculator, they just need to scan a QR code.

In addition to providing a useful tool for attendees, calculators also provide businesses with valuable data that can be used in further analysis and advertising campaigns.

6. Provide Personalized Solutions 

QR code with quizzes can give customers personalized suggestions. Quizzes can be a highly engaging tool for businesses seeking to offer personalized solutions and enhance customer interactions. 

By incorporating quizzes into your customer engagement strategy, you can capture their attention and gather valuable data about their preferences. 

These quizzes can be designed to collect information related to their interests, goals, or pain points. But how does the QR code fit in here? Let’s understand this with an example. 

Suppose you own a restaurant, and your specialty is burgers. You can create a quiz like “Build Your Own Burger Menu”, with using menu maker, also create a QR code and place it on your menu or keep it on the table.

Here, they can choose the types of bun they want, the filling of the burger, and more. This will help you provide your customers with a personalized experience and ensure they get what they want. 

Plus, this interactive quiz is an excellent way of engaging your customers and keeping them interested in ordering more from your restaurant. 

7. Provide Instant Support and Guidance 

QR codes can connect customers with chatbots for instant support. Users can simply scan the QR code instead of navigating to your website, filling out a lengthy form, or searching for an email address to lodge a complaint or request support. It’s like having a direct hotline to our support system right in your pocket.

For instance, scanning the QR code on product packaging or user manuals can activate a chatbot that provides troubleshooting tips, step-by-step guides, or answers to frequently asked questions.

For example, Bewakoof has a customer support chatbot that addresses the brand’s most general use cases. Whether assisting users with their orders or demonstrating upcoming deals and offers, the chatbot answers all questions a specific eCommerce user fetches answers for. 

Other Creative QR Code Uses for Businesses 

QR code uses are not limited to creating an interactive experience. They can also help businesses to up their marketing game. Here are some creative ways to use QR codes for marketing:

8. Enhance Educational and Exploratory Experiences 

QR code uses are not only limited to marketing and advertising. They can be used in educational settings as well. 

But what are the QR code uses in the educational field and how to use them? Here is how!

QR codes are an excellent way for students to access additional information on a topic or subject quickly. This can include an online video lecture or an article related to the lesson being discussed in class. 

Educational institutes can use QR codes in science labs, geography labs, etc. which leads to interesting quizzes and polls that can make learning more fun and engaging. The same thing applies to museums, science parks, etc.

Additionally, QR codes can be used by museums and other exploration-based locations so that visitors can gain more knowledge about various exhibits when they scan them with their phones. 

You can even create an assessment like “Vocabulary Quiz,” where students can scan the QR code to answer the questions. 

This is a great way to make learning more interactive and fun.

9. Direct Customers to the Website

Want to bring users directly to your website or lead capture page? QR code can make it happen. Users can effortlessly access a signup or landing page by scanning a QR code. There is no need to type in the URL or navigate through pages manually.

You can place the QR code on your print ads or product packaging to make it easy for users to find more information about your business. When users scan the code, they’ll be taken to a landing page or website. 

Here, you can capture their information and give them exclusive deals. This strategy is ideal for driving new business leads and engaging existing customers. The magic of QR codes lies in their ability to provide a seamless user experience. Using a unique URL exclusively matched with your QR code ensures accurate measurement and tracking of its performance.

10. Business Number Dialing

Have you attended business conferences? We’re sure you must have. But have you ever used QR codes at your booth or station? QR codes can provide a more efficient way to connect with potential customers. 

All you have to do is print out your company’s business number to place it in an easily accessible spot. Scanning the code prompts people to dial your business number and speak directly with a representative. 

This strategy not only makes it easier for customers to reach out to you quickly but also allows them to save time while doing so!

11.  Employee Engagement 

Organizations can strategically position QR codes throughout office premises to collect employee feedback, conduct surveys, HR complaints, hardware replacement requests, etc. 

For instance, you can create a “Job Satisfaction Survey” and embed it in a QR code.

When your employees scan the code, they’ll be taken directly to the survey page. This way, you can collect data from your team efficiently and securely. You can then use this data in your employee engagement software other HR systems to gain valuable insights into employee performance, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

12. Increase Conversations and Retention with Offers and Discounts

QR codes can provide customers with exclusive offers, discounts, or loyalty rewards. Suppose you have a retail store. You can use QR codes near the checkout counter, and customers who scan the code receive a discount on their next purchase. 

This encourages repeat business, fosters customer loyalty, and makes the shopping experience more enjoyable. 

Additionally, in self-checkout stores, QR codes on products enable customers to access essential information. This includes expiry dates, ingredients, manufacturing dates, and more by scanning the code with their smartphones. 

It empowers shoppers to make informed decisions before purchasing, enhancing their confidence in their chosen products. Integrating this feature into the self-checkout process streamlines the shopping journey and enhances the overall customer experience.

13. Business Location Views

Let’s talk about customer convenience. Imagine a website visitor eager to drop by your office or store. Instead of going through the hassle of searching for your address on online maps, they can whip out their phone and scan the QR code on your website.

Instantly, they’ll receive specific and accurate directions to your location. It’s a win-win situation – your customers will love the simplicity, and you’ll enjoy increased foot traffic.

14. Streamline Payment Processes 

The global mobile payment market is projected to reach $18.84 trillion by 2030. And QR codes are crucial in facilitating mobile payments! 

How? Several businesses are using QR codes to give quick payment options instead of cash and change, or asking for card swipes. People are able to go cashless and cardless with the introduction of QR code payments.

They provide customers with a seamless and efficient way to complete transactions with just a few taps on their smartphones. This is not only easy for the customers but businesses are equally getting benefit from it. 

This secure, fast, and convenient payment method boosts sales and enhances customer satisfaction while reducing wait times in stores and restaurants.

Best QR Code Generators

1. Uniqode 

Uniqode’s QR code generator has earned the trust of brands such as Puma, Revlon and Marriott. Offering more than 116 million scans of its code, Uniqode provides a robust and user-friendly method for creating customized QR codes that enhance brand-specific digital experiences. 

2. QR Code Generator 

QR Code Generator is a user-friendly website that fills first-time users with free information and tricks. Advanced features are available through trial subscriptions, including dynamic QR code generation and data analysis within the dashboard. 

3. QR Code Monkey 

QR Code Monkey is a free online QR code generator that allows you to create high-quality QR codes with various features. You can create QR codes that link to websites, text, phone numbers, email addresses, and more. Also, you can add a logo to your QR code, customize the color and size, and choose the output format. 

4. GoQR 

goQR.me is a simple tool with real-time QR previews and a user-friendly interface. It supports multiple QR types like URLs, custom texts, contacts, and locations. 

You can embed QR codes on your site and add custom logos. Besides, it provides printing support and effortless integration with Zazzle for merchandise printing. 

5. QR Stuff 

QR Stuff is a versatile online platform that allows users to generate, edit and use QR codes. It supports various QR codes, from URL-based to text messages and images. The platform also contains an extensive library with over 10,000 ready-to-use QR code designs for users to customize and use on their projects. 

QR Code Example: Brands Stories You Should Know

1. Coinbase

Coinbase splashed during the Super Bowl with an attention-grabbing QR code ad. 

Quick-witted viewers who scanned the code with their smartphones were led to Coinbase’s cryptocurrency exchange website, where they were promised $15 worth of Bitcoin for signing up. This innovative tactic harnessed curiosity and cost-effectiveness, driving significant traffic. 

2. Brown Brothers

Brown Brothers, a wine company, teamed up with Cellr, a customer engagement platform, to create a unique Prosecco Rose gifting experience. Every bottle carried a Cellr QR code, allowing consumers to upload personalized virtual messages, photos, or videos. 

Recipients could then scan the QR code to access these heartfelt messages, turning each bottle into a digitally immersive and memorable gift. 

This initiative showcases how QR codes can enhance consumer engagement and create a more personalized connection.

3. Innocent Bystander

Innocent Bystander introduced a social game, “Who of Us,” accessible via a QR code on their wine bottles. 

Friends could anonymously nominate each other through quick-fire questions and scenarios, determining who was the most innocent or wicked. 

This creative approach transformed wine consumption into an interactive and fun activity, illustrating QR codes’ potential to enhance product engagement and social interaction.

Parting Thoughts 

That’s all for today. The future of QR codes looks bright as more companies explore the potential of this innovative technology in new ways. 

With its unique blend of convenience and flexibility, it’s clear why businesses are turning to QR code solutions to bring interactive content into their marketing game. 

If you also want to create interactive experiences for your users, Outgrow is the perfect tool for you. Sign up here for a 7-day free trial and start leveraging the power of QR codes for your business today!

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