What is a QR Code, and How to Scan a QR Code? 

QR (quick response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store and convey various types of data. When a smartphone scans a QR code, it typically takes the user to a specific website, landing page, or app. 

Top QR Code Generators

When creating QR codes, having the proper generator is crucial to meeting your business needs. To help, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the strengths and weaknesses of the industry-leading QR code generators. 
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Important considerations include: 

• QR code types 
• Customization options
• Tracking and analytics
• Built-in QR code landing pages 

Get started with Digiphy's QR code generator

History of QR Code Scanners

QR codes were first developed in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company for supply chain and manufacturing processes. While popular in Asia for use in marketing and advertising, it was only after the COVID-19 pandemic that the black-and-white code started gaining steam in America. 

QR Code Types

There are various types of QR codes, each with specific functionalities. In our blog post, "8 QR code types: What are they & when to use each type," we provide a comprehensive overview of each code's strengths and weaknesses as well as when best to use each type. 

QR Code Marketing Best Practices

Depending on your goals, there are many ways to use and implement QR codes for your marketing needs. Here are a few tips:

• Don't link to your homepage: It's an ineffective strategy. Instead, create compelling, contextual experiences for your customers that present unique content to every scan moment and track engagement — like Digiphy pages. 
• Enhance product packaging: Embed dynamic QR codes on product packaging so consumers can instantly access product information beyond the label, exclusive discounts, instructional videos, customer reviews, and more.
• QR event marketing: Print dynamic QR codes on event flyers, stickers, hang tags, catalogs, and every asset to collect leads, drive engagement, and interact with customers after the event. 
• Maintain consistency: Match the QR code's color and style to your brand. You can also add your company logo to the center for a consistent off and online experience. 

QR Code Examples & Marketing Campaigns 

Not sure where to start? Here’s some inspiration. The brands below use QR codes to gain valuable insights. We've curated a collection of real-world QR code examples across multiple industries to inspire your marketing strategies. See how these businesses effectively incorporate QR codes into their marketing campaigns to engage customers and drive conversions.
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Take a look at these examples:

• Patagonia
• Corky's BBQ 
• Shake Shack 
• IKEA
• Santigold

How can different industries utilize QR codes? 

• Beauty & Personal Care: Share makeup tutorial videos, skincare tips, and influencer content while tracking customer interactions.
• Food & beverage: Communicate nutritional facts, recipes, and coupons to keep consumers engaged.
• Amazon sellers: Add QR codes across products, packaging inserts, and business cards to capture customer emails, encourage consumer reviews, and showcase other products in your business.
• Cannabis: Communicate product uses, dosing, and ingredient origins to promote traceability. Include your COA (Certificate of Analysis) PDF to maintain compliance while maximizing the engagement for marketing and sales. 
• QR Code Business Cards: Instantly share contact information, website links, sell sheets, and social media profiles to make connecting with you easy and enable sales.

Unleash the Power of QR Codes in Your Marketing Initiatives

QR codes are a powerful marketing tool to share useful, relevant content with customers to drive traffic, collect leads, boost sales, and increase engagement — a win-win for brands and consumers. 

Craft dynamic QR-connected contextually relevant landing pages for compelling marketing campaigns you can update as much as needed without reprinting the physical asset. Follow the tips in this guide to build an effective QR-marketing strategy to reach your target audience, maximize engagement, and achieve your business goals.