QR codes are reshaping the brand-consumer relationship. The technology creates new communication channels to help brands engage directly with their target audience introducing many advantages:

• Increase customer engagement: QR codes encourage meaningful engagement. Customers can access information, watch videos, or take relevant actions to foster memorable and useful brand experiences.
• Capture valuable data: Brands can gather key customer data using QR codes. Brands can then use this information to understand better customer needs and preferences, which can lead to more effective marketing campaigns.
• Drive consumer action: By giving customers access to discounts, coupons, and other offers, brands can reach new audiences and encourage repeat purchases, increasing sales and other meaningful actions - customer feedback and reviews, email opt-ins, social follows and shares, and more.

Seven QR Code Best Practices to Follow

Before integrating QR codes into your current marketing efforts, follow our list of best practices to ensure your brand gets the most out of your QR strategy.

1. Add a Clear Call-to-Action

A QR code alone is not engaging. Customers want to know why they should scan your code and what they will get in return. Include a clear and concise call to action and tell people what you want them to do when they scan the QR code. For example, ask them to learn more about your product, watch a video, or sign up for your email list in exchange for a coupon or discount.

Incorporating promotional language like "Free Offer," "Scan to Win," or "Scan for Offer" can significantly increase engagement.

2. Incorporate Your QR Code into the Overall Design

Make the QR code visually appealing by blending it into your packaging or signage design. Customize the code's color or add your logo to match your branding and build customer trust.

The QR code shouldn't look out of place. Design it so the QR code looks natural on the packaging to increase the chances that people will scan it.

Additionally, QR code art is becoming increasingly popular because it's eye-catching. However, art QR codes are only successful when used appropriately and in the right location. We've compiled a list of steps to follow to get started using QR code artwork.

3. Get the Size Right

Scannability is the most essential aspect of a QR code. If a customer can't scan it, the code is useless. Ensure that your QR code is large enough to be scanned easily by smartphones.

We recommend an inch square size but maintain a 10:1 scan distance-to-size ratio. Typically larger QR codes are more likely to be scanned.

‍

4. Properly Place the QR Code

Don't hide the QR code. Make sure it is visible and located somewhere it is easy to scan. For packaging, the front is the easiest to see. If you want to place it in-store, ensure the QR code is at eye level to capture your audience's attention.

5. Incorporate a Single Action For Each QR Code

Avoid overwhelming users with too many actions for them to take. Each QR code scan should focus on a single action, optimizing for customer engagement and conversions.

If a customer lands on a Storyline page or other website jam-packed with options, it can cause analysis paralysis, and users might leave the page without engaging with your brand.

6. Share Relevant, Helpful Information

Guarantee your QR codes are always up-to-date with the latest information and offers.

It's incredibly frustrating for a customer to scan a QR code and receive an expired coupon or irrelevant information. For example, directing users to a video on how to make a new recipe from a shelf-talker in a store does not make sense. Instead, put it on the food packaging for customers to scan when making dinner.

7. Choose the Ideal QR Code Type for Your Needs

There are two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. Static QR codes contain fixed information typically used for one-time purposes, such as Wi-Fi login or contact details. In contrast, dynamic QR codes enable real-time updating and editing, such as target URL, new content, and analytics tracking, without reprinting the QR code.

Maximize Your Marketing Efforts using Digiphy QR codes & Storyline Pages

Digiphy makes it easy for brands to activate their packaging and physical marketing assets. Every Digiphy QR code is dynamic and connects to a URL or a rich contextual experience (called "Storylines") that are easily updated and revised.

The biggest difference between a Digiphy Storyline page versus a traditional website is that Storylines are conversion-optimized pages with highly contextual content targeted to the point of scan. Each Storyline provides a direct communication channel for brands to engage with consumers no matter where they are.

Storylines make it easy for brands to share useful and engaging information such as recipes, reviews, tutorials, brand values, videos, and offers. You can integrate video and music embeds. They provide a seamless way for customers to take action with just one click. The Digiphy no-code platform helps brands reduce development costs and accelerate time to market cost-effectively and highly efficiently.

If your brand is looking for a way to connect with your customers across platforms that is more direct and engaging, QR codes are a great option. Digiphy QR-linked Storylines are reshaping the brand-consumer relationship to increase customer engagement, gather data and grow sales.

‍