As our society becomes more and more digitally centric, you’ve likely noticed an increase in how often QR codes are popping up. QR codes are scannable, two-dimensional bar codes that can store URLs or other information and are easily accessible by smart phone cameras. While QR codes have been around for 30 years, their global adoption has only just recently exploded, driven in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes were a critical part of many organizations’ emergency response protocols as they sought to ensure customer safety and peace of mind through contactless options.
And, their use shows no signs of slowing down. So far in 2024, the use of QR codes has quadrupled, reaching 26.95 million scans. The United States is leading the way with a total of 2,880,960 million scans. QR codes are so popular that the overwhelming majority of smart phones now include built-in QR scanners (91 percent of iOS devices and 86 percent of Android devices)1, so incorporating them into your marketing program is a smart move.
And, consumers are embracing the QR code trend. Approximately 80 percent of U.S. consumers say they trust QR codes, and the majority believe they will be part of how they use their phones permanently. Forty percent of consumers will use QR codes for contactless purchases1, and 60 percent will scan them for additional information.2
So, how can you incorporate QR codes into your marketing mix? The good news is they can easily be added onto many of your existing tactics. Consider the following possibilities:
- Provide on-the-go bill pay options. Adding a QR code to a paper bill is a simple way to provide customer choice, enabling those who prefer digital options to easily access their account and make payments.
- Simplify the sales funnel. Direct mail is a great tool to drive customer actions, as more than half of consumers will visit a website or go to a store to make a purchase after receiving a direct mail piece.3 Make that step easy for customers by giving them a QR code that takes them to your website or provides a store address.
- Encourage customer connection. A QR code is a great way to offer additional data without adding clutter to a design. Add them to business cards, brochures, print advertisements and other kinds of promotional materials to create an offline to online connection and provide an easy way for customers to learn more about your company or connect with you on social media.
As you can see, the possibilities for QR codes are endless, and we’d love to help you tap into them. At Matrix, we take a digital-first approach to customer communications, using technologies such as QR codes to engage customers and drive business results. By keeping digital strategies at the core of comprehensive, integrated campaigns, Matrix improves your business efficiencies and maximizes your targeted growth.
Contact us today to get started.
1 55+ QR Code Usage Statistics 2024: Latest Facts and Insights
