Why your business needs QR codes

Small businesses need creative ways to connect with their customers now more than ever. Communication is now being served virtually.

So what’s a small business supposed to do? Try Quick Response (QR) codes. These square-shaped symbols are a fast, easy and effective way to relay various messages. They are used to play videos, send discounts, provide business information, etc.

These codes have come a long way since their initial launch in the early 2000s. Safety is a top priority for all sorts of businesses; these codes are coming back. What’s has changed? It’s no longer needed to download a separate app to scan them. Using your phone’s camera, position over the code, and that’s it — the info you associated with your QR code automatically pops up. Also, they are more accessible than ever to create. There are many free apps to choose from; all you have to do is add your information, and you’ll be good to go.

What are QR codes all about? Here are the reasons why your business needs one.

Providing a safe, contactless payment method.

Show that your business is adaptable and tech-savvy.

Provide information (without taking up unnecessary space).

Boost your social media following.

Easy to track.

Cost-effective.

Being touchless has been the way of life for the last year. Consumers are cautious when payments this is a great touch-free solution that will make you feel safe to use.

As a business owner, all you have to do is set up a QR code that accepts payments. Your customers use their smartphone to scan your code, then use their PayPal account. Codes should be placed where transactions usually occur, for instance, around the restaurant tables, cash registers, or any check-out section. Talking about restaurants, instead of using menus that thousands of people have touched, they can print the codes and place them on the table smartphone camera is used, then the pop-up menu appears, they click on it, and off they go and see the menu. It also allows the consumer to zoom in, taking away from using reading glasses to read the menu.

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How many times have you taken someone’s business card and misplaced it? Now you can take their card and quickly scan the QR code and add it to your contacts immediately, then put the card away, and the difference now is that their contact information is on your phone within seconds. Printing QR codes are about to be more accessible than ever. Vistaprint is partnering with PayPal starting January 2021, create and print a PayPal-activated QR code on some of your favorite printed marketing materials (like business cards and window decals).

They show you’re adaptable and tech-savvy.

According to JP Morgan Chase, younger consumers (aged 35 and under) account for the most business spending. And the primary users of QR codes? Is that the same 35-and-under crowd? It’s a no-brainer to modify your business to appeal to this tech-savvy audience. Also, using new technology shows you’re willing to keep up with the times. Consumers appreciate companies that go that extra mile and invest in trends and technology that make their lives easier and safer.

Provide information (without taking up extra space).

Living in the pandemic has been ever-changing; businesses are, too. The list is unending: new opening hours, new social distancing and mask policies, new delivery and take-away processes. This is a great way to quickly update your customers on further updates. Add a code to your existing postcards, banners, or other marketing materials to get your message across with the click of a button.

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Most of our products, like postcards, business cards, stickers, and flyers, have room for QR codes built right into the templates. We’ve made it easy for you to upload and go.

They can boost your social media following.

Were you looking to amp up your social media following? QR codes can help with that. Code generators can link to all of your social media pages, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and Pinterest; customers can easily follow you on whatever platforms work for them. New followers come creating new opportunities for engagement and conversation, always a win for business owners!

Tracking is easy.

The beauty of QR codes is that they provide you with instantaneous data, getting real-time statistics with most QR code tracking features. Providing you to collect big-picture information, such as the number of people that scanned your code, and more granular data, like geographic location, date, time, and what device or operating system was used. Finally, when scanning your code, you can ask your customers for specific information (like their email address or phone number). Having this data at your fingertips allows you to make live updates to improve your QR code’s success or target specific customers. For example, if your information shows that many people from one particular store or town scanned your QR code, you may consider offering them a discount.

They are making it cost-effective.

Creating a QR code won’t be one of the added expenses the past year has brought on. There are many free code generators, like QRCode Monkey, QR Code Generator, and Shopify. Dynamic QR codes (which allow you to easily edit and track on the back end) can have a small amount of cost associated with the minimal, but it’s worth it for the added features you get. Opting for a monthly subscription service can save you time.

Recapping:

Why should we have a QR Code

?Contactless payments

Showing that you’re tech-savvy

Easily provide information

Boost social media followers

Track customer data

Save money on marketing