Should you use QR codes on the web?

QR codes on the web

Unlocking the potential of QR codes: why they matter on websites

In the world of digital marketing, the general rule often touted is that using QR codes on a website might seem superfluous. After all, why use a link from a print source to a digital one when your audience is already in the digital realm? While this sentiment holds true to an extent, the use of QR codes on websites can indeed serve a purpose, provided it aligns with your marketing strategy and serves the needs of both your audience and your business objectives.

QR codes as avatars: expanding possibilities

One innovative use of QR codes within the digital landscape is employing them as avatars. This approach allows for a swift and convenient link to information that may be constrained or limited by space on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. As long as the QR code avatar is sufficiently sized for easy scanning and the linked destination is mobile-responsive, there’s a compelling case for using QR codes to extend your online reach. If you utilize any business-oriented website to promote your services, linking a QR code to your résumé, a video presentation, or an online portfolio can be a progressive step in engaging potential clients.

QR codes in web-based advertising: a closer look

Now, when it comes to web-based advertising through banner ads, Google Ads, or similar channels, the notion of incorporating QR codes might initially appear redundant. After all, users can typically access additional information by simply clicking on the ad and navigating to the linked source. But here’s a reality check: How often do users actually follow through with that click? How often do you find yourself clicking a link in the midst of reading a page? To address this user behavior, QR codes offer a pragmatic solution. Imagine scanning a QR code and instantly accessing the information you seek, all without leaving the current webpage or risking the perplexing loops that some ads can lead to.

The enigma of QR codes on your website

The most perplexing question, perhaps, revolves around the idea of placing a QR code on your own website. Why establish a link through a QR code, redirecting users to a mobile site when you can readily present all the necessary information right there on your webpage?

Several considerations justify the use of QR codes on your website:

  1. Mobile Bookmarking: QR codes can establish a bookmark on your client’s smartphone, ensuring quick access to your website, which is often more readily available than other devices.
  2. Multimedia Engagement: Incorporating QR codes can enable users to access and share videos, enhancing the interactive aspect of your website.
  3. App Promotion: QR codes can prompt users to download a specialized app, fostering customer loyalty and engagement.
  4. Data Collection: QR codes can serve as an interactive call-to-action, enabling data collection for various purposes.
  5. Email Marketing: Consider using QR codes as opt-ins for email marketing, streamlining the process of growing your subscriber list.

QR codes are versatile tools with applications across various domains, from print to digital. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your ability to envision innovative uses that align with your goals. Whether in the realms of print or digital, QR codes continue to be a dynamic asset in the marketer’s toolkit, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.