In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, small businesses are continually seeking innovative ways to engage customers, boost revenue, and streamline operations. Enter QR codes – the versatile, pixelated wonders that have gained prominence in recent years.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how QR codes are being used for various brands and how it is helping businesses.
A Brief History of QR codes: QR codes, or Quick Response codes, were born in Japan in the mid-1990s through Denso Wave, a Japanese subsidiary. Originally, they were developed for efficient part tracking in the automotive industry, optimizing inventory management during manufacturing. Their rapid adoption was due to their data-rich storage and quick scanning abilities, leading QR codes to expand beyond industrial use into marketing, advertising, mobile payments, and various other domains, revolutionizing digital information access and interaction.
Use cases:
The trend towards anti-counterfeit packaging design.
Businesses annually invest billions in the fight against counterfeits, but results often fall short, leading to substantial global sales losses. The solution? QR code-based counterfeit identification via smartphones. This method involves unique QR codes on product tags and packaging, holding vital info like model/serial numbers and manufacturing details. End-users can scan these codes for authenticity confirmation. Backed by ERP systems, this ensures traceability throughout the distribution chain. Innovators like Neuro Tags and Get deploy AI and QR codes to combat fakes, allowing customers to independently verify product information at any point of sale via dynamic QR code generation.
Eco-friendly and sustainable product packaging.
Utilize packaging for long-term sustainability. Sustainable packaging conserves natural resources, ensuring prolonged product creation. The Global Sustainability Index Institute reports a doubling of sustainability goals among top companies due to stakeholder interest and corporate benefits. QR code technology aids sustainable packaging, enabling innovative solutions like QR-based PDF manuals. This reduces paper waste, lowers costs, and enhances accessibility. Embracing PDF QR codes demonstrates social responsibility, building a positive reputation and expanding customer reach over time.
Story-driven product packaging trend
Customers crave your story, easily accessible via QR codes on your packaging. Create interactive, entertaining experiences with video QR codes. Pepsi, for example, enhances its limited-edition products with QR codes and NFC tags, directing consumers to exclusive behind-the-scenes content and augmented reality filters.
The trend of minimalist product packaging.
Minimalism in packaging is a current trend. Simplifying product design makes a lasting impression amid an era of vibrant packaging. QR codes enable minimalism while offering in-depth product info. Use word, PDF, or website QR codes for a clean, informative look.
Transform your standard packaging into an interactive experience.
Using QR on products like Lays, Kurkure, and Doritos have benefited the consumer brand by simplifying access to the Google Pay cashback game in partnership with Pepsi. Customers can effortlessly engage with the game by scanning QR code on product packaging, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty. This collaborative approach merges the digital reach of Google Pay with physical products, expanding brand exposure and enabling data collection for more effective marketing strategies.
Utilize product packaging to transition offline commerce to online.
During the pandemic, online grocery shopping saw significant growth, with 43% of shoppers switching to digital options, up from 24% two years earlier. Key reasons cited include COVID-19 concerns (62%), convenience (62%), and time savings (42%). Predictions indicate online grocery will reach 21.5% of total U.S. grocery sales by 2025, doubling its current market share. Globally, Statista reports that the number of online buyers is set to rise to 2.14 billion in 2021, up from 1.66 billion in 2016. In this contactless era, consider introducing in-store QR codes for a touch-free shopping experience.
Why is it necessary to incorporate QR code in your business?
Enhancing Customer Engagement: Link codes to food photos and reviews, boosting interaction.
Streamlining Purchases: Quick, contactless transactions improve convenience and sales.
Promoting Exclusive Offers: QRs lead to promos, driving repeat business.
Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds: QRs extend online presence via packaging links.
Data Collection and Analytics: QRs offer insights on customer behavior for targeted marketing.
Cost-Efficiency: These codes are budget-friendly with high ROI potential.
In today’s digital landscape, businesses can broaden their audience by embracing QR codes for seamless and convenient engagement. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with a wider customer base.
Print with Printo and Incorporate QR technology in all your business prints today!
