If you’re not already making use of Quick Response (QR) codes in your mobile marketing campaign, it’s time to get on board. QR code marketing is becoming more and more popular as businesses realize how easy it is to incorporate this form of advertising into their existing campaigns.
In fact, according to a recent study, 98% of consumers are interested in learning more about a brand by using their smartphone to scan a QR code. Do you want to make sure you’re creating the most effective QR code possible? Let’s take a look at 13 essential features that any mobile marketing campaign should include:
1: Dynamic
Dynamic QR codes are the next evolution of QR code technology. They have far more functionality than static ones and can be updated with new content, information and offers. For example, if you have a company website or social media page, dynamic QR codes can be updated with new links that link to these pages.
Dynamic QR codes also allow you to add different types of content such as coupons or discount offers directly into the image itself rather than having users scan their phone across it before getting access to any information on your mobile campaign.
Dynamic QR code features are useful for marketers who want more control over their marketing campaigns or those who want their advertisements to be interactive in some way or another.
2: URL Shortener
A shortened URL is a helpful feature to have, especially if you’re using URLs in your marketing campaigns. Here’s why:
- Shortened URLs are easier to share. This means that people will be more likely to click on them, since they’re easier for people who don’t know the full URL of your content or website.
- They’re less likely to be cut off. The last thing you want is for someone to share your shortened URL with their friends/family members only for it not to work because of a faulty link or typo!
- They’re better for tracking analytics and statistics in general, since they’ll report back any clicks on them by themselves. No need for additional software like Google Analytics or Yahoo Web Analytics anymore! It makes all things related specifically about clicks much easier than before.
3: Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free tool that tracks your campaign’s performance. You can use it to see how many people viewed your QR code and then clicked on it, or how many people scanned the code in the store and then bought something.
Google Analytics also tells you which channels are working best for you (Facebook ads, email campaigns, etc.) so you can focus on those channels going forward. You’ll know whether users found your ad by searching online or through social media or other methods like word of mouth.
This information will help guide future marketing efforts so you’ll be using the right media for each campaign and bringing in more viewers than before!
4: Device-Based Redirection
This QR code feature is a device-based redirect. This feature is essential for any mobile marketing campaign, as it will allow you to redirect the user to a mobile-friendly website once they scan the code.
The best part? It doesn’t require any additional work on your end! When users scan a QR code using their iOS or Android device, Google automatically recognizes the type of phone they are using and redirects them accordingly.
You can choose between two different types of redirection:
- Redirecting them to your app store page if they have an app installed
- Redirecting them to your mobile website if they don’t have an app installed
5: Scan Analytics
While you can use a QR code scanner to track the number of times your code has been scanned, there are several other ways to track your campaign:
- Track where people are scanning the code. Do they scan it while they’re in the office, or on their commute home? Where are they coming from?
- Track what people do after they scan it. Are they opening an app or website right away, or is there a delay before taking action? If so, what kind of action does this prompt them to take (e.g., making a purchase)?
- Track how many times your ad was scanned. This could help inform whether you need to change its design or message. For example, if most people only scan the ad once versus twice before moving on with their day—and that doesn’t result in any conversions—then perhaps you should rethink how you advertise yourself and make changes accordingly!
6: Social Media Sharing Functions
Sharing functions are essential for any mobile marketing campaign. The ability to share your QR code on social media platforms allows you to engage with your target audience, and also takes the load off of your own marketing efforts.
It allows users to easily connect with you, and provides a quick way for them to recommend or share your product or service. Sharing data can be tracked through third-party analytics software, allowing you to see which campaigns were successful and which weren’t.
7: Branded QR Codes
Custom QR codes are a great way to get your brand out there, and they can be used to link to any of your business’ websites, social media pages and email lists. You can also include promotions or coupons that customers can access via the custom QR code.
Customers who scan these codes will be taken directly to the page where they’re intended to go—so it makes sense that you’d want them doing so as quickly and easily as possible. This is why it’s important that your custom QR codes are easy for users to scan with their devices (and not just because you’ll be losing potential clients if they don’t).
8: Expiration Dates
Expiration dates are a great QR feature to have for two reasons: security and branding. While the ability to set an expiration date may seem like it would only benefit your company, keep in mind that it’s also essential for your customers’ protection.
This is because people tend to be more likely to enter their credit card information or other private details on a website if they think they’re dealing with a legitimate business. Your expiration date can help with this assurance by protecting against fraudsters who use fake URLs in order to trick consumers into giving away personal data.
As such, it’s smart practice to have an expiration date on your QR code so that anyone who scans it knows what kind of site they’re accessing and whether or not the URL has been verified as valid by someone else (in this case, you).
9: QR Code Editing
QR codes can be edited to include a custom URL, link, image or message. This means that you can design the most effective QR code for your marketing campaign.
For example, if the reader is interested in learning more about a particular product or service and wants to purchase it immediately then adding an “Add to Cart” button on your QR code can increase sales.
10: Custom Domain
Part of the appeal of QR codes is that they are platform independent and can be read by any device, regardless of operating system.
However, there is one limitation: They still rely on a generic top-level domain (TLD) like “.com” or “.org” instead of a custom domain name that matches your brand. That’s why it’s important to use a branded domain with your QR code rather than just any old TLD when you launch your campaign.
It’s an easy way to make sure visitors are able to recognize the link as yours right away and follow it.Keep in mind that you do want something memorable enough so people don’t forget about it, but also short enough so people can type it easily if needed!
11: QR Codes in Different Shapes
QR codes come in a variety of shapes, including square and circular. Square QR Codes are more popular because they are easier to scan and can have more information encoded into them. However, they can also be difficult to create if you don’t have the right software or tools.
Circular QR Codes are better suited for logos and brands as they can be easily recognized even when distorted or rotated. For example, if you’re advertising your business on the side of a bus with an ad that rotates through multiple images on each side of the vehicle, then it’s better to use a circular QR Code instead of a square one (because people might not notice all four sides).
12: Visual Design Options
When it comes to the visual design of a QR code, there are many options. You can use different colors, shapes, sizes and styles. This is also true for orientation (portrait vs landscape) and length (1-bit or 2-bit). The more you experiment with these features in your campaigns, the better results you’ll get!
13: A Clear Message (Advice)
The point of using a QR code is to get people to follow the link inside it. If the text inside your code is too small or hard to read, then people may not be able to find what they’re looking for when they scan the code. You should always make sure that your content is legible before implementing it into a campaign.
Conclusion
So there you have it. These are the thirteen features every QR Code should have to make sure your audience’s mobile experience is not only great, but also safe and secure.
Once you add these thirteen features, you’ll be able to reach more customers and increase your revenue in no time.
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