In today’s day and age, everything is about convenience. Ease in performing a task with minimal effort and in the shortest time possible. Modern technology has made every process fast, efficient, and less trying. Data collection is no exception to this progress. Using QR code scanning technology, companies can collect customer data quickly without having to do much.

What Is A QR Code?

A Quick Response (QR) code is a visual label consisting of a two-dimensional barcode, capable of being read by a machine. The barcode contains information about the item it is attached to, often a URL to a webpage. But it can be attached to almost anything. It is typically scanned through mobile phone cameras or through external barcode readers. These codes have become extremely popular because they act as a medium between the physical and the digital world. They remove unnecessary steps when obtaining information. According to eMarketer, about 75.8 million people scanned QR codes using their smartphones in 2021. According to Juniper Research, the number of QR code-based payment users is expected to increase by 204% in the next five years in the US. 

How Safe Are QR Codes?

A common misconception about QR codes is that they threaten user privacy and compromise the safety of digital devices. That they somehow track users and login with their personal information after being scanned. None of this is true. These codes are not capable of collecting personally identifiable data. They are essentially safe and cannot get hacked.

The concern lies with where the user gets directed after scanning. Think of it when you are browsing the internet. You are always at risk of being exposed to a virus after clicking a shady link. The same goes for QR codes. Hackers can attach dangerous fake websites to these codes. They then place them in public, where unsuspecting users are targeted and asked to reveal personal information. People also get tricked into revealing login credentials, asked to enter their credit card information, or allow the tracking of their geolocation.

Can QR Codes Collect Personal Information?

Software that generates QR codes cannot obtain a user’s personal information. The data it does collect is limited to details such as the number of unique scans, time stamps, the operating system of the mobile phone (Andriod or IOS), location of the scan, etc.

However, QR codes do get deployed by companies to collect valuable first-party data. First-party data is information collected directly from consumers by organizations themselves. It is beneficial because it is a tool that gives companies a competitive advantage over their peers. It helps them understand consumer behavior and cater to individual customers. First-party data comprises the number of website visits, purchase history, preferences, social media engagement analytics, etc. 

Why Is Consumer Data So Important?

Gathering information from customers helps companies improve their marketing approach. It offers an understanding of the target market and enables the positioning of products and services. It allows businesses to make better decisions in real time to improve the performance of their marketing campaigns and the quality of their products/services.

Standard consumer data collection practices tend to be time-consuming, costly, and often do not reach the target audiences. They require users to follow a hundred instructions before they end up at the target survey/ questionnaire form. Therefore, companies think of data collection as a tiring process. But worry no more! Because of their ability to be slapped onto any surface or item, QR codes are an excellent medium for turning people to your organization’s chosen data collection method.

What Can a QR Code Do For Businesses?

Placing a QR code on your product packaging can increase the chances of a customer buying your product. So companies no longer have to depend on detailed sales pitches to engage people interested in buying their products. You can optimize your product packaging and convey your brand story without overcrowding the package design. You can also save money on printing costs and squeeze a large amount of content into tiny webpage URLs enabled through a QR code’s large storage capacity. 

Kind of Data That Can Be Captured Using QR Codes

Most people think of web URLs when asked about the application of QR codes. But this technology isn’t only limited to displaying particular web pages. All sorts of data can be collected, managed, and displayed such as:

1. Digital Forms: 

QR codes have nearly eliminated the use of pen and paper in forming and filling out forms. Digital surveys are the standard now. Just create a form that caters to your needs, attach it to a QR code, and go contactless! It is quick. It is efficient, and the user can scan on the go without as much as having to download a mobile app. The applications are endless. You can create:

• Digital Menus
• Customer Feedback Forms
• Waiver Forms
• Digital Receipts
• Registration Forms
•  Market Research Surveys

2. Phone Numbers, Email, and SMS:

Most people struggle with finding contact information for businesses they want to connect with in a certain way. Again, with these codes, the annoyance of manually searching and typing in things is gone. Connect a phone number as the target action, and a phone call gets triggered to the desired destination. Similarly, users can receive SMS on their mobile phones and customize emails whose title, body, and recipients are pre-defined. 

3. Geolocation:

Scanning such a QR code will open up the coordinates of a specified location on the user’s preferred map application. Organizations can use this application to their benefit by making the site of their offices, outlets, or factories easily accessible.

4. vCards:

A vCard is an electronic business card. It saves companies the cost of printing and distributing physical business cards. Those tend to be overcrowded with details and get easily lost. In digital business cards, companies can provide as much information and attach social media platform links. An additional feature allows users to save the company contact details automatically upon scanning the QR code.

How Do I Create A QR Code?

Unitag has a simple five-step process for QR code creation. They are fully customizable and have an endless number of scans and a never-ending validity. 

Step 1: Select a QR Code Type and Action 

From the Unitag QR code application select the create a QR code option. Then you must specify the code type (static, dynamic, or dynamic pro) and select the action (URL, phone number, SMS, email, etc.) as per your needs in the Type box. 

Step 2: Register and Verify Your Content 

Register your credentials and verify your content with our Qr code generator.

Step 3: Visual Customization

Unitag provides a wide array of visual customization options. Choices include colour, style, and logo design.

Step 4: Save and Publish

Click the save and publish button when you are done customizing. A new window appears where you must name your code and then click publish. 

Step 5: Download 

You will be redirected to the information page after the QR code is published. From the left menu, click download. From the new window, you have the option of downloading either a web-optimized or print-optimized code. Select one and, your code will be downloaded to your device.