Did you know that QR codes can be easily printed on different mediums and scanned by anyone with a smartphone camera and a QR code reader app? Whether you’re promoting your business, event or product, printing QR codes is an effective marketing strategy. But before you hit print, here are some things to keep in mind:
By following these tips, you can ensure that your QR codes are effective and easy to scan, helping you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. So go ahead, print away!
QR codes on printed materials
QR codes have been around for quite some time now, and they remain a hot topic in the tech world. These codes are especially useful in print media, where they can be printed on materials such as posters, brochures, and banners. Despite people’s skepticism whether QR codes would work when printed, the answer is yes – QR codes do work when printed on paper.
How QR codes work on paper
The way QR codes work on paper is simple – when an image of the code is scanned by a smartphone camera, the smartphone’s QR code reader decodes the image to reveal the information stored in the code. QR codes on printed mediums function just like those on digital mediums.
QR codes are bitmap images that contain data in the form of squares. Each square can be in one of two states, black or white. The position and arrangement of the squares determine the data contained in the code. The scanner in a user’s smartphone camera recognizes the pattern of the squares and decodes the code to reveal the message.
Tips for printing readable QR codes
When it comes to printing QR codes, there are a few tips to ensure that they are readable and can easily be scanned. Here are some things to consider:
- Ensure that the QR code image is of high quality and properly sized.
- Ensure that the QR code has enough contrast with the background.
- Place the QR code in a location that can be easily scanned. Avoid placing it in a corner or folding the print material over the code.
- Encourage users to scan the QR code by providing an incentive or clear call to action.
Best practices for using QR codes on printed materials
QR codes can be an effective tool for print media campaigns, but only if used correctly. Here are some best practices to consider when using QR codes on printed materials:
- Ensure that the message contained in the QR code is relevant and valuable to your target audience.
- Provide clear instructions on how to scan the QR code and what to expect.
- Test your QR code before distributing it. Ensure that it is readable and is decoding the correct data.
- Consider the location and context of the QR code on the printed material. Will the code be in a high-traffic area?
Benefits of printing QR codes
Printing QR codes on materials can have many benefits, including:
- Increased engagement with your target audience. QR codes can pique the interest of consumers and encourage them to interact with your advertising materials;
- Tracking and analytics. QR codes can provide metrics on how many times the code has been scanned, which can provide insights into the effectiveness of your print campaigns;
- Cost effective. QR codes are cost-effective when compared to other marketing techniques and can be easily incorporated into existing print media campaigns.
Examples of successful QR code campaigns on printed materials
There have been many successful QR code campaigns in print media over the years. The following are some notable examples:
- Tesco Korea used QR codes on a subway platform to allow customers to purchase groceries while waiting for their train. The campaign saw a 130% increase in online sales;
- Calvin Klein put QR codes on in-store display posters. Scanning the code would take users to a page where they could purchase the clothing featured in the poster. The campaign saw an increase in online sales and a boost in in-store visits.
In conclusion, QR codes can be an effective tool when used on printed materials such as posters or brochures. As long as they are correctly designed and carefully placed, QR codes can improve consumer engagement, provide tracking data, and reduce the overall cost of advertising campaigns.