Our Blog: where do you stand?

Four Ways to Use QR Codes in B2B Marketing

By: Beth Minnigerode | 08/30/2011

About 28% of all smartphone users have downloaded apps to read QR codes. However, a majority of that growth has been among the tech savvy within the consumer products world, thanks to coupon and contest offers. There certainly are useful applications of QR codes in the business to business world, but adoption has been slower with this audience.

Those using smartphones for business purposes probably don't have a lot of time, or patience, to read through detailed information on their tiny screens. So, use QR codes to support quick and easy calls-to-action. Here are some examples:

1. Sharing Contact Information: The NotixTech blog suggests using a QR code on the back of a business card to allow someone you meet to add your contact info into their phone in a matter of seconds. It saves the hassle of someone manually typing it in.
2. Promoting Events/Webinars: If you have an event you want to promote, you can create a QR code linking them directly to the registration page for the event.  
3. Building LinkedIn/Twitter/Facebook Connections: Create a QR code that takes users to your LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter page where they can quickly connect with you. Thanks to Jay Baer for the helpful reminder that Facebook tabs don't work in mobile, only the wall. 
4.  Increasing Use of Newsletters, Demos and Brochures: Create a QR code that takes users directly to a page where they can sign up to receive these items via e-mail or even direct mail (which I hear is making a comeback due to e-mail overload).

Of course, before jumping right into using QR codes, you need to consider your audience. Are they big users of smartphones for work purposes? If not, they won't use QR codes for that purpose.  

And, to get up-to-date statistics on the growing use of QR codes, check out the YouScan.me blog.

Posted in Digital Communications