Does marketing with QR codes really work?

QR codes can be found on just about anything these days.  Although they were invented in Japan years ago, 1994 to be exact, recently, in the United States, a large number of businesses have been using QR codes for marketing and education purposes.   Here on the Mobile Site Link Exchange, where we provide innovative mobile solutions, have been using QR codes for about three years.  I have had success when I add QR codes to my marketing materials. I am going to share my secret on how I accomplished this in just a moment. I will share some things with you right now on some factors that don't make a QR code marketing campaign successful. Here are some common mistakes I have seen from some failed QR code marketing attempts:

Marketers create beautifully designed outdoor signage, and make the QR code too small to be noticed or scanned.


Advertisers put QR codes on direct mail pieces, but fail to say what it is or how to use it.

Advertisers place QR codes on materials, but do not provide an incentive for users to scan it.

QR codes are placed on business cards, flyers, etc. and they are leading users to non mobile friendly landing pages.

Tips for a successful QR code marketing campaign

If you have not yet started using QR codes for marketing or have tried using them but without success, read on for some tips for a QR code marketing campaign with measurable results.

What makes a QR code campaign a success?
This depends on what success means to you and the goals you have set for your campaign.

Here are some tips that can be used for marketers that are new to using QR codes:

Define goals

Provide an incentive for scanning your QR code

Make QR code large enough that it catches the attention of readers

Don't assume everyone knows what a QR code is. Provide a line of instruction on your materials...or encourage users to go to your website and provide a landing page with a few details on QR codes and how to scan them. Your customers will appreciate the help and it will have a positive impact in your campaign.

Measuring Results

Want to know how your QR code marketing is doing? Measuring QR code scans is a way that allows you to see how your campaign is moving along.





Create a mobile web page using this link:

Click here to create mobile landing page (yep...it's free!)

Enter all of the details about your business. Then you will immediately receive your QR code via e-mail. Place this mobile barcode in various items such as business cards, flyers and any print advertisements.

After about a week, log in at Mobile Site Link Exchange with your phone or computer and check your stats.

If you used your QR code with the tips mentioned above, you will see that people are scanning your QR code!

You will see that marketing with QR codes can work, and mixing a little creativity and incentives really help to move things along in the right direction.

Good luck with your QR code marketing!

Below are some additional resources you can use as you begin marketing with QR codes.

How to scan QR codes with Samsung Galaxy Tab