There was a time when QR codes weren’t even acknowledged by your average joe, let alone used in everyday life.
But then came the pandemic and with it, a newfound appreciation for the conveniences QR tech can offer. And suddenly, this decades-old invention — once considered a passing fad — is seeing a dramatic rise in popularity among consumers.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see people using QR codes to make payments, look up product information, and even access menus at restaurants.
What’s more, QR codes are also becoming increasingly popular on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have already rolled out features that allow users to create their own unique QR codes.
This renewed interest in QR tech presents a unique opportunity for businesses to integrate them into their social media strategy and connect with their audience in a new way.
Read on to find out how you can use QR codes to take your social media marketing game to the next level.
How to use QR codes in social media marketing?
When used correctly, QR codes can be a powerful tool to help you reach your social media marketing goals. Here are some ways of the many ways in which you can incorporate QR codes in your social media strategy:
Make QR codes a one-stop location for all your social media pages
Unless they absolutely loved their experience with your business, customers are unlikely to go out of their way to open their social media apps, look up your business, and like or follow your page.
This is where QR codes come in handy. You can generate codes that, when scanned, will take users to a page with links to all of your social media profiles. Then, affix this QR code to your marketing materials. That way, it’ll be easy for customers to connect with you online, and follow you on their favorite platform.
Put QR codes on your social media posts
You can also embed QR Codes directly onto your social media posts. This is a great way to share additional content with your followers without cluttering up your social media page. Additionally, it makes it possible for people viewing your social media posts on their desktop to quickly access the content on their smartphone.
Get customers to take the action you want
QR codes can help businesses encourage users to take the desired action on social media platforms. For example, if a hotel wants to improve its check-in rate on Facebook, but customers are choosing to like or follow instead, the business can use a QR code to direct them to the desired action.
By linking the code directly to the action you want users to take, you can eliminate the need to search for the check-in button on a constantly changing Facebook interface. This will make it easier for customers to find and access the button, increasing the chances that they’ll actually check in when they visit your hotel.
Track the health of your social media campaigns
QR codes provide a hassle-free way for users to access your social media sites. However, simply having a QR code is not enough to guarantee engagement from users. To keep people interested in your brand, you need to make sure that your social media profiles are engaging and offer value.
QR code analytics can help you gauge the effectiveness of your social media pages. For example, you can analyze the number of people who scan your QR code and then follow your brand on social media. This data can help you understand how well your current content is performing, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your social marketing strategy.
How to create a QR code?
Most social media networks allow you to generate a QR Code within the app. But if you want to create one yourself or if your social media QR code campaign requires a personalized QR code, here’s how you can do it:
Step #1 Decide your QR code’s purpose
The first step to incorporating QR codes in your social media game plan is to decide how you want to use them. There are many ways companies can integrate QR codes into their social media presence. However, not all approaches will work for every business. Select the one that makes the most sense for your brand, objectives, and target audience.
Step #2 Select a reputable QR code generator
Once you’ve decided how you want to integrate QR codes into your social media strategy, it’s time to create your codes. To do this, you’ll need to select a QR code generator. There are several free and paid QR code generators available, so be sure to do your research and pick the one that best meets your needs.
Step #3 Choose whether you want a static QR code or a dynamic one
When creating your QR code, you’ll also need to decide between static and dynamic code. Static codes are fixed, meaning the data they encode cannot be changed after they are generated. This type of code is great for simple use cases like linking to a website or social media profile. A dynamic QR code, on the other hand, can be changed and customized after it’s been generated. This makes them ideal for more complex social media marketing use cases.
Step #4 Encode information and customize your QR code
This is where you’ll decide on visual and customization aspects of your QR code, such as adding a logo or choosing a specific color scheme. It’s vital to keep your company branding and objectives top of mind while making these decisions.
When you’re satisfied with your customization decisions, all you have to do is fill in the field along with the information you’d like to encode. After you have completed the process, click generate, and you will have your QR code.
Step #5 Test your QR code before launching your campaign
Always test your QR code to be sure it’s scannable and leads to the intended destination. The last thing you want is for potential customers to scan your QR code only to be taken to a broken link.
Tips for making the most of QR codes as a social media tool
Here are a few tips to maximize QR code’s potential for your social media marketing efforts:
Check that your QR Code is the right size
If you want your QR code to be scanned by smartphones, it’s crucial to ensure the size is large enough. Smartphone cameras must be able to read every single module in order to decode a QR code. But the quality of phone cameras can vary widely. It is generally recommended that QR codes measure at least 1×1 inch so they are detectable by most smartphone cameras.
Put some flair into your QR code
The classic black and white QR code isn’t the most visually appealing design. Spruce it up by blending it into your existing design and adding your own personal touch. This will make your code more memorable and eye-catching, encouraging people to scan it.
Test your QR code before launching your campaign
Always test your QR code to be sure it’s scannable and leads to the intended destination. The last thing you want is for potential customers to scan your QR code only to be taken to a broken link.
Get professional help
If you’re unsure of how to use QR codes as part of your social media strategy or don’t have the time to implement a QR code campaign yourself, consider partnering with a social media agency. Just make sure to compare a few agencies before committing so you can be confident you’re getting the best quality service possible. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, have each agency submit a proposal outlining what they can offer. Remember, an effective social media proposal should be tailored to your specific needs and goals, so don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions and request modifications until you’re certain you’ve found the perfect fit.
Wrapping it up
QR codes can be an excellent addition to any social media strategy. By taking the time to understand their functions and their uses, you can create codes that will help support your social marketing objectives. Plus, they’re fun and only take a few minutes to design, so incorporating them into your social media marketing strategy is a great way to reap big benefits without putting in a lot of extra effort.
