QR codes: we’ve all seen or heard of them, and all have probably used one by now to gather more information about a topic. Especially in a post-COVID world, a lot of places, like restaurants and bars, are using QR codes instead of paper menus or other printed materials to bring you their latest selections. But how popular is the use of QR codes outside of food service establishments, and how can you better utilize them in your print marketing efforts? 

With GoodSuite’s comprehensive look at how to incorporate QR codes into print marketing, you’ll be able to combine traditional with newfound methods of letting your customers explore your products. Looking for a new printer, copier, or for managed print services optimized for your business and its needs? While you research QR codes, make sure to check out GoodSuite’s complete array of products and services that can bring your business to the next level of efficiency. 

QR Codes: The Past, or the Future?

Some people think that QR codes have already come and gone in the realm of marketing and promotion, and haven’t made a useful impact on the world of advertising. However, those who believe this would be wrong. Though QR codes were shown a huge amount of interest during the 2010s, that then saw a drop off of sort in interest, this method of marketing and spreading information has been steadily regaining and garnering more and more interest and widespread use since 2016. 

Especially since the onset of COVID, this already-mainstay method of marketing has now become a fixture in many establishments who wish to convey important info to their customers. 

How do you Incorporate QR Codes into Print Marketing?
The use of QR codes in print marketing is like the best of both worlds for traditionalists and modernists alike. But how do you effectively utilize QR codes in print materials? 

Too often, businesses throw a QR code onto a document that’s maybe advertising an event or service, without curating the page the QR code is located on, or the one it links to to fit the curiosity or interest of the scanner. 

When incorporating QR codes into your materials, make sure to avoid common pitfalls of marketers using these tactics in direct mail. 

• DON’T: Use copy and call-to-actions that do not make it clear to users where the QR code is going to bring them once scanned. Make sure the copy is clear as to what page they’ll be brought to, and for what reason. 

• DON’T: Provide just the QR code. Always include a backup URL or other information as to how to access the site or materials the QR code links to. This is excellent in case of a malfunction, or for those who maybe don’t want to scan the code. 

• DON’T: Have no way of tracking the effectiveness of your QR codes and marketing strategy. Make sure you have a way of tracking how often your QR codes are scanned (and how many conversions are made, if applicable), as well as how many text URLS are used in relation to that direct mail marketing . This will make sure that you can tell how effective your strategy is, and how effective your code is. 

QR codes combined with direct mail marketing bridge the gap between the digital and traditional worlds, and make hybrid marketing strategies a breeze. However, when using these techniques, make sure not to fall victim to the common mistakes associated with their use in marketing. 
Looking for a new printer, copier, or printing services for your direct mail marketing materials? Look no further than GoodSuite’s high-quality printers and copiers, as well as our amazing managed print services.