10 Ways Big Companies Use QR Codes in Marketing
In the era of renewed interest in QR codes, businesses are actively integrating them into their marketing strategies. Since their first appearance in 1994, many complex processes have been redefined and simplified. Thanks to their ability to simplify the execution of various tasks, both small and large companies have started using QR codes in their marketing campaigns. Moreover, creating and recognizing QR codes only requires a smartphone. If you're considering launching a marketing campaign using QR codes, pay attention to the following examples of their successful application.
Contactless Interaction at McDonald’s
As a preventive measure important for healthcare, McDonald’s has implemented QR codes for contactless tracking at customer service points. This allowed customers and employees to maintain a safe distance from each other. Countries actively adopting this practice include Russia, Australia, and Singapore.
Burger King and VMA Promotion
In the context of the cancellation of live events at MTV VMA 2020, Burger King, in partnership with Lil Yachty, offered discounts on Whoppers and giveaways of VMA 2021 tickets through QR codes. The promotion started during Lil Yachty's performance, with QR codes flashing on the screen, allowing Burger King to effectively capture the audience's attention.
IKEA's Buy-Back Scheme
To address the issue of mistakenly purchased furniture, IKEA introduced a buy-back program using QR codes to simplify the return process. Customers can return items and receive gift cards for future purchases at IKEA, provided they scan a QR code to confirm the return.
Personalized NikePlus Program
As part of the NikePlus loyalty program, personalized QR codes are created for customers, allowing Nike store employees to quickly access information about their customers. This has helped strengthen the bond between the brand and its customers.
Halloween Boxes from Amazon
Amazon attached QR codes to delivery boxes, allowing customers to create pumpkin designs and interact with them through the Amazon AR app, adding a fun atmosphere to the holiday.
TopFruit's Tourism Promotion
The juice brand TopFruit from Oman launched a tourism promotion with QR codes on packaging, showcasing Oman's attractions, which contributed to sales growth and promotion of the country.
Contact Tracking at Maimonides
The Maimonides Medical Center in New York used QR codes to simplify the registration process for visitors and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, optimizing staff workflow.
"Thank My Farmer" Campaign
The "Thank My Farmer" app by IBM uses blockchain to trace the origin of products. Coffee products from Beyers Koffie are equipped with QR codes, scanning of which reveals the coffee's origin.
Macy’s Black Friday
Macy’s celebrated the tenth anniversary of using QR codes during its Black Friday sale in 2020, which was a successful measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among shoppers.
L’Oréal's Virtual Makeup Try-On
L’Oréal Paris offered a campaign with QR codes that allows customers to virtually try on makeup before purchasing, a highly appreciated solution under pandemic-related restrictions.
As you can see, the list of ways to use QR codes in marketing goes far beyond e business cards, website placements, and advertising materials.