QR Codes for Small Businesses
The most obvious and straightforward use of QR codes in small businesses is to create an electronic business card. However, the range of applications is much broader.
Inventory Management and Tracking
You can enhance the efficiency of your small business by implementing an inventory management system using free QR codes for each of your products. When the status of an item changes (e.g., received, moved, sold, or damaged), simply scan the code to update the information. This reduces the likelihood of errors, allows for timely identification of low stock levels, prevents sales loss, and ensures accurate inventory records.
Reducing Paper Consumption
According to a 2019 Nielsen study, 73% of consumers worldwide are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. Small businesses have a competitive advantage when adopting sustainable practices as it boosts reputation, customer satisfaction, and retention. Implementing dynamic QR codes in your small business is an excellent alternative to constantly replacing paper materials due to outdated information, demonstrating your commitment to eco-friendly actions.
Cost-Effectiveness
With dynamic QR codes, you can run various marketing campaigns without worrying about high advertising costs and analyze scan data to identify areas needing improvement, increasing customer engagement on Small Business Saturday. Additionally, there is no need to spend money on reprinting physical materials like flyers or brochures, as information can be easily updated at any time.
QR Codes for Small Businesses: Tips and Tricks
Add a Call to Action
It is important for your customers to know what to do after scanning your QR code. Add a call to action under the code, such as "Let's Connect" for a social media QR code or "Scan for Menu" for a digital menu QR code.
Ensure Your Code Works
Ensuring your QR codes work is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Scanning your QR code only takes a few seconds and helps avoid issues with malfunctioning codes.
Use Proper Placement
Place QR codes in easily visible locations. There is no point in wasting a good QR code when it could be displayed on your storefront, counters, product packaging, or your website.
Why Does Your Small Business Need a QR Code?
From 2018 to 2020, QR code usage grew by 94%, showing its increasing popularity among consumers. Small businesses can enhance brand recognition by creating QR codes with their logo, adding a recognizable element that ties their marketing strategies together and embeds brand identity in people’s minds. Dynamic QR codes are also beneficial for small businesses as they store large amounts of data depending on the time, location, or scanning behavior, leading to targeted promotions and personalized experiences.
Real-World Examples of Small Businesses Using QR Codes
Green Thumb Plant Care
In this plant haven in Seattle, Washington, QR codes are strategically placed next to the greenery, providing helpful information such as plant care instructions, watering schedules, and even fun facts about each plant. This offers plant enthusiasts an intuitive way to keep their green friends happy and healthy.
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street in Oxford uses QR codes to create an interactive and contactless storefront in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Book lovers can scan QR codes to discover new books, while readers worldwide can enjoy these books online through the Jellybooks "DISCOVERY" cloud platform, allowing readers to browse books from independent bookstores. Blackwell’s uses QR codes on their windows to highlight featured authors and provide personalized book recommendations.
Your Secret Weapon – QR Codes for Small Businesses
Leave outdated marketing tactics behind and propel your small business into the modern world with QR codes, finding creative ways to surprise your customers. Tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates with people, track and analyze your campaigns, and increase customer engagement with a QR code generator with a logo.