Using Branded QR Codes to Promote Your Business
One of the unique and powerful features of pbSmart™ Codes is the ability to create a “branded” QR code by adding an image or logo overlay onto the code itself.
This article shows you some of the many creative ways to promote your business using branded QR codes in your marketing communications programs. If you need step-by-step instructions on how to create a branded QR code, please see our related article, How to Create a Branded QR Code.
Branded QR Codes: The Basics
Branded QR codes are like regular QR codes with a logo or image overlaid on the QR code itself. The following example shows a branded QR code with a logo placed in the center.
A branded QR code can be used in all the same situations as a non-branded QR code. Both are perfect when you want to give customers more information, a chance to instantly take advantage of an offer or just promote your brand.
The added image is what makes the branded QR code such a powerful tool. Depending on the image you select for overlay, your branded QR code can be used:
- To reinforce your company branding with a logo or a photo of your business or product
- As a preview to let customers know what to expect when they scan
- To provide added instructions or incentives to scan the code
The Branded QR Code in Action
Let’s take a look at a few examples of these different uses.
Branding: The simplest example of a branded QR code is one with your company logo. With some creative thinking, the possibilities for branding go well beyond that. Say, for example, you are a sales rep or a trade show staffer. Why not print business cards or handouts with a branded QR code featuring your photograph? This will ensure that prospects will be able to “put a face to the name”! Setting up the QR code to display a personal video message will help contacts remember you long after the meeting and encourage them to get in touch. The following example illustrates personal branding on a QR code:
Previews to Let Customers Know What to Expect: Depending on the nature of your QR code marketing and communications program, it can be a good idea to present a visual hint of what the QR code will reveal. For example, if you have published several QR codes offering customers different ways to get in touch, you could overlay images of a phone, a fax machine and an email message to let customers know which code to scan. Another great use of branded QR codes is to provide product information. Many successful communications programs use this approach, offering more information to customers either before or after the purchase. For example, you could print stickers with different QR codes that lead to nutritional information for various products. Not only will the image help customers know what to expect, it will also help staff know which QR label to apply to the products. The following example shows a branded QR code that uses an image to reinforce what the scan will reveal:
Instructions and Incentives: When designing a QR code campaign it is essential that you place a call to action near the QR code. If you don’t give customers a clear reason to scan your QR code, chances are they won’t! pbSmart Codes gives you many options for adding call-to-action text to your QR code. One of these options is to let a branded QR code do the talking for you. The following two examples show branded QR codes that make use of images for the call to action text:
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Branded QR codes offer many creative possibilities for your QR code marketing and communications program. How will you make use of them?