Why your business needs QR codes

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Now more than ever, small businesses need creative ways to connect with their customers. Gone are the days of leisurely chats by the till or in-store events. Communication is now being served virtually.

So what’s a small business to do? Give Quick Response (QR) codes a try. These little square-shaped, black and white symbols are a fast, easy and effective way to relay a variety of messages to your customers. Use them to play videos, send discounts, provide business information and more.

QR codes have come a long way since their initial roll out in the early 2000s. And now that safety is a top priority for all sorts of small businesses, QR codes are making a comeback of sorts. What’s changed? Well, you no longer need to download a separate app to scan them. Simply use your phone’s camera, position over the code and that’s it — the info you associated with your QR code automatically pops up in seconds. They’re also easier than ever to create. Just use one of the many free apps out there, add your information and you’ll be good to go.

Now that you know what QR codes are all about, here are some reasons why your business needs one.

1. They provide a safe, contactless payment method.
2. They show your business is adaptable and tech-savvy.
3. They provide information (without taking up space).
4. They can boost your social media following.
5. They’re easy to track.
6. They’re cost-effective.

1. They provide a (safe!) contactless payment method.

Touchless everything has been the theme for the last year. Customers are wary of exchanging cash and touching pin pads when paying by card, so QR code payments are a great touch-free solution that customers will feel safe using.

As a small business owner, all you have to do is set up a QR code that accepts payments. Print out the code and put it where transactions usually take place, for instance around the till area. Your customers just need to use their smartphone to scan your code, then use their PayPal account to pay.

2. They show you’re adaptable and tech-savvy.

It is well known that younger consumers, meaning age 35 and under, are especially tech-savvy. So, it’s a no brainer to adapt your business to appeal to this audience. As an added bonus, using new technology shows you’re willing to keep up with the times. Customers appreciate businesses that go the extra mile and invest in trends and technology that make their lives easier…and safer.

3. They provide information (without taking up space).

As life in the pandemic is ever-changing, businesses are, too. New opening hours, new social distancing and mask policies, new delivery and takeaway processes… the list is endless. QR codes are a great way to quickly update your customers on any new information — or even your WiFi name and password — without taking up too much signage space. Simply add a QR code to your existing postcards, banners or other marketing materials to get your message across in the click of a button.

4. They can boost your social media following.

Looking to amp up your social media following? QR codes can help with that. There are code generators that can link to all of your social media pages — like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest — and customers can easily follow you on whatever platforms work for them. And with new followers comes new opportunities for engagement and conversation…always a win for small-business owners!

5. They are easy to track.

The beauty of QR codes is they provide you with instant data — you can get real-time statistics with most QR code tracking features. You can collect big-picture information, like how many people scanned your code, and more granular data, like geographic location, date, time and what device or operating system was used.