QR Codes and Promotional Products: 7 Tips

Sharon Santino, Aug 29, 2011

QR Codes -- 2-D "quick response" barcodes that are used to transfer information when scanned by a mobile device -- are everywhere. They are mostly used in conjunction with smart phones and when used, will instruct your mobile device to download information.

These codes have been very popular in the promotional products industry and we've worked with our clients to place them on everything from mugs to t-shirts. In fact, did you know that promotional items and QR Codes actually have a lot in common? It's true - we've noticed that the most successful advertising campaigns involving QR Codes have all been fun, useful and unique -- the same qualities we associate with great promotional products. We've put QR Codes on all sorts of promotional items -- from branded coasters for a software company (scanning the code enabled the user to download free trial software) to imprinted notebooks with a code that directed the user to the business's website.

So, what is the best way to use QR technology with your promotional items? Here's a hint: don't just send them to your website! Be creative and send or give them something interesting so that they remember you.

Here are a few ideas we've put together to make the QR Codes on your promotional products a success:

Give a discount: Give your clients a coupon or a discount that they can redeem with your organization. Best of all, you can put a tracking code on the offer so you can measure your return on investment.

Tell a story: Use a landing page, a video or an infographic to tell your customers a story that they'll want to hear - like the reasons why you appreciate having them as a customer, the best way to take care of their new promotional item, or even just a simple thank you.

Ask them to interact on social media: Ask them to connect with your Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin so you can stay at the top of their mind.

Make a phone call: Don't limited yourself by just sending them online -- add a personal touch and enable them to give you a call so they can talk to a representative directly.

Also, a few additional tips:

Don't forget that QR Codes are still new to many people: 14 million users in the U.S. have scanned a code on their mobile device - which seems like a large number, but it's only 6.2% of the total mobile audience in the United States. If you are going to include QR Codes on your promotional products, consider including some short instructions on how to use them.

Know who you are trying to reach with your QR Codes: Demographically, those who use QR Codes are more than likely to be male (60.5% are men), between the ages of 18-34 and affluent, with 1 in 3 of these users having a household income of $100,000 or above.

Make your QR Codes highly visible: QR Codes work best when they are optimized for smart phone users -- so place them where they can be scanned by a mobile device. Think public spaces like billboards, storefront displays, clothing or bags. QR Codes also work well on print products, like magazines and business cards.

Consider your QR Code's lifespan: Your QR Code will last a long time you put it on an item that has an extended lifespan, like promotional products or even some print products. Consider this before you set up your QR Code's destination -- the last thing you want is for your customers to scan and get nothing in return!

And, of course, make sure to test your QR Code out several times before you use it. The last thing you want is something that doesn't work!

Do you have any of your own ideas on how to use QR Codes on promotional products? Tell us in our comment section, located below!