Where can you use them? Everywhere! Put a QR code on your business card for customers to scan and get your contact info onto their phone. Put them on your promotional mailers or flyers. You can even use them for your business by putting a QR code sticker on your customers’ equipment to tell you when you last serviced the unit or when the next replacement should be.
A QR code is a source of very simple technology that is easy to create and use. And it’s free. It takes less than 60 seconds to create one for yourself. Go ahead and give it a try.
How to create your own QR Codes
There are several websites that can generate a QR code for you, but this one is easy to use and has several options: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
You have four options for a QR code:
URL: Creates a link that, when scanned, takes the user to a website.
Put this on your business card, your flyers, mailers, even on your vehicle.
Text: Allows you to type in any message up to 250 characters long.
Give your customer a promo code for a discount. Give them more info on your business. Offer a % off the next service call.
Phone Number: Type in a phone number for quick dialing when scanned.
Put one on your business card with your website or phone number!
SMS: Put in your cell number and a pre-written message that gets sent to your when scanned.
Great for a potential customer who wants a service call, tune-up or quote - they just scan the code and click “Send” on
their phone. You could have the message pre-written to say “I need a spring tune-up on my air conditioner. Please call me to schedule a service call.” You’ll have their phone number to return the call and gain a customer!
How to put a QR code scanner app on your smart phone
There are several apps available for scanning barcodes. Two very good scanners are Barcode Scanner and Shop Savvy. Both are free for download.
Depending on what kind of smart phone you have, you will need to go to the internet and access your Apps.
On an Android, go to the “Market” by clicking on the little arrow at the bottom of the home screen. Scroll through the apps and find “Market”. You can then browse the apps that are available or do a search for barcode scanner by clicking on “search” at the top of the screen.
On an iPhone, you will need to create an account with the Apple Store website first. Once this is created, you can click on the App Store icon and browse through the available apps or search by name.
On a Blackberry, apps are downloaded via the App World application. To get this application, connect to the internet on your phone and go to www.blackberry.com/appworld/download. For a Blackberry, it may be easier to download this application to your phone using the Desktop Manager from your computer.
How to market with QR Codes
Now that you’ve been introduced to these little codes and know what they’re for, you’ll start noticing them everywhere! People are eager to scan them to find out what information is hidden in the code, like a free item or a promotion. It’s an interactive form of advertising that’s fun and appealing to the user. So take advantage of it!
- Put stickers on your equipment and products
- Use a QR code as a coupon
- Put a link to a promotional page on your website
- Add a link to a YouTube video promoting your business
- Put your phone number on a code that makes it easy for a potential customer to scan and just dial your business
- Send the user to your Facebook page.
- Create a Google Map link for users to find you easily
- Put a sticker QR code on the back of your vehicle with your contact information!
It’s a great way to promote your services, your products and your business!
If you have any questions on how to generate a QR code for your business or you want to implement some of these marketing ideas, feel free to contact Heidi at 920-491-5205 or email at hjohnson@tsihvac.com.
