There are a few things small businesses need more than affordable ways to attract new customers.

As you know, getting people who see a flyer, a poster, or a display in the window to visit a website, find your store, or take advantage of an offer can be tough. People just aren’t willing to interact with anything that doesn’t promise something substantial for their time.

However, QR codes have proven to be a simple solution for this problem.

By implementing the right strategy, small businesses can utilize QR codes for increased foot traffic, additional leads, and repeat customers.

Why Small Businesses Need QR Codes

The main role of QR codes is to connect print advertisements and other offline materials to online websites. Businesses might include a QR code on a flyer, sales receipt, product packaging, or even a window display where their customers will see it. If the CTA is good enough, the customer scans the code with a mobile device to go directly to the website.

QR codes are also cheap, and they are easily made, so they are uniquely suited to small businesses that don’t have a large marketing budget. Anyone can use an online QR code generator to get free QR codes. The rest is just a matter of getting eyeballs on them.

5 Ways to Use QR Codes to Increase Traffic and Leads

Here are some effective ways to use QR codes to increase website traffic and leads for small businesses.

Drive Traffic to Your Website

QR codes can direct people to a website from just about anything they see printed. A cafe could have a QR code on their menu, and a repair shop could include one on their flyer or business card.

The code should take customers to a web page that acts like a funnel for your business. For instance, if you advertise plumbing work in a flyer, you will want to send them to your work page or quote page directly. If you take them to your home page, then they will have to make the extra effort to find the right page, and that will cause them to simply leave instead.

Gather Leads via Signup Forms

In a marketing campaign, visits are helpful, but converting them into leads is necessary. Without that, the visit doesn’t turn into a sale. You create a lead by providing a potential customer with a means of contacting you once more.

QR codes can help with that by directing visitors to forms for email registration for appointments and price estimates.

For instance, a gym can put a code at the reception area. Guests can scan it to get a free trial. A retailer can put a code on a flyer and give a discount to the recipient of the flyer for registering for email.

So, in a nutshell, provide a compelling reason for people to get their information in the door. This can be a discount, free download, or quick consult with an expert. Remember to keep your form short, and only ask for what you need.

Promote Discounts and Special Offers

QR codes are the perfect way for small businesses to share deals and attract customers. For example, a retail shop can put up a code next to its door with a coupon.
Offers like these motivate people to scan the code and turn a one-time buyer into a return customer.

Just make sure the deal is clear and straightforward to understand. Even something simple like a CTA that says "Scan to Save 10%" lets people know what they're getting.

Ensure that the linked page shows how to redeem the deal and includes a few important terms.

Collect Customer Reviews

Reviews are what can determine if a customer will trust your business. Small businesses in particular that can’t rely on brand recognition need great reviews.

So, providing their customers with an easy way to leave reviews is necessary. QR codes can help with that.

For example, a salon can put a QR code at the checkout counter. Or, a seller can put one on product packaging, and when a customer scans it, it takes them directly to the review page with zero preamble.

Then provide a benefit for leaving a review as well to make customers more likely to leave one.

You should also ensure your code is on the relevant page. Be sure to ask for genuine feedback, not just positive reviews. This will help to foster trust and provide valuable insights about your business.

Link Clients to Social Networks

Social media allows small businesses to share updates, showcase products, and communicate with customers. They can also serve as a review hub.

So, businesses need a way to make customers visit and interact with their social media. Here’s how QR codes can help with that.

• A shop can put a code on its bags that goes to its Instagram page.
• A service provider can put one on a business card to direct people to its Facebook page or point of contact.

This can help a business keep in touch with customers after the sale. Still, make sure you pick the appropriate link for each purpose. If you want people to inquire about a service, a link to a contact page may be more effective than a social media presence.

Best Practices for QR Code Marketing

Here are some generally useful best practices to employ when doing QR code marketing.

• Tell people what they're going to get when they scan. Use simple calls to action, including "View Our Menu" or "Get a Free Quote".
• Test the linked page on phones. It should have a quick load speed and good readability, leading the user to the next step. Remember to test the codes in as many ways as possible. Use a smartphone's camera, use an online QR reader, and have people scan from their apps.
• Make the codes visible and easy to scan. Ensure they are big enough to be scanned and in well-lit areas. Avoid busy, dark areas, and make sure to try out each code before putting it on a large number of sheets.
• We recommend breaking down your code for individual ads whenever possible. That way, you'll know which creative is the most effective.

How to Measure QR Code Campaign Results

Simply using QR codes is not enough; you must measure the outcome as well. This is valuable, as it allows you to understand what is working.

Here’s how you can measure QR code campaign results. 

First, you can see how often people have scanned each code (if you have access to scan data). You can do this by adding a UTM to all QR links. This way, you can analyze your website traffic and determine how many scans there were.

Website analytics tools, on the other hand, will tell you how many visitors visit the page and what they do.

Don't just look at scans. Sometimes a code gets loads of scans, but very few signups. There could be an issue with the offer or form. Measure them to confirm whether the campaign is generating true leads by tracking form fills, bookings, calls, and sales.

A code printed on a receipt might generate more repeat visits than the same code printed on a poster. Use the data as evidence to hone your approach.

Conclusion

QR codes connect offline advertising with online experiences for local businesses. They can direct people to a website, generate leads, promote deals, gather reviews, and build a social following.

To be successful, you must maximize your return on investment (ROI). To maximize your ROI, you should: motivate users to scan the codes; ensure each code links to a valuable destination; and monitor your success. With the right strategy, you can generate new customers and leads without needing a high-profile location.