How To Use QR Codes in Public Relations Campaigns

Reach a Wider Audience with Targeted Public Relations

The QR code system was invented in 1994, and its original purpose was to track vehicles during manufacturing. But it has come a long way since then. QR codes are now used across industries and are a convenient way for potential customers to access information about products and services.

People are using their mobile devices more and more to interact with the world around them. As virtually every mobile phone can scan these codes, they are a useful tool for communication and marketing. So take advantage of the QR marketing trend and you will reach more of these mobile users.

If you are considering the use of QR codes for your PR campaigns, check out our short guide below. We look at what a QR code is, how it works, and what QR codes have to offer in public relations campaigns.

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What Is A QR Code?

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that uses four encoding modes for storing data. These coding modes are:

Numeric
Alpha-numeric
Byte/Binary (two-symbol data system)
Kanji (Japanese symbols that represent whole words)

Together, these allow a QR code to store any text as well as an image. The “QR” stands for Quick Response.

There are different types of QR codes, used for specific functions. These include product or contact information, links to social media platforms and websites, and many other uses.

How Does A QR Code Work?

A modern QR code consists of seven different elements, each with a unique purpose. Collectively, they form a “pattern” that is scanned with a QR code reader or the camera on a smartphone.

Simply aiming a camera or QR code reader towards this code allows instant access to embedded information.

Who Can Use QR Codes?

The beauty of QR codes is that they are so simple to use. Anyone can use them and there is no need for any technical know-how.

Most modern mobile devices can scan QR codes. And with the download of a QR scanner app, older smartphones can be used to enjoy this feature, too.

How To Use QR Codes In Your PR Campaigns

There are many benefits to using QR codes for your business. And one of these is the simplification of your PR campaigns. Let’s examine the top four reasons you should be using QR codes for your business’ marketing and PR.

Direct People To Your Website

Even small and micro businesses usually have a website. Make it easy for your customers to find yours by turning your URL into a QR code. They will simply need to scan the code and it will take them to your site immediately!

You can direct people to your website straight from your product packaging, informational leaflet, or print media. This will significantly increase your web traffic and is an effective method for promoting your business. You can choose to lead them to your home page, sign-up page, or anywhere you think most effective.

Access To Your Contact Information

There is no longer a need for printed business cards with a long list of contact details on them. Use a QR code as a business card. This will allow new users access to your contact details, without having to go online to look for this information.

It can include your phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles. Some QR codes can even allow users to dial the number directly once they have scanned it with their mobile phone.

Lead Customers To Your Social Media

Social media has become a very powerful digital marketing tool for businesses across every industry. You more than likely have at least one social media account where you engage with your target market. But don’t leave this to chance.

Lead interested customers right to your social media pages from any other platform. Whether you are on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or Twitter, you can use QR codes to lead users to your socials where they can follow you.

Sending Messages

Enable people with product and service-related queries to send you messages. You can introduce a QR code to your business premises, email campaigns, newsletters, or product packaging. A quick scan of this code will enable customers and prospects to contact you. This is a highly efficient way to encourage any feedback and questions that people may have.

But you can also send messages highlighting promotions and new product lines or value-added services, in this way. Once the user scans the QR code, the message becomes available to them. This will take your existing SMS and email marketing to new heights.

Conclusion

QR codes can be used in many ways to streamline your public relations needs. From product information on packaging to directing traffic to your online platforms, QR codes offer great value to any business and provide more opportunities to connect with your target audience.

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Leeza Hoyt

Founder and President at The Hoyt Organization

With over 25 years of experience, Leeza’s campaigns have garnered over 150 awards from top public relations organizations nationwide. Additionally, THO serves as the Los Angeles area partner of the Public Relations Global Network, granting clients access to over 50 global markets. The agency was also named to one of the top 200 firms in the country by Forbes magazine in 2021, and she has been named by Globest.com as a Woman of Influence and a Woman to Watch, among other designations.