What Are QR Codes Used For?
5 Detailed Use-Cases
We all know the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on areas such as payments and information sharing. Since then, the adaptation of QR codes has accelerated. Even these codes are acknowledged by businesses for their key characteristic: the ability to link to interactive content such as videos and AR experiences, offering personalized and immersive experiences.
Dynamic QR codes are transforming the digital marketing landscape by offering seamless cross-channel campaigns and affordable rates with high ROI. In this blog, we’ll evaluate how QR codes with advanced analytics shape industries.
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a kind of barcode that can be read by smartphones or any devices with QR code readers. In 1994, Japan introduced QR or Quick Response Codes.
A QR code works by encoding information in a machine-readable format. It uses four key encoding methods, such as numeric, alphanumeric, binary, and kanji. These help in containing data efficiently, while extensions can also be used.
Once you scan a QR code, you end up on a website, see a message, or may see other information without typing the web address.
QR codes are commonly used to share links to websites or information and make payments.
What Are The Types of QR Codes? What Are They Used For?
There are two types of QR codes: static and dynamic. The use of dynamic QR codes is spreading rapidly because it does not require reprinting the whole code, thereby being cost-effective.
Dynamic QRs are widely popular in business, especially marketing, as they enable the modification of data from your code to another file. Furthermore, these codes are embedded with advanced analytics and can track the data from the scans.
Static QR codes, on the contrary, do not allow alteration of the codes and can’t track the data. It leads to a permanent address, so you should use it only once and personally.
So, as the names suggest, dynamic QR codes are feature-rich, whereas static QR codes are permanent.
The 5 Leading Use Cases of Dynamic QR Codes
Product Packaging and In-Store Displays
Dynamic QR codes to elevate the shopping experience, track customer preferences, and boost sales. You might have seen QR codes on product packaging, in-store displays, and promotional materials to offer instant access to detailed product information, discounts, and interactive content.
Especially, retailers across the world use QR codes for product packaging and in-store displays.
Once you use QR codes, these retail brands can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. These insights ensure retailers can segment their customer base, personalize marketing campaigns, and enhance inventory management.
For instance, retailers can identify popular products and peak shopping times by analyzing the time and location of QR code scans. This results in an efficient supply chain and improved customer satisfaction.
Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, has been streamlining operations through QR codes. It offers instant product information, discounts, and promotions. Even, customers can share their reviews and purchase directly from their smartphones.
Book, Confirm, or Reschedule Medical Appointments
Integration of dynamic QR codes in the healthcare industry has led to improved patient care, streamlined operations, and enhanced data management.
Especially, QR codes on medical charts or patient wristbands link to electronic health records (EHRs). Healthcare professionals can easily get comprehensive insights into patient history, medications, and treatment plans by scanning these codes. As a result, it reduces errors and improves safety.
On the other hand, you can scan dynamic QR codes to book, confirm, or reschedule appointments. For you, it elevates convenience, and at the same time, it reduces administrative workload. Even dynamic QR codes are leveraged in health campaigns as patients can have real-time updates.
A major use case of QR codes on patient wristbands is how Cleveland Clinic is using them to allow healthcare providers to quickly access critical information such as medical history, allergies, and current medications.
Contactless Menus, Ordering, and Personalized Guest Experiences
Dynamic QR codes are shifting how hospitality businesses used to cater to guests and streamline operations. As you can allow real-time updates without changing the physical code, the applications of these QR codes in the hospitality industry are diverse.
However, dynamic QR codes also offer personalized guest experiences by providing details on room service, local attractions, and promotions. Also, the industry is accelerating marketing campaigns by incorporating dynamic QR codes to link virtual tours, updated promotions, and discounts.
Marriott International, is one such hotel that uses QR codes for contactless check-ins and to provide guests with access to digital menus and hotel services. By scanning these codes, guests can check-in, order room service, or book spa appointments. Moreover, interactions through QR scans help hotels understand guest preferences and enhance their services.
Bill Payment and Feedback
Restaurants are leveraging dynamic QR codes and enabling customers to scan and check the latest menu offerings on their smartphones. Even contemporary restaurants and cafes are using dynamic QR codes to gather and respond to feedback. You can make use of these scans to view the bill and pay for it on your smartphone. As this speeds up the checkout process, the food and beverage industry is accelerating the use of QR codes.
Also, you can scan these QRs to avail yourself of a personalized dining experience. These QRs link to customers’ profiles, where their data from previous orders is saved, allowing tailored recommendations and highly personalized service.
McDonald’s, one of the leading fast-food chains, is using dynamic QR codes to provide nutritional information and enable contactless ordering. Customers are lovin’ it because of its diverse usage such as viewing menus, placing orders, and payments. For the brand, these QR codes bring revenue by helping them to optimize their offerings.
Property Listings and Immersive Tours
The real estate industry is transitioning into the realm of dynamic QR-powered marketing and client engagement. Such a change is due to the benefits of dynamic QR codes, such as offering a seamless and efficient way to share property listings, virtual tours, and agent contact details. However, the frequent changes in listings in the fast-paced real estate market make dynamic QR code adoption more desirable.
Similarly, agents are honing their marketing approach and strategies through the data (scan location, time, and device type) gathered from dynamic QR scans. As a potential buyer, you may enjoy the immersive experience that leverages high-resolution images, video tours, and even augmented reality experiences. Industry experts are all set to make dynamic QR codes a standard practice.
Zillow uses QR codes with advanced analytics on property listings and for sale signs. You can scan their QR codes and access virtual tours, detailed property information, and agent contact details
Final Words
Summing up, dynamic QR codes are revolutionizing how we used to share contact and pay people or businesses. Businesses can also promote their products or services through QR codes better. Make sure, you have a reputable QR code generator and test the code before using it.
Lastly, you can come up with new ideas to use your QR codes. Happy scanning!