I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want our handwritten notes to drive more sales for you, click here.
QR Codes and Direct Mail Marketing Go Hand in Hand
Direct mail marketing is more effective today than many people realize. Even though it is true that you need to have a robust online presence, a lot of companies have overlooked the importance of direct mail marketing. Therefore, this is an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd. There is always something special about holding a physical piece of mail in your hands, but you also need to maximize the return on your investment. QR codes can help you.
You are probably used to seeing QR codes from time to time. Restaurants ask you to scan them when you want to look at the menu, and your movie tickets, sports tickets, and boarding passes might also come in the form of QR codes. Now, you can incorporate QR codes as an important piece of your direct mail marketing campaign.
What do you need to know about QR codes for your marketing campaign, and what are the top benefits?
How Does a QR Code Work?
A QR (quick response) code is a small black-and-white box that contains a two-dimensional, scannable picture that users can scan using their cameras. This code will then direct them to a landing page related to the direct mail marketing they have just received.
Some of the biggest brands in the world have already taken advantage of QR codes. Consider including a QR code on a coupon, advertisement, or postcard you sent to your target market. You can include QR codes in different marketing materials to add an interactive element to your marketing campaign, allowing you to reach thousands in the blink of an eye.
Where Did QR Codes Come From?
QR codes have been around for decades. The very first code was developed in Japan in 1994. It was created to make it easier to track different elements of the vehicle manufacturing process. For a long time, QR codes were reserved mainly for the commercial realm; however, consumers can now take advantage of QR codes.
In 2017, Apple released iOS 11. Before the release of this operating system, users had to download a separate app if they wanted to read QR codes. Now, anyone using iOS 11 or later can open the camera, point it at a QR code, and scan it instantly. Android also gave users this capability with Google Lens, which allows users to scan a QR code using the camera app.
Given that the vast majority of people now own a phone that allows them to scan a QR code in the blink of an eye, QR codes have become an integral part of digital and direct mail marketing.
QR Codes Will Increase the Return on Your Direct Mail Investment
The true power of direct mail marketing is that it allows you to develop a genuine, authentic relationship with your target market—nothing quite like holding a physical piece of mail in your hands. When your prospects realize you have taken the time to handwrite a note you sent to them, they will take the time to read it.
At the same time, your consumers are busy. You may have included a physical coupon, or you might have written down the URL of your website. On the other hand, the recipient is likely not going to cut out a physical coupon or type in the URL of your website. Therefore, you need to make the process easier for them.
You can incorporate modern technology into your traditional direct mail marketing campaign. Including a QR code in the advertisement or coupon you send to your target market makes it easier for them to take advantage of this opportunity. They must take out their phones, scan the code, and boost their response rate. If you feel like your response rate is low right now, try incorporating a QR code into your advertising campaign.
What Are the Top Benefits of Including a QR Code in Your Direct Mail Marketing Campaign?
The top benefit of including a QR code in your direct mail marketing campaign is boosting your response rate and maximizing the return on your investment; however, how does a QR code make that happen?
Some of the top benefits to keep in mind include:
1. Improve Your Brand Identity
There is a saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you include a QR code in your direct mail marketing campaign, you will show your target market that you work hard to stay on top of the latest developments in your field.
Most people who read your advertisement will not take the time to read a wall of text or go through a giant explanation. They simply want you to solve their problems. Including a QR code will give them immediate access to what they need, helping you boost your brand identity.
2. Marry Offline and Online Experiences
Direct mail marketing will set your company apart because many businesses no longer use this marketing opportunity. Therefore, you can stand out from the crowd by targeting the offline world, but you still need to take advantage of the online world, as that is where most people go when looking for their products and services.
With a QR code, you can seamlessly provide your audience with a transition from the offline world to the online one. Even though your target market might hear about your business in the physical world, they may want to go to the digital world to complete the transaction. You can maximize your conversion rate by combining offline and online worlds.
3. You Can Track the Results of the Campaign
How do you know if your direct mail marketing campaign is working? You need to be able to track the results. A QR code will make that process easier for you.
After you send out your marketing materials, you can track the number of people who scan your QR code because you will be able to track the individual people who access your website. You know precisely how many advertisements you have sent out and how many people scan the code because you know how many people visited your website. This will give you more information you can use to figure out what is working well and what is not.
4. You Make a Lasting Impression
Another significant benefit of using a QR code in your direct mail marketing campaign is that you can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Your target market probably received a lot of mail during the day, so how will you ensure that your company is remembered?
If you include a QR code, you will surprise your target audience, and they will remember what it was like to scan your code, click the button, and immediately be greeted by a convenient landing page. This could be a great way to increase customer loyalty and expand your customer base.
5. You Can Learn More About Your Target Market
If you can get your target market to scan your QR code, you can learn more about them. For example, you can collect information about your visitors when they visit the website, figure out what type of direct mail marketing campaign is producing the most visitors, and conduct A/B testing on different codes and pages to figure out what works best for your company.
You can collect many types of information using a QR code. This includes:
- The date the code is scanned
- The time at which it is scanned
- The location where the code is scanned
- The type of device used to scan the code
- The operating system used to scan the code
Be sure to have a software program that can store this information. That way, you can analyze it later and use it to improve the results of your direct mail marketing campaign.
How You Can Use QR Codes To Grow Your Business
So, what do you want them to do next after someone scans the QR code? There are different ways you can use a QR code. They include:
1. Sell Something
Of course, one of the first things you can do with a QR code is to give your target audience a chance to place an order. For example, you can use a QR code to immediately place an item in a checkout cart and provide your audience with a way to purchase the item with just a click or two. Or, you can use the QR code to direct them to a larger menu, allowing them to pick what they want.
2. Share Your Location
You can send postcards to let people know that you have moved or are opening a new location. Even though you may include your new address, the same address is present in different cities. You need to make sure your target market knows where you are located, and you may want to include a QR code that provides them with a link to Google Maps.
3. Offer a Discount
You can also reward the audience members who take the time to scan your QR Code by providing them with a coupon. For example, you might run a seasonal advertising campaign with a specific offer. If you want someone to take advantage of that offer, consider providing a coupon as a QR code.
4. Include Your Contact Information
Instead of asking people to manually copy your phone number and email address into their contact database, why not include a QR code with all of your details? That way, you make it easier for your target market to contact you. This is an excellent way for you to build your client base.
5. Schedule an Event
You may even have a physical event taking place that you want people to show up for. If that is the case, use a QR code with a scheduling link. That way, your event will immediately be placed on their calendar, and they can simply go back to the phone if they need a reminder about something happening next. Be sure your users understand the event and why they scan the QR code.
Why Use QR Codes as a Part of Your Direct Mail Marketing Campaign?
QR codes can help you grow your direct mail marketing campaign in several ways. Direct mail marketing is a great way to stand out while increasing your return on investment (ROI). However, if you want to maximize your ROI, consider using QR codes. Your target market will appreciate this, as it will strengthen your relationship.