10 Popular Ways to Incorporate QR Codes on Product Labels

Did you know that in 2011 only 6.2% of smartphone users scanned a QR code? It wasn’t until 2017, when Snapchat adopted the QR code, that they started gaining popularity. In that same year, Apple upgraded its iOS software to include QR code scanners without needing a third-party app.

From 2018 to 2020, QR code interaction grew by 94%! QR codes have also become a major part of pop culture—Coinbase ran a 2022 Super Bowl ad featuring nothing but a moving QR code on a black background, resulting in an extremely successful campaign.

What is a QR Code?

Quick Response Codes, also known as QR Codes, are similar to barcodes except they are two-dimensional. This means they contain information in both vertical and horizontal directions. You’ll commonly see a mixture of black and white squares and dots.

QR Codes can contain many different types of data:

Social media links
Website URLs
Email addresses
Contact information
Promotional offers

For most modern smartphone users, scanning a QR code is as simple as opening the camera app and positioning the lens over the code. A clickable link will appear that takes them to your specified location.

10 Popular Ways to Incorporate QR Codes

1. Shopping and E-Commerce

One of the most popular uses is for discounts and promotions. It’s also great for restaurants to showcase menus without passing around physical copies.

If your business has Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts, QR codes can direct potential customers to your social profiles.

3. View Business Location

If you need to drive foot traffic to a physical location, use a QR code that shows customers your address and directions.

4. Download an App

If you prefer doing business through an app, a QR code can start the download process immediately. Social media apps like Snapchat have created unique QR codes for easy user connections.

5. Send an Email

QR codes that send emails help you monitor data for newsletters and email marketing campaigns. It’s also a great way to track open and bounce rates.

6. Send an SMS Message

Make use of SMS marketing by programming a QR code to send an opt-in text message. This is great for sales and user support.

7. Dial Your Business Number

Scanning your QR code could provide customers with your business contact number. In some cases, you can program the QR code to dial automatically.

8. Instructional Videos

Use QR codes to provide demonstrations on how to use your product or troubleshoot any issues.

9. Rewarding Media

Link to photos, albums, videos, or other digital media that connects with your brand identity. Give customers something extra for choosing you.

10. Direct Customers to a Landing Page

Scanning a QR code can direct customers to a signup page, product page, or any website. This eliminates the need for customers to search for your URL manually.

Benefits of QR Codes on Product Labels

Enhanced Customer Experience

QR codes make the customer experience interactive. Your brand has a chance to direct customers wherever you’d like—product information, promotions, or social media.

Touch-Free Communication

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to go paperless. QR codes communicate information to customers as a touch-free option.

Cost-Effective Marketing

QR codes are inexpensive to create and print. They provide a direct link between physical products and digital experiences.

Trackable Engagement

Unlike traditional marketing, QR code scans can be tracked. You can monitor how many customers engage with your codes and which campaigns are most effective.

Best Practices for Printing QR Codes

Size and Placement

Make sure the code is large enough to scan easily
Place on flat surfaces for best scanning
Keep away from edges and folds

Color and Contrast

Maintain high contrast (dark code on light background)
Avoid complex patterns that interfere with scanning
Test codes before full production runs

Call to Action

Include text like “Scan Me” or “Learn More”
Give customers a reason to scan
Frame the code to draw attention

Printing Methods

Digital Printing - Economical for custom, short-run label orders.

Variable Data Printing - Allows changing information from one label to the next without stopping the printing process. Perfect for unique QR codes on each label.

Conclusion

QR codes are here to stay. Even as businesses open back up, QR code usage continues to rise. Don’t let your business get left behind while competitors utilize this incredible technology. Incorporate QR codes into your branding strategy to create interactive customer experiences and drive engagement.