Fashion meets technology as it explores the promising potential of QR Code marketing. A Quick Response (QR) Code is a 2D-barcode that can be scanned through digital devices—smartphones and QR Code readers.
According to a survey by Oberlo, the number of smartphone users worldwide grew at an average of about 12% annually. These numbers mean that you can reach more smartphone users via QR Codes with just one scan.
Using QR Codes to boost marketing in the fashion industry isn’t exactly new. Sperry, Victoria’s Secret, Puma, and Zara are some of the leading brands using QR Codes and successfully integrating them into their marketing campaigns.
As per Uniqode’s estimates, QR Code usage is expected to double in 2022, thereby supporting the fact that QR Codes are a tried and tested marketing tool.
If you want your business to thrive through QR Codes, below are a few points and ideas to help you get started.
Understand how QR Codes work
Before moving to the adoption process, make sure you know how QR Codes work. QR Codes are made of a series of black and white grids that smartphones/QR readers can read.
They function in different ways, such as redirecting users to websites, making online payments, filling up forms, engaging on social media, and more. You can use these codes for gaining customer insights via the scan tracking they provide.
Learn about the 30+ types of QR Codes you can create for your business.
Setting up a QR Code is easy. All you need is a URL that redirects to the content you want your users to access, and then input that data into the QR Code generator. You can find various QR Code generators online for a minimal fee or for free.
Keep in mind—choosing a secure, scalable, and intuitive QR Code generator goes a long way in ensuring that your QR campaigns are a success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the best QR Code generator.
Customize your QR Codes
While the traditional form of QR Codes is in black and white, it’s recommended to customize them to make them stand out. QR Code solutions let you easily choose different colors to fit your marketing campaigns and be consistent with your brand image.
You can even place your logo on QR Codes for a more customized look. By doing so, your customers will easily recognize your brand.
Aside from incorporating your brand on QR Codes, make sure your supporting copy is compelling and piques the interest of your potential customers. Use engaging images and don’t forget the call-to-action component by including your contact and website information. See how the best QR Code generator for businesses can help you.
Once you are done customizing your QR Codes, make sure to do some testing before printing or deploying them. Place them in strategic areas to optimize your brand exposure.
Check out this complete guide on how to customize and personalize your QR Code.
QR Code placement is paramount
Whether you decide to place your QR Codes online or in print, always consider the best placement to optimize their usage. Make sure they’re clearly visible and have no clutter around them so users can scan without any hassle.
You may also step up your brand awareness game by placing QR Codes on receipts, packaging, product tags, and print marketing collateral. If you want to put them up in-store or in public places, make sure the areas have a stable internet connection so customers can scan these QR Codes effectively.
Redirect users to your website via QR Codes
The most important use of QR Codes is to let people know about you, and what better way to get acquainted with your brand than checking out your website. Prospective clients can easily visit you online and know about your business by simply scanning a URL QR Code.
Moreover, redirecting to your brand’s website via QR Codes helps customers stay updated with your latest news and offers.
It’s easier for your customers to access the most recent information through dynamic QR Codes. This category type of QR Codes is more flexible than its static counterpart.
Dynamic QR Codes enable you to change QR Code destination or update and edit content from time to time without reprinting the code.
Learn more about the differences between static and dynamic QR Codes.
Enhance social media engagement with QR Codes
According to the Content Marketing Institute, social media advertising is becoming a prevalent and successful marketing strategy, with 83% of marketers using it. Social media has been a popular way of engaging with future and existing customers with its billions of users.
Hence, don’t forget to leverage social media QR Codes. Users can skip searching for your brand online and instead just scan the QR Code through their smartphones. It will be easier for them to catch up on your business’ latest fashion updates and follow you on social media networks.
You might also like: How to ramp up your marketing strategy using a TikTok QR Code
Provide fashion tips via QR Codes
Having a fashion business is exciting, with new styles and trends emerging from time to time. Bring your customers into the fashion world by showing off excellent content that they can access through your QR Code. This content can be in the form of articles, videos, and webinars for an interactive user experience.
When sharing content, make sure it’s relatable to your customers’ interests and needs. The most effective way is to share industry tips and techniques, such as styling tutorials and the latest fashion trends. You can also share behind-the-scenes during events.
Use QR Codes to deliver exclusive memberships & special perks
Exclusivity makes your customers feel like they belong to something special. So, try organizing exclusive events for your most loyal customers. Let them register through QR Codes and automatically track the number of attendees.
RELATED: QR Codes for easier event management
If having events isn’t up your alley, hosting online giveaways is a good alternative. Mix things up by holding contests and have participants join via a QR Code. Not only does it bring a fun element to your business but it’s also a great way to promote brand awareness.
You can also consider delivering discount coupons via QR Codes to nudge existing customers to make repeat purchases.
QR Codes make shopping easier
The fashion business isn’t only a billion-dollar industry—it’s now over trillions! Don’t let your business be left behind, and let it grow to its full potential with the help of your branded QR Codes.
QR Codes have made shopping even more accessible—whether you’re shopping online or in physical stores. Users don’t even need to leave the comfort of their homes to purchase an item or two. They can shop your products at their convenience.
QR Codes offer safe and convenient payment methods
Not all customers carry cash with them when they shop at physical stores. So, you should provide a more flexible payment option for your in-store shoppers. You can do this by using QR Codes that allow customers to connect with payment gateways, such as PayPal and Payoneer. Before doing so, ensure that the links work for secure and safe transactions.
Track and analyze QR scan performance
One of the key benefits of using QR Codes is being able to gauge their performance to fine-tune your marketing campaigns. The results from your QR Code scans affect social media insights, website visits, email sign-ups, and other metrics.
The movement in QR Code analytics of your campaign lets you study how your customers behave and makes it easier for you to make changes in your business strategies as and when needed.
To aid you in improving your services, you can create customer surveys or ask for reviews. Your customers can access these forms through a QR Code.
Moreover, it’s a good practice to integrate with some examples of business process management software and other business systems for a 360-degree view of your data.
Wrapping up: Boost your fashion marketing strategy with QR Codes
QR Code marketing is a tried and tested method that helps fashion marketing brands improve business performance. Moreover, setting up QR Codes for your campaigns is extremely easy.
However, keep in mind that marrying them with your branding needs careful strategic planning. It might involve trial and error, but when done strategically and step-by-step, each stage of your QR marketing journey will be as successful as the overall result.
We recommend trying out Uniqode’s intuitive, scalable, and highly-rated QR Code solution for your fashion marketing strategy. You can check out this solution’s reviews on G2, or start a 14-day free trial to learn more about the product.