You’ve seen QR codes everywhere over the last couple of years. They are popping up on billboards, storefronts, direct mail, magazines and almost anywhere else you find traditional print media. Their true value lies in bridging the online and offline worlds. They are also a great opportunity for you to grow your email marketing lists!
There are several different kinds of codes that you can build. Let’s look at a few live examples and how they can help you build your email marketing database.
URL
What it is: When it is captured, this code will display the URL to the user and allow them to visit it on their mobile device.
List Growth Opportunity: Promote your newsletter then use this code to link to a mobile-optimized landing page with a subscribe form. You could also use this same format for contests, lead generation, or a quiz. You could even have a snap shot of a video on your print piece and use a QR code to link to the actual video!
Plain Text
What it is: This code will display plain text. Keep in mind that this does not direct the user to a specific call to action. However, if you use does not fit in another category, this one can provide more freedom.
List Growth Opportunity: Use this code to provide hidden or additional information. It could be a clue to a contest or a description of your service or the benefits of subscribing to your newsletter. Since this does not have a built-in call to action, make sure you include your URL or telephone number.
SMS
What it is: This code will bring up a phone number or SMS short code. You may optionally pre-format the message content.
List Growth Opportunity: The holy grail of offline email capture? Maybe! Check out the example to see how easily you can integrate this with your SMS solution. Users can provide their email address and subscribe to your database in seconds. The opportunities are truly endless with this code. The best part is that you can acquire the users mobile number at the same time as the email. Just be sure to get separate and explicit permission to send them SMS.
These are just a few ideas to help you grow your email marketing list with QR codes and I’m sure with more time you can think of some even more creative strategies. Here is a link to help you find some free QR code generators.
This is awesome Tim! With so many ways of growing the email list, this really hits the mobile side. Good article!
Short but sweet! This gives me a great idea. I will have my new QR code printed on t-shirts. This could even be part of a logo. Hmm, thanks
Yes, shirts are a great idea! I’ve seen several websites that allow you to create a code and have it printed on virtually anything.
This would be great to wear at a trade show, company events, or even give them out for free. People wearing them can be walking email sign up forms!
These simple 2D barcode images give ecommerce business owners a new way to encourage customers to opt-in to email marketing lists.They offered the following guidance and email marketing tips for small businesses that are investigating QR Codes.