‘Scan To Learn More, Scan To Win, Scan To Watch Video, Scan To Download the App’ – we often see such texts under barcodes and QR codes placed on printed collaterals, storefronts,  product packaging, and sometimes on the product itself. All this is used by businesses to make the experience of users better.

Usually, an app is required to scan any barcode. However, an online barcode reader can be opened on any browser and using it people can scan barcodes. Thus, it means that these barcodes can now be effectively utilised online as well. Here is how,

  • Enhancing Shopping Experience

The barcode or the QR codes can be used to make the shopping experience for customers more interesting, easy, and not to forget, contactless. Lee Valley Tools integrated QR codes in their stores and their website which allowed mobile contactless shopping in all its locations. The mobile feature is easy to use as customers don’t need to download anything on their mobile device, instead, they simply visit LeeValley.com when they enter the physical store, click on the barcode icon, select their store location, and start shopping. The online feature also allows customers to scan an item’s barcode and see a full description of every product offered by Lee Valley Tools before deciding to purchase – from drills to dovetail saws. The mobile feature provides a completely contactless shopping experience.  It allows for no physical products to be touched in-store and a smooth check out process. With an online barcode reader on their smartphone, customers can simply scan the code and their experience gets enhanced. Also, this kind of customer experience leads to customer loyalty which in turn aids in growing a business.Tesco Homeplus Virtual Subway Store in South Korea

Usage Example: Tesco Homeplus a business in South Korea leveraged QR codes and created virtual stores in subways. Although virtual, the displays were exactly the same as the actual stores. People just have to scan the QR codes and the products land into the online cart. Once the online purchase is done, the products are delivered to the provided address. 

  • Interactive Online Advertising

Similar to how barcodes and QR codes are not used to replace the printed medium but to enhance their effectiveness and function, adding a barcode or a QR code on your website gives a more digital and interactive aspect to it. Well, the big thing with using QR codes in your advertising is to try not to make your audience read too much. Remember, you are adding an interactive aspect to your advertising.  

Usage Example: You can add a code on your website to direct users to an online game related to your product or simply ask them to scan and get discounts or rewards. Directing your viewer to behind the scenes or social media short videos from your commercial is also a way to interact more with the audience. Burger King did something similar by putting a moving QR code in one of its television commercials asking people to catch the QR code in order to get a free whopper. 

  • Immersive Mobile Checkout Experience

Checking out experiences is usually dull. However, QR codes can be used on checkout pages on the website so that users can easily scan the code and make the payment using their phones. This makes the payment process easy as users don’t have to put the details on their laptops or desktops. 

Usage Example: Apart from making the payment process seamless, QR codes can be utilised on checkout pages for offering free delivery of the product. Users can scan the QR code and claim their free delivery. Similarly, a moneyback campaign can also be created on the checkout pages using QR codes.

Mistakes to Avoid in Leveraging Online Barcodes & QR Codes

  • Non-mobile Friendly Destinations

The first mistake is sending people to non-mobile-friendly destinations. The target market of barcodes is clearly mobile users unless you can imagine people scanning barcodes with a computer or a laptop. It is a funny thought, but it’s not how it works. So, with that in mind, make sure that the content you are delivering is mobile-friendly or specially catered to be viewed on mobile devices.

  • Repetitive Calls-to-Action

The next mistake is having long, confusing, or repetitive CTAs. You should try to keep your CTA as short as possible. Even a sentence is probably too long. Moreover, it shouldn’t be a reiteration of the entire purpose of the barcode or QR code as it kills the curiosity aspect and makes it far less likely that someone is going to scan. 

  • Undervaluing Your Audience

The next mistake is well just being boring. or not really providing that much additional value. The rule here is to make the effort of your audience of scanning the barcode worth it. Let the experience be rewarding and don’t just settle with bland content.