QR Code Ideas for banks, shopping centers, and more

A lot of companies think that adding QR codes to their advertising makes them look tech-savvy and innovative.  However, a lot of QR codes just take people to a home page, and sometimes they’re not even optimized for mobile.

Before you even think about putting a QR Code on any marketing material, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • People only use their mobile phone for scanning a QR Code (ok, sometimes a tablet, but doubtful). So make sure the website they go to is something they’d want to look at on their phone. Seriously, the minority of people who actually scans QR codes get really pissed off when they could have just as easily typed in a URL.

  • People are not at their computer when the scan a QR Code. Ask yourself, where are they most likely going to be? What are they doing when they scan it? How can you leverage their situation into a unique experience?

  • Scanning a QR Code is kind of a pain. You have to open the app, turn on the scanning, position your phone just right, so it focuses it correctly, then you’re taken to the content. Reward people for their effort. Make whatever content you send them to awesome.

Now, here are some usage ideas for various industries.

Solar Companies
Create a poster with images of houses you’ve installed and QR codes next to them, listed by neighborhood.

When they scan it, they’ll be shown:

  • Savings they’re experiencing

  • Cost of the homeowner

  • Quote from the homeowner

Now, that’s a much more interactive way of presenting numerous testimonials.

Shopping Centers
Create a “Deal of the Day” signage with a QR code in prominent locations on the property

When people scan it, they’ll be taken to a mobile site that lists the special deal of that day that’s only accessible from the QR code.  Change the deal everyday to represent all your merchants and require that they each give you a really great deal for that one day.  Soon enough, shoppers will want to scan it every time they come.

Banks
Place a QR code on a mortgage lending flier or brochure that takes people to a page with the current rates.

Non-Profits
Create a printed piece with photos of people who you’ve helped with a short description about them and QR codes next to them.

Each QR code will take them to a video testimonial of the person telling his or her story.  Simple way to communicate a lot.