QR codes are everywhere these days, including on product labels, in loyalty apps, even in the grocery store. The possibilities are limitless, from sharing product information to facilitating payments to entering personal details.
Up to early 2023, an estimated 1 billion smartphones have accessed QR codes. Smartphone users have scanned and redeemed 5.3 billion QR code coupons as well. With smartphones doubling as personal QR code scanners, 59% believe that QR codes will become a permanent fixture in future business transactions and other activities.
Take advantage of a fast, convenient, and now familiar mobile capability to extend the reach and power of your referral program.
QR codes for referral marketing
The versatility of QR codes also allows referral programs to achieve one of the cornerstone best practices: make it easy to share. They are simple to generate, fit naturally with your existing referral flow, and are effortlessly shareable across different channels, platforms, and devices.
Whether you use QR codes to better market your referral program or your advocates share a QR code rather than a referral link, the effective use of QR codes translates to more advocates, more friends, and more revenue. For a closer look at the mechanics, see our post on building a QR code referral program.
Extole expert guide to QR codes
Not all QR codes generated for referral marketing are created equal. These expert tips will help your enterprise use QR codes to the fullest and realize maximum results.
1. Tap on your existing customers to allow sharing through QR codes
Your customers are your greatest referral assets. Why? Because 92% of consumers trust recommendations coming from people they know and love. Make it easy for your advocates to refer friends and family by giving them a faster, easier, and device-specific way of sharing using QR codes.
2. Think mobile wallet when connecting with advocates
Particularly if your primary customer experience is in-app, take advantage of the now-common mobile wallet. Let your advocates store a QR-code powered share link there.
And when you reward an advocate, give this important customer the ability to keep and use the reward from their mobile device, particularly if offline, in-store redemption is an option.
QR codes are imperative in mobile-based marketing and promotions.
3. Get more shares by including step-by-step instructions and a CTA in your QR codes
QR codes by themselves can look boring, and people will be less inclined to scan them. But if your QR codes come with step-by-step instructions and a call to action (CTA), you can increase shares by as much as 80%.
4. Make your QR codes readily visible and accessible
Consider the mobile customer journey and sprinkle your QR codes along the path. Strategic placement of your QR codes will encourage people to scan them immediately.
Place your QR codes where they are easily noticed and easily used, including receipts.
5. Use your branding to make QR codes enticing
Your QR codes are an extension of your brand. It is crucial that they showcase the same brand identity to deliver a consistent, seamless experience for your referrals and get them to scan.
6. Physically share your QR codes
Referral QR codes are mostly found on digital platforms such as desktop screens, mobile apps, and digital wallets. But you can also share them physically through receipts, package inserts, catalogs, in-store signage, and more.
Encourage people to scan your QR codes through concise CTAs and matching design and visuals. Scanning QR codes is faster and more convenient than texting (Forbes).
QR codes are native in the Extole platform
Extole includes a preview capability that lets marketers see each piece of creative on desktop and mobile. The QR code lets you verify a preview on your own device rather than in the in-app emulator.
Enhance your referral marketing program with QR codes
Brands that rely on referral marketing need to realize that QR codes can help widen the reach of their campaigns, drive more leads, and maximize their conversions.
With Extole, we help clients leverage the power of QR codes to execute the most effective referral marketing programs and help them achieve their desired business goals. Request a demo to see how we can give your business that Extole advantage.