Your Guide to Automotive Industry Digital Marketing

Learn how businesses are using QR codes and get QR code tools and resources.

What the heck are QR codes and why should you use them in your automotive industry retail store?

QR codes are a low-cost way to increase sales and/or subscribers to your newsletter, Facebook Page, text message list or any web page.

We are quickly moving into a totally mobile world thanks to an increase in smartphone usage.  One of the biggest trends in mobile marketing today is the use of QR codes.

What Is a QR Code?

A QR, or Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional bar code detectable by a barcode reader app on a smartphone.

They consist of black modules on a white background.

When a smartphone reads a QR code, it will then send the user to a webpage.  Think of a QR code as a physical bookmark to a virtual webpage.

You have probably seen a QR code without realizing what it is and the potential they have to help increase your sales.

Why Should You Pay Attention to Them

QR codes are an easy and (virtually) free way to increase sales with very little effort.  They are a way to produce results quickly and make a positive influence on your bottom line.

A QR code strategically located in your store can drive traffic to the exact place on your website or other social media you want customers to visit most.

If you have a new promotion that centers on coupons, use a QR code to help drive traffic right to that page on your website with the coupons.  When people see a QR code with an offer to scan and receive coupons, most people will take advantage of it.

QR codes can also help increase your customer base by offering exclusive incentives to new customers.

If used correctly, QR codes can give your business the boost it needs.

How Are Businesses Using QR Codes Right Now?

Companies are using QR codes in these ways:

• To grow mailing and text message lists – some businesses have QR codes on signs in their stores that go directly to a landing page where a customer can sign up.   They are then directed to a page with a coupon.  This is an easy way to give customers a reason to sign up for your mailing list.

• To increase the average in-store purchase – many retail stores have signs that feature exclusive daily in-store specials with a QR code.  This QR code takes the customer to a page that shows deals only accessible that day to in-store customers.  Talk about a great way to boost average ticket!  With an increased incentive to buy more, many customers are doing so.

• To attract attention – companies are even putting QR codes in public areas.  They are now being used as billboards, but they have a built-in call-to-action.  They are also appearing on business cards, invoices, fliers, or even in emails.

The customers of today need additional reasons to pay attention to your advertisements.  QR codes add this element and will engage customers more than other forms of advertising.

Additional Tools and Resources

By now you should see the huge potential that QR codes have and should want to make some of your own.  To do this, you can use this free online QR code generator to help.  You simply put in the URL of the page you want and it will generate an image of a QR code for you to use.

In order to use QR codes on your smartphone, you must have a barcode reader installed.  This website provides a list of barcode readers for use on the various smartphone platforms available.

If you ever see a QR code on a website and are curious to see where it leads, use this online QR code reader.  You upload the QR code image to this website and it will determine what URL it leads to.  This is especially helpful to see how your competition is using QR codes.

Summary

If you aren’t using QR codes on your promotional materials, now is the time to start.  QR codes can quickly connect customers to exclusive offers and promotions, increasing sales and customer engagement.  They also provide excellent analytics and cost nothing to use.

QR codes are an easy way to increase your bottom line with very little effort.

For more information on QR codes or how AfterMarketer Club can help you integrate them into your marketing campaign, visit their website at www.aftermarketerclub.com.

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