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In 1994, Masahiro Hara at Denso-Wave Corporation invented a system that helped streamline their operations — vehicle tracking and component scanning — in the automobile industry.
That invention was the QR Code system. And in today’s world, its usefulness and effectiveness are unquestionable.
What are QR Codes?
QR Codes or Quick Response codes are a form of two-dimensional barcodes. They can store a variety of information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. They can also contain links that can redirect a person to a URL.
A QR Code system works by encoding alphanumeric information. Because only machines can read QR Codes, the information that the QR system gathers can then be decoded using handheld scanners or QR Code scanners.
Nowadays, numerous industries adopt QR Codes — and the rate of adoption is increasing exponentially. Because of the convenience and ROI these codes bring, the rising adoption isn’t surprising.
Why should malls embrace QR Codes?
Most malls have already installed appropriate systems and implemented QR Codes. If you’re one of those mall-owners who don’t use QR Codes yet, you should know that over 63 million people scanned just Uniqode’s QR Codes in 2021, and this number is expected to double in the near future.
Below are other reasons you should jump on the QR Code bandwagon.
Assists customers in finding stores and navigating the mall
QR Codes can help improve customer experience as they can come to the rescue of mall customers who can’t find their way around the establishment. If your customers don’t know the location of specific stores, or if a mall’s extensive premises are too much for them to bear, a QR Code can help provide directions.
Location QR Code is a QR Code that can encode a map to help people navigate large malls. Once a customer scans the code, the map becomes accessible and it will show the exact route to a specific store.
Helps with digital advertising
QR Codes are also great for commercial and advertising purposes. They can help reduce advertising costs significantly. They’re easy to create and can be used for various purposes.
Instead of creating flyers, coupons, or other printable items to distribute, QR Codes in malls offer businesses the ability to advertise digitally.
These digital advertisements have a range of benefits such as being less disruptive compared to billboards or other traditional advertising methods. Furthermore, they offer businesses the opportunity to embed links and web forms to gather customer data.
Acts as a convenient and cost-effective way to engage people
Since most smartphones today have in-built QR scanning capabilities, it is extremely convenient for people to scan QR Codes. This helps malls easily engage and delight customers via relevant QR Code campaigns.
Moreover, a robust and affordable QR Code solution such as Uniqode provides you with comprehensive features that you can leverage for your marketing campaigns, making it a cost-effective way for your business to improve the ROI.
How to set up QR Codes in malls?
Malls should set up a QR Code system properly to maximize its use.
Below are suggested approaches you can take.
Decide the purpose and use of the QR Code
Before creating a QR Code, it’s important to decide on its purpose. Doing so will help you create the style of code that suits the mall’s specific needs.
To help you, ask these questions:
- “What are the mall’s goals and needs?”
- “What kind of information will I be sharing?”
- “Do I just want a simple code that executes a permanent action?”
- “Do I plan on changing the code’s content regularly?”
Find the right QR Code generator for your business
QR code generators are tools that let you generate QR Codes. You can use them to create codes that can perform specific functions.
When choosing a QR Code generator, it’s best to be mindful of your QR Code’s purpose. Can the generator create a QR Code that can perform a specific function?
For example, if you want to create a QR Code that can track the names and addresses of mall customers, the QR Code generator you choose must be capable of so.
Other factors worth considering are the capability of a QR Code generator to:
- Provide you with a method to track a generated QR Code.
- Provide you with the flexibility to use a QR Code redirect.
- Create a code quickly — preferably, in less than 5 minutes.
- Create a code in multiple sizes and formats.
Here’s your complete guide on how to choose the best QR Code generator in 2022.
Know which type of QR Code to use: Static vs dynamic
Static QR Codes and dynamic QR Codes are the two main types of QR Codes.
Here are the qualities of static QR Codes:
- They’re fixed in nature. The information stored in them cannot be changed once the codes have been generated.
- They have lifetime validity. As long as the web address or URL linked to the code isn’t broken, the code is valid forever.
These are the qualities of dynamic QR Codes:
- Similar to dynamic ads, dynamic QR Codes are changeable. This means you do not need to reproduce and reprint the code in case you wish to edit QR Code content.
- These codes offer QR scan tracking, online retargeting, campaign scheduling, faster scans, and much more.
Learn more about static vs dynamic QR Codes here.
To decide the more suitable type, go back to your QR Code’s purpose again. Choose the QR type designed for that purpose.
Usually, malls go with dynamic QR Codes. As discussed earlier, this type of QR Code is changeable. They are ideal for malls because of how adaptive they are.
Malls change their theme, design, and protocols regularly. And with the need for change is also the need to change their QR Code’s content. This is mostly so it’s in harmony with the changes at the physical location.
Customize and design the QR Code
Customizing your mall’s QR Code means designing the code in a way that matches your brand. A brand with a custom QR Code can help mall customers recognize your brand efficiently without any difficulty. Customizing also makes your QR Code more appealing to scan.
The ways you can customize it include:
- Turning a picture into a code
- Using it with a logo
- Designing it in specific shapes and colors
- Making it circular
- Adding a relevant CTA
In addition to its benefits for brand recognition, it also helps with omnichannel analytics. If you use your custom QR Code across various platforms like social media and offline marketing, you can be more effective in tracking that same code, and in turn, how people respond to your brand.
Download QR Code in a suitable format
Depending on your QR Code generator, you can save QR Codes in a variety of file formats. While you can use any format, you should take into account where you’ll be using the code.
If you’re going to use it for print, it’s best to choose higher-quality vector formats—SVG and EPS. This way, it’ll come out crisp and clear.
Meanwhile, if you’re going to use it online, jpg, png, pdf formats are acceptable. It’s also a good idea to use a .png file format because of its excellent preservation of transparency, opacity, and color information.
Check out important QR Code printing guidelines here.
Distribute your QR Code wholeheartedly
Once your QR code is ready, you need to inform mall customers about it.
You can distribute flyers containing the code at entrances. You can also put it up at different points around the mall.
As you do it, be sure to add step-by-step instructions on how to use them. Your mall’s customers may not know what QR Codes are for. It’s your job to inform them of it and walk them through it as needed. They’ll appreciate your assistance especially if it’s going to be their first time using it.
Conclusion
Using QR Codes in malls is a way for you to tap into the use of advancing technologies. Not only are they beneficial for malls, but they also bring ease and convenience for mall customers.
The process of using QR Codes is effortless — and can only take less than 5 minutes. All your customers have to do is take out their smartphones (or any device with a QR Code reader) and scan away.
If you’re looking to implement QR Codes in malls, you can get started with Uniqode’s 14-day free trial. Or if you want to learn more about how to leverage QR Codes, schedule a free demo with experts at Uniqode.
Rebecca DiCioccio is the Marketing Manager at Paperform. Outside of work, Rebecca can be found exploring the outdoors or with a book in hand. Rebecca’s background in copywriting and a keen interest in SEO and digital marketing mean she understands the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.
