The purpose of QR codes, a.k.a quick response codes, are still a mystery to some but their use on printed envelopes and in direct mailing campaigns in general is growing hugely in popularity.
QR codes are an effective tool for response gathering and tracking and a feature Pillarbox Envelopes can print on envelopes at no extra charge. A QR code is basically a form of barcode that can be scanned using a free app on smart phones or tablet computers. Typically, the code then automatically directs the user to a unique page on a website. Alternatively, they can store information on your phone, such as contact details.
The uses for these codes are much wider than you might think. They are fast becoming more and more commonplace in museums, supplying extra information on exhibits for the smart phone savvy visitor. They have even been used in graveyards. Families can get a QR plaque placed on the gravestone of their loved one to provide an online memorial page for those that scan.
You can generate a QR code for free to print on envelopes carrying your marketing messages. This can be both a very useful response tracking tool and an effective way to encourage more visits to your website or social media page.
The basic use of a QR code is to speed up the navigation to a particular webpage. Instead of placing a URL on your printed envelopes for your audience to type manually into their phone, they can simply scan their way to the relevant page.
If you are a charitable organisation, you may want to use envelope printing to place a QR code on your mailing with a message alongside reading PLEASE DONATE.
You can then direct the scanner to a specific landing page on your website to capture their details or take them to a page that explains your objectives.
For businesses who want to push a special offer to segmented audiences, the QR code can be a very effective signpost – especially when you place compelling incentives to scan next to the code.
For example, if you were an ice cream company running a special BOGOF promotion on your products, you could place the words FREE ICE CREAM next to the code and watch the visits to your offer page roll in.
People are becoming more and more accustomed to consuming information as fast as the flick of a switch. QR codes are therefore a vital tool to capture your audience’s attention before someone else does.
But this isn’t the only thing that QRs can do for you when placed on your printed envelopes and in the enclosed mailing.
By setting up a code on sites such as Visual Lead, you can track the amount of times your code is scanned by your audience. By using different QR codes for each mailing, you can track how much traffic your campaign is directing to your site.
QR codes are clearly more than a fuzzy black and white box and something Pillarbox Envelopes can print on envelopes for no extra charge.
To talk with us about adding a QR code and other customised content onto your printed envelopes, please get in touch.
Pillarbox is a privately owned company specialising in the manufacture, printing and personalisation of envelopes and packaging. Many of our products are made either from recycled materials, or wood pulp which comes from timber grown in sustainably managed forests