Can QR Codes Really Boost Your Website Traffic?

By Kendra Lee

QR codes are powerful tools that connect your audience to your online world with a single scan. These two-dimensional barcodes revolutionize modern marketing by seamlessly directing prospects to your website, social media, or other digital content. This direct connection effectively boosts your website traffic and enhances prospect engagement.??

Without even noticing, QR codes are everywhere. Yet they are an often-overlooked tool in your revenue generation system . It’s time to change that.?

QR Code Usage Statistics

Perhaps you’re one of those who isn’t quite on board with QR codes yet. I’m going to tell you that even if you’re reluctant, it’s time to embrace them because people really are using them, both personally and professionally. Here are some statistics to get you onboard.?

According to QR Tiger’s statistics reports , global scans have quadrupled in 2024, to 26.95 million scans.??

Persuasion Nation reported an interesting compilation of QR code use statistics , sharing that 89.5 million Americans will read QR codes using smartphones by 2024, and 59% of surveyed U.S. customers expect that QR codes will become a permanent part of their lives.?

Now doesn’t that get you excited about the potential of QR codes???

Before you integrate QR codes in your marketing, it helps to know exactly what they are.?

What Is a QR Code?

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that store a wealth of data both horizontally and vertically. They are incredibly versatile, with endless business use cases, including in your B2B marketing plan. By seamlessly connecting prospects to digital content through a simple smartphone scan, QR codes enhance user engagement and drive traffic to your online platforms.?

Why Are QR Codes Essential for Business Marketing Success?

Now you know the definition, but what you really care about is why QR codes should be part of your marketing plan. There are four compelling advantages that make them a favorite marketing and sales tool among entrepreneurs and B2B businesses :?

• Ease of use: With just a quick scan using their smartphones, users can be instantly directed to online content. No need to type in lengthy URLs, making the process seamless and user-friendly.?

• Versatility: QR codes can link to a wide variety of content types, including websites, landing pages, videos, personal contact records, and social media profiles. This flexibility allows you to tailor marketing campaigns to specific goals and audiences. You can build them into your sales process, with links to resources such as case studies and brochures.?

• High engagement: QR codes can be integrated into both physical and digital media. Whether on a flyer, book, brochure, billboard, website, slide, or even a coffee mug, they boost user interaction and connect your prospects immediately with the content you want them to see.?

• Trackability: One of the most powerful features of QR codes is the ability to track scans. You can gather valuable data on user behavior and campaign effectiveness, enabling your prospects to make informed, data-driven decisions.?

How Using QR Codes in Marketing Drives Traffic to Your Business Website

You are sold on why QR codes are an excellent marketing tool, but aren’t entirely sure how to make the codes part of your marketing plan. Here are four traffic-driving ideas to get you started:??

1. Promotional materials?

Including QR codes on direct mail letters, flyers, posters, and brochures can pique interest and direct prospects to your website for more information or special offers. When your salesperson leaves behind a brochure with a QR code linked to a case study, the prospect may become excited about receiving a proposal.??

2. Product packaging??

QR codes on packaging can lead prospects to tutorial videos, reviews, or related products, enhancing user experience and interest while driving more engagement with you.?

3. Events and trade shows??

Displaying QR codes at events can guide attendees to event-specific landing pages, sign-up forms, and exclusive content. When you attend one of our Coffee with Kendra webinars, notice how we use QR codes for Google testimonials and free resources. At trade shows, QR codes on banners may pull otherwise reluctant participants into your booth after visiting a compelling landing page.??

4. Print advertising??

Integrating QR codes into magazine and newspaper ads bridges traditional and digital marketing , pulling readers into your website at exactly the landing page you’d like them to experience. They allow you to track otherwise untrackable marketing spend.?

5 Steps To Effectively Use QR Codes in Your B2B Marketing

Here are five ways you can strategically deploy QR codes in business for your marketing and sales.??

1. Pair your QR codes with clear calls to action

Don’t just place a QR code and hope for the best. Include a compelling prompt like “Scan to Unlock Exclusive Offers” or “Scan to Discover More” or “Download my Contact Info” to entice prospects to take action.?

2. Optimize for mobile

Since most prospects will scan QR codes with their smartphones, ensure your linked content is optimized for mobile viewing. A smooth, mobile-friendly experience will keep them engaged. That means the page they land on must be easy to navigate and any forms are simple to complete on their phone.?

3. Incentivize scanning

Give prospects a reason to scan your QR code by offering incentives. Think about access to exclusive content or special offers. If you give discounts, they are always an effective incentive too. Make it worth their while.?

4. Position your QR codes where they’ll be seen and used

Ideal spots include business cards and sales collateral such as brochures, case studies, and white papers. Add them to anything that will not be used digitally, such as print ads, newspaper content, and direct mail letters. If you can’t include a clickable link, consider a QR code. The more accessible you make yourself, the better.?

5. Make it easy to find and scan the code

y and stands out without being intrusive. Consider the content you’re placing it on. A PowerPoint slide will have a much larger QR code than a sales brochure. A strategically placed, visually appealing QR code will draw more attention to your content development strategy.?

Balance Your Use of QR Codes With Traditional Contact Methods

While QR codes are highly effective, not everyone loves them. (You might even be one of those people!) Some prospects may find them cumbersome or prefer traditional contact methods. To ensure everyone can access your content and feel comfortable, don’t limit yourself to a QR code.?

• Include a short URL: Alongside the QR code, provide a short, easy-to-type URL when possible. This ensures everyone can access the information without feeling left out.?

• Provide a phone number or email: Offer alternative contact methods, such as a phone number or email address. There are those who still pick up the phone! This way, you cater to all preferences and ensure no potential opportunity is missed.?

By combining QR codes with traditional contact methods, you give prospects a variety of ways to interact with your company, maximizing engagement.??

How Can You Track QR Code Traffic Effectively?

One significant benefit of QR codes is the ability to track user interactions. Here are three ways to simplify tracking results and gather robust data from your codes:?

1. Use a QR code generator with analytics: Choose a generator that offers built-in analytics to track scans, times, and locations, providing valuable insights into user engagement.?

1. Add UTM parameters: Embed UTM parameters in your QR code URLs to monitor traffic in your Google Analytics dashboard and gain detailed insights into user behavior.?

1. Integrate with CRM: Link QR code scans with your CRM and marketing automation system to capture data on user preferences and engagement history, giving your salesperson the info they need to make more personalized follow-up.?

Select a QR Code Generator

If you haven’t used a QR code generator, there are many different options. Consider these four factors as you select the right one for your business.?

1. Select one that has tracking capability. You want to be able to track how well your QR Code is performing.??

1. Pick a generator that has the design capabilities you want. Some, like qrcodemonkey , allow you to make customizations for color and logo.??

1. Don’t ignore marketing automation integration. If you’re using a platform like HubSpot or Keap, be sure your QR code points to a landing page with a form where you can track who they are and begin the nurture or sales process.??

1. Consider security. QR codes created on suspicious websites can pose a phishing threat. Be sure you select a well-known, respected generator.?

Enhance Your Revenue Generation With QR Codes

Integrating QR codes into your digital marketing and sales can significantly enhance your revenue generation system. By embedding QR codes in your promotional materials, sales collateral, events, direct mail and more, you make it easy for prospects to engage with you.??

For frequently asked questions on using QR codes to drive traffic and enhance your marketing efforts, read the full blog here . For more actionable insights on sales and marketing, visit the blog section of our website.