Quick response (QR) codes have been around for a few years, existing as another avenue to connect businesses and consumers with the AMMEX brand. AMMEX uses this valuable technology in unique ways to not only provide useful information about products, but also to garner more business for itself and its distributors.
Innovative thinking is crucial with QR codes today, as they face competition from emerging technologies like augmented reality. Moreover, less engaging QR codes have prompted many consumers to ignore these marketing and informational resources completely. In fact, May 2013 data from Forrester showed only 8 percent of U.S. adults who owned smartphones scanned a QR or barcode within the month.
AMMEX understands how this data impacts any company’s approach to marketing, as well as necessary steps to provide value to end users and ultimately boost revenue. A solid strategy is especially crucial as the ubiquitous nature of QR codes makes it difficult to stand out in the crowd.
“Viewers must get something out of the QR code experience.”
QR code best practices
Despite present challenges, QR codes are not a dead technology. However, success does require adherence to certain best practices. Here are a few:
- Avoiding links to company homepages: Redirects to generic homepages do not provide viewers with engaging content. AdAge listed this mistake among the three reasons QR codes have not been more successful.
- Linking to mobile-friendly landing pages: QR code scanning technology is made for smartphones and tablets, which means the content to which a code takes viewers must fit a mobile screen. Whether the linked site has a mobile version or utilizes responsive design, it must be immediately viewable on the scanning device.
- Going easy on the ads: Viewers do not want to arrive at a landing page cluttered with ads. This detracts from the content and drives viewers away.
- Making scanning beneficial: The QR code experience should not be about only what the viewer provides for the company. What do viewers gain from scanning? Whether it is useful information or an exclusive deal, they must get something out of the experience.
How AMMEX takes QR codes a step further
AMMEX QR codes have a multilayer approach to value. Not only does AMMEX seek to enrich clients’ and end users’ product knowledge, but the company also aims to boost distributors’ sales.
This process starts with the content. When consumers scan QR codes on AMMEX packaging, they arrive at a video landing page that features a video. This way, they gain insight about the product they have in hand to make a more informed decision about which glove is right for their job. If one product does not fit their needs, they are able to repeat the process with another glove. This strategy encompasses the first and second best practices.
The next aspect of the AMMEX QR code strategy benefits buyers and distributors. The landing pages are not solely for informational purposes. They also address the third best practice by not sending consumers to a page that says “buy gloves here.” With the product in hand, why would they need details about another location to make a purchase? Furthermore, this is a “neutral” approach, which means it does not hinder distributors’ business by sending customers out the door to another retailer.
Staying ahead in ecommerce
Ecommerce continues to experience growth, and AMMEX’s approach to QR codes – in conjunction with its digital marketing efforts and other uses of technology for business process efficiency – is one way it has stepped into the digital age to remain competitive. It is these strategies that allow AMMEX to push forward as an industry leader with QR codes and other avenues despite all obstacles.
