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Consumer PR · Published April 12, 2021

Leigh Ann Ambrosi
Managing Partner & EVP, Consumer Lifestyle

How to Use a QR Code in a Public Relations Campaign

qr code marketing strategies for businesses
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With the introduction of new technology and tools, people have started using their devices more than ever, because it’s extremely easy to access any information that they might need. With just the press of a button, they’re able to both access and share information. One such useful tool from tech that can greatly benefit PR and marketing campaigns is the QR code.

What is a QR Code and Why are They Important?

Quick Response (QR) Codes are read and understood by smartphones, so many marketers have been using this tool in magazines, websites, billboards or other marketing material, as a way to provide customers with more information about the company’s products or services at the press of a button.

At their core, QR codes are utilized to promote engagement and interaction through the consumers’ smartphones, and this strategy allows businesses to deliver information directly to the consumers. They’re fast and easy to use, which are added benefits as most consumers don’t want to waste their time going out of their way to find the information they need.

Company Website

Placing a QR code on any sort of promotional material from the company can lead the scanner to a signup page on the company’s website or a landing page. This way, the hassle of looking up the business, and then finding the right website from the list of search results are both eliminated, because the consumers are taken to the right place as soon as they scan the code.

Then, they’re free to browse around and navigate the website, and as an additional bonus, there are plenty of tools that allow businesses to measure the effectiveness of the QR codes too.

Contact Information

With company-hosted events, such as conferences or speaking engagements, engaging and interacting with the crowd is a must. An effective way to do this is to have QR codes on the company’s business cards or other promotional printed materials so that when other attendees scan the code, they’ll be taken to the company’s contact number or other contact information about the company.

In some cases, there is also the option to tweak the unique QR code to dial the company’s number directly.

Direct Contact

Similar to the last point, with QR codes companies are able to receive SMS messages or emails when they scan a company’s code. This strategy is extremely useful for sales, product upgrades, customer support, as well as monitoring all of the information that’s gathered to improve other PR campaigns such as email campaigns, newsletters, or the performance rates of both emails and text messages (the open and bounce rates).

Finally, when scanning a QR code, consumers can also be taken to a download page where they can download the company’s app, where they can browse products or services that the business offers, or interact with the company.

Leigh Ann Ambrosi

Written by

Leigh Ann Ambrosi

Leigh Ann Ambrosi leads the Consumer Lifestyle division at 5W. With over 25 years of experience, she is a seasoned expert in brand development, publicity, and media relations. Whether shaping strategy, restructuring workflow, handling multiple clients or managing budgets big or small, she effects change with a constant eye towards producing results. Prior to joining the 5W team, Leigh Ann was Executive Vice President, and Chief Administrative Officer at Magrino Public Relations for over nine years. While at Magrino, she oversaw the Consumer and Food, Wine, & Spirits divisions, and managed the operations of the agency. She was responsible for signing new clients, strengthening existing client relationships and programs, and providing oversight for brands including Martha Stewart, Hunter Douglas, SCOUT, The Ranch, Vaughan, Flybird Cocktails, and Horse Soldier Bourbon, among others. Her passion for her work is paramount, which positions her as a strong mentor to junior staff, inspiring them to a higher level of performance. One of her many accomplishments previous to her agency work include a career in book publishing publicity and marketing, where she created multi-platform marketing campaigns that encompassed advertising, events, social media, buzz marketing stunts, publicity, brand building, and strategic partnerships. During her tenure in publishing, she helped to build the brands for authors including Mario Batali, Deepak Chopra, Jillian Michaels, Tyler Florence, Haylie Pomroy and more. Leigh Ann holds a degree in Mass Communications, with a minor in Journalism, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She lives with her two kids in Maplewood, NJ

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