2022: The Year of the QR Code

QR Codes are no longer viewed as alien technology due to their comeback during the pandemic.

Initially, QR Code menus came into the picture in order to promote safe dining and minimize contact. Then came QR Codes on vaccination certificates to prove one’s immunization status before travel.

It was through these digitized experiences that individuals understood how this technology works and realized its true potential.

We’ve now reached a stage where brands are incorporating QR Codes into their marketing strategy for a myriad of use cases - from uncovering a coupon code to unlocking an engaging AR experience.

Due to the wide adoption of QR Codes seen worldwide and how it continues to make great strides across multiple industries, it’s apt to say that QR Codes are here to stay.

The popularity of QR Codes in 2022

During the course of 2021, QR Codes further revolutionized the Phygital experience - from 1,500 drones forming a giant QR Code in the sky in Shanghai for promoting a video game to being printed on a sustainable pair of jeans to share circular care instructions.

Beaconstac’s QR Code generator witnessed a whopping 63 million scans in 2021. This number is expected to double in 2022 due to the rate of growth and predictions made.

QR Codes are an adaptable technology that can cater to every business’s requirements. They help add value to consumers’ experience, whether convincing them to make a purchase or post a review online to earn rewards.

Consumers’ confidence in this technology has grown and continues to make an impact on how they perceive a brand.

In fact, QR Code downloads have increased by 750% since the pandemic began, according to Bitly’s research.

Latest QR Code trends in 20221. Augmented Reality QR Codes to enrich brand experiences

AR is mainly accessed using smartphones. So, employing QR Codes on marketing collateral enables consumers to quickly scan and connect to various AR experiences. You can utilize QR Codes to let consumers virtually try on clothes, cosmetics and also interact with brand mascots in-store.

You can also leverage QR Codes for games and competitions. For example, Pizza Hut used an AR QR Code on its boxes to let consumers play the classic game Pac-Man on their smartphones and enter a contest to win exciting prizes.

These kinds of activities amplify consumer engagement levels and help improve brand recall significantly.

2. Sustainability marketing using QR Codes

Consumers are now more conscious of the environment and how their purchasing habits affect it.

Because of this behavioral shift, businesses have taken the initiative to market their sustainability efforts and educate consumers on the best eco-friendly practices.

Brands like Cocokind and unspun efficiently used QR Codes to share their contributions towards a circular economy.

They also provided relevant sustainability resources to help their customers reuse and recycle their products to help save the environment.

3. Effective digitization using QR Codes in financial institutions

Financial institutions can efficiently harness the power of QR Codes to digitize documents and marketing materials for seamless customer experiences.

You can share announcements for the latest offers pertaining to credit cards, request customers to provide feedback, and also link them to your bank’s app to acquire more downloads.

4. Enhanced QR Code usage in the hospitality sector

QR Codes in the hospitality industry can be linked to more than just digital menus and safety protocols.

You can use them to provide giveaways, let guests order room service in your hotel, visit your social media page, and even scan to receive information on your hotel’s indoor air quality (IAQ).

Hotels and restaurants continue to explore the many possibilities of QR Codes and how the technology will help them thrive in 2022 and beyond.

Final thoughts

The potential that QR Codes hold is undeniable, and businesses are aware of this fact. We can expect to see QR Codes used more at multiple levels in industries across the globe. The possibilities are endless, from travel and tourism to brick-and-mortar stores, television commercials, and events.

Claron is a brand aficionado. He loves to explore how tech can be used to improve customer experiences and consequently, scale-up brands.