QR Codes and Your Salon

QR Codes and Your Salon

You’ve probably noticed lately, these strange barcode looking images on marketing materials… they are called QR Codes, short for Quick Response codes. Essentially they are two dimensional codes which can be scanned by a smartphone camera. Scanning the image will automatically direct the client to a specific URL, video, coupon, facebook page, or photo which you specify.

QR codes control the marketing world in Japan and Asia, and are now becoming the norm in North America as more and more clients are moving to smartphones. QR codes allow businesses to take clients who are offline in a real world environment, to their online world by simply scanning the code. Using the code, also saves valuable space on offline marketing materials basically saying scan here for the details, or to unlock a ‘special’. Ensure wherever you are directing your clients, there is a win for the client with a clear call to action on the landing page.

NOTE: While QR codes are becoming customary, they are still foreign to many, so be sure to provide directions on how to use them for clients who may not be aware. After all, you want to increase business, not alienate a percentage of your clientele.

How Do I Create a QR Code?

Creating the code is now fairly easy, using one of the many available online tools. Simply search for 'QR code generator' to find one.

What does My Client Need to Scan our Salons QR Code?

Your client will need a smartphone to read the QR Code, along with an app to scan it. There are also many choices for which scanner to choose, just search for 'QR code scanner'.

Where can my salon use QR Codes?

The sky is the limit, but here are a few suggestions for your salon:

• On Business Cards – direct your clients to your website or facebook page
• On Marketing Materials – this saves space on your marketing materials by directing them online for the details or to an online only campaign
• Storefront Windows or Signage – make your QR code direct walk by traffic to your service menu or to a new client promotion on your website or facebook page.
• Hide them for Clients to find – make a game of it, find our QR code for your prize.. hide the QR code offline in your salon, or how about somewhere on your website, this way your clients will visit many pages on your website they normally may not have seen.