Effective, No-Cost QR Code Promotions

We first used QR codes in our business with custom band folders. We printed the band folders with codes on the front and back and distributed the folders to schools. The front code linked to our store website, and the back code linked to our wind instrument maintenance website, which is ironically titled hornsmasher.com.

This year, my lovely wife and business partner took the idea to the next level. She suggested we put QR codes that link to our maintenance videos on the inside music-holder flaps. We did this and distributed 2,000 folders. Since then, as many as 2,000 kids scan these folders and see my mug every day. Music teachers like the maintenance videos and make watching them a homework assignment for students. Some teachers even test students on what they learned about taking care of their instruments. We all know a music teacher’s referral is golden. If you do school music and band folders, this is target marketing at its finest.

By the way, we know this works because my Google analytics tell me my mobile app usage jumped from 16 to 37 percent about two months after these folders went out.

That's just one idea. Here are more ways you can use QR codes to promote your dealership.

Product displays. When you hang an instrument in a display case, put a QR code on your product description signage. Have the code link to the product page on the manufacturer's website. This way, your customer can learn about the product's specs and details. You've essentially opened up a window to at least 10 square feet of signage in a 1-inch-square QR code.

Business cards. Simply have a code on your cards that links to a Google map of your store. When you pass the business cards out at remote events, you give people a way to find you. Your salespeople and instrument repair staff can also have a code that links to a file documenting their work history and education. Private teachers can have two codes, one that documents their work experience and education and another that links to a YouTube video showing them performing.

Facebook and social media. This is a veritable gold mine of possibilities. Like many music retailers, we're doing all we can to get people to “like" us on Facebook. My wife, who handles all our social media, recently had an idea: give people a discount when they take out their phones and "like" us right in the store. Unfortunately, this wasn't very practical. By the time customers searched for our business, got the spelling right and logged in, it was too much of a hassle. Still, her light bulb went on. She put a QR code on our "Like us on Facebook sign” that takes the customer right to our Facebook page. Brilliant! (QR codes are also another way to get that additional 10 square feet of signage on any social media posts promoting a sale or special event.)

Store and vehicle signage. Next time you redo your signage, use QR codes that link to your company website.

Swag. T-shirts and all other promotional items are a good place for a code.

In the United States, there are now more than 100 million smartphones in service. Think of them as windows to your showroom. You have good products and services, so put the codes to work for you.