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What Do Consumers Want When They Scan QR Codes?

Last week, I wrote a post on the Corporate Eye blog about the skyrocketing growth of QR code scanning, and this week, I want to share some more statistics that reveal what consumers want to get when the scan QR codes.

In a survey of smartphone users conducted earlier this year by MGH, 32% of respondents claimed that they have scanned QR codes — a much higher number than previous studies revealed. Furthermore, respondents cited the following reasons why they scan QR codes (via eMarketer):

  1. To get a coupon, discount or deal = 53%
  2. To get additional information = 52%
  3. To enter a sweepstakes = 33%
  4. To sign up to receive more information = 26%
  5. To access a video = 24%
  6. To make a purchase = 23%
  7. To interact with social media properties = 23%
  8. Other = 11%
  9. Don’t know = 2%

But what’s even more interesting in the MGH study is the finding related to what respondents plan to do in the future related to QR codes. 70% of respondents stated that they plan to use a QR code (either again or for the first time) in the future. In terms of future use, respondents cited the following reasons for wanting to scan QR codes in the future:

  1. To secure a coupon, discount, or deal = 87%
  2. To enter a sweepstakes = 64%
  3. To access additional information = 63%
  4. To make a purchase = 60%
  5. To sign up to receive more information = 53%

There is no doubt that QR code usage is growing quickly and brands that offer QR code experiences that add value to consumers’ lives are performing best. Today, offering coupons, discounts, contest entries, and deals through QR codes is a viable marketing option that can deliver positive short-term results. In the future, the desire to make purchases through QR codes will undoubtedly grow.

Your business needs to be looking ahead when it comes to QR codes, because this opportunity will evolve very quickly. Start testing now, so you’re not left behind tomorrow. For inspiration, check out the QR code to help clean up the Gulf of Mexico shown below, which was created by ScanLife and added to the Reuters billboard in New York City’s Times Square last summer following the BP oil spill.

And don’t look at QR codes with blinders on. According to the MGH study, 72% of smartphone user respondents stated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code in it. In other words, QR codes can also positively effect advertising recall. Not bad for a little 2-D barcode.

What do you think? Are you using QR codes to market your brand yet? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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Lucy is Editor at Corporate Eye