5 examples of major companies using QR codes with links or files
Dynamic QR codes are becoming an increasingly popular way to distribute content. Many users generate such codes for personal purposes, such as sharing their favorite playlist on YouTube Music or details for a home Wi-Fi connection. However, QR technology is no less in demand in business.
Interested in learning how to generate QR codes at a professional level? Let's explore the experiences of world-renowned companies like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Amazon, and IKEA. Here are examples of how these brands used QR codes in highly successful advertising campaigns.
1. McDonald's: URL QR code for dish information
In 2013, McDonald's introduced a transparency initiative that it continues to follow. The company placed link QR codes on its food and drink packaging, which link to web pages detailing the ingredients and nutritional value of the products.
This strategy allowed the brand to be open about food safety, addressing customer demands for more detailed information. As a result, QR technology enhanced McDonald's image among its target audience, boosted customer loyalty, and strengthened consumer trust.
2. Coca-Cola: QR code for reviews
During the 'Share a Coke' advertising campaign, the Coca-Cola brand decided to create QR codes and place them on its bottles. Scanning the codes allowed users to personalize their drink packaging and share their reviews on social media. Using the hashtag #ShareaCoke, customers had the chance to have their posts reposted on Coca-Cola’s corporate pages on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter (X).
This QR code with a link provided a convenient way to integrate offline advertising with online activities, helping customers share information with minimal effort. Unsurprisingly, the campaign became a global success, attracting millions of new consumers via social media.
3. Starbucks: QR code for application
As early as 2011, Starbucks began converting links to QR codes to promote its mobile app. By adding URLs to QR codes, brand representatives encouraged customers to install the program on their smartphones. Customers could then scan the codes to earn points on purchases and redeem them for discounts.
In this way, the Starbucks network significantly boosted the target audience engagement. Moreover, the QR code for the app streamlined the payment process and reward point accrual, making this system easier for both customers and coffee shop employees.
4. Amazon: PDF QR codes for internal document flow
Amazon uses QR codes to optimize communication and content sharing between team members. For example, a common practice within the company is to create QR codes for PDFs and attach them to printed documents. This technique helps employees instantly access digital versions of files when needed for work.
By adopting this method, Amazon managed to increase the efficiency of work processes and team productivity. In addition, the company reduced paper consumption, favoring electronic document management.
5. IKEA: QR codes for videos
IKEA Corporation makes extensive use of QR codes to provide furniture assembly instructions. Marketers first upload videos to the website, convert the links into QR codes, and place them on product packaging. Each product has its own video, offering step-by-step guidance.
This solution simplified the furniture assembly process for customers, eliminating the need for paper manuals. In practice, this innovation reduced customer complaints and support requests while boosting overall customer satisfaction.
As these examples show, practical QR codes with links and files offer immense value for advertising, optimizing internal workflows, and other tasks!