Want to increase salon bookings and create a smoother experience for clients? Discover the marketing magic of QR codes.
These small square matrix designs are cheap to produce, highly versatile, and require nothing more than a smartphone camera to engage clients. In the last decade, the QR code has grown from obscurity to become a major marketing pillar for digital advertising.
Learn how QR codes can spur your clients and potential clients to book their next appointment — without much time or money investment on your end!
What are QR codes?
You’ve probably seen QR codes on signage, product packaging, and even in restaurants. They’re small, square matrix designs that resemble a Rorschach test. Like barcodes, no two QR code patterns are the same, and each one is tied to a unique set of information.
Users access that information by scanning the QR code with a smartphone camera. When scanned, the code might link the user to a web page or social media profile, display a message, initiate a call, email, or text to a specific contact, or prompt the user to download an app.
Increase appointments with QR codes
QR codes boost salon bookings by creating a fast and frictionless booking process that clients can complete spur-of-the-moment. Removing steps, friction points, and moments of hesitation in the booking process is critical in today’s one-click world.
Consider featuring your QR code on signage in your salon, media ads, mailers and flyers, business cards, gift cards, and even in your front window. Then set the code to direct users toward booking. Here are some popular strategies:
- Link the QR code to your online booking page. Potential and returning clients can set up an appointment right away, without having to remember or type out a URL.
- Prompt clients to download the StyleSeat app. If you want to increase bookings through StyleSeat, use your QR code to prompt clients to download the app.
- Deliver a special booking promotion or coupon via QR code. With one scan, clients can access tempting offers that bring them through your door.
- Use the QR code to bring up your front desk number. Even if you conduct booking mostly offline, QR codes can simplify the process. Clients need not search for your number, or even type it in — the QR code initiates a call from their phone. You can also use it to prompt a text message.
Do QR codes get results?
In a word, yes!
Consumers are increasingly turning to smartphones for their online purchases, and QR codes are specially built for the smartphone landscape. Mobile purchases were projected to account for 72 percent of all digital ad spending by 2019 — and that was before the pandemic increased the demand for online, touchless shopping.
It’s estimated that 11 million households scanned a QR code in 2020, a nearly 10 percent jump from 2018. In the U.S. and UK, 46 percent of consumers surveyed said they’d increased their QR code usage since the pandemic. According to Bluebite, the number of interactions with each QR object has grown a whopping 98 percent since 2018, and the “reach” of QR codes has increased by 96 percent in the same timeframe.
How to create a highly customized QR code (for free!)
Perhaps the best thing about QR codes is the price. You can create them for free. Visit QR Code Monkey and design a custom code in minutes that fits your brand aesthetic. Here’s how:
Step 1
Input the URL you want your QR code to link to.
Step 2
Choose your color scheme. The default settings are black for the matrix design and white for the background, but you can type in a hex value to customize your own color scheme. Depending on how and where you plan to use this code, you might choose to use your brand colors.
Step 3
Include your logo. Upload a logo to the QR builder and it will become part of the code design. This is a useful tool to make your brand stand out.
Step 4
Choose a design. You can customize the shape and frame of your QR code. QR Code Monkey even has a helpful selection of templates in case you’re stuck on ideas.
Check out this handy video walkthrough from StyleSeat Pro The Nail Room. Their branded QR code makes every business card stand out.
Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a brand new, customized QR Code. Now display it prominently and watch it go to work for you.
Ready to earn more revenue and increase your clientele?
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