QR codes – the pixelated square patterns you scan with your phone’s camera – are more popular than ever in the U.S. due to the pandemic. According to the National Restaurant Association, 50% of restaurants have QR code menus.
About a third of consumers in the U.S. and the U.K reported scanning a QR code in the past week during a September 2020 survey. They’re used for everything from restaurants and bars to products and retail. To make a long story quick, more voters than ever before know how to use QR codes when they see them.
Because they’re free to create, they also make an excellent tool for campaigns to connect offline interactions with online conversion funnels to drive additional action from supporters.
Here are six ideas for using QR codes on your campaign:
On Direct Mail
Direct mail remains an essential campaign medium, but you don’t get much data back about its performance and it’s one dimensional. By adding a simple QR code to the piece, you can drive voters to customized calls to action like registering to vote, building a plan to vote, or donating to the campaign.
In addition to the extra conversions, you’ll get data about which mail pieces drive the most action.
In The Office
Ask guests and volunteers to check-in with their contact information so you can follow up with them after their visit. For example, you could take pictures of the volunteers hard at work, text them to them, and ask them to post on their own social media pages.
At Events
Speed up the check-in line with a QR code on RSVP confirmation emails or create a separate code for on-site registration. You’ll be able to capture more information from attendees in less time.
You can also create handouts with a unique survey for that event, linked to a QR code.
On Palm Cards
Adding a QR code to your palm card will prompt voters to take further action like registering to vote or signing up to volunteer after they meet the candidate or have someone knock on their door.
At Meetings
Instead of passing around a signup sheet that may never get entered into your database, pass around a sheet with a QR code to get volunteer signups and contact information.
With Campaign Merchandise
With every bumper sticker, yard sign, or T-shirt, include a card with a QR code that links to a social media post so your supporter can share their new swag online.
In each of these instances, it’s important that you use QR codes in a way that adds value to your supporters, not just as a gimmick for getting more out of them. You can explain how it helps your candidate run a more effective and efficient campaign or offer incentives like a free sticker.
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