A few years ago, QR codes were the hot new thing in marketing. They started showing up in all kinds of places, and it seemed like they were really catching on. Only, for some reason, they didn’t and they sort of faded away. Now, QR codes are having a moment again. They are all over the place, at movie theaters and restaurants, in the mail we get, on our favorite TV programs, or event at the doctor’s office. Virtually everywhere we go, we are likely to find a QR code.
These ubiquitous squares are highly useful in digital marketing, and dental practices can also capitalize on their growing popularity.
What is a QR code?
QR stands for Quick Response. Most QR codes are two-dimensional black and white squares with an odd-looking pattern inside, but they can also come in various shapes and colors. When someone scans a QR code with a mobile device, they receive instant information, usually about a product or service. Restaurants use QR codes for menus. Theaters use QR codes for tickets. Retailers use QR codes for special offers and events. There are countless possibilities.
Why should I use QR codes in my practice?
Because QR codes have recently gained a lot of momentum, most patients who visit your office are already familiar with how they work. Therefore, incorporating QR codes into your marketing plan is an obvious and natural next step, especially if your practice already has an active online presence. For a dental practice in particular, a QR code can point to its Facebook page, its online reviews, a special landing page promoting a product or service, the practice’s homepage, or a special landing page that has an important message.
The basic idea is that a QR code can make it much easier to direct patients to the information you want them to have.
How do I get a QR code?
One of the best advantages of QR codes is that they are easy to make and free. There are various online QR code generators out there that do not charge for the service. Additionally, once you have a QR code, it continues to be free to use, making it one of the most economical marketing tools a practice can have in its arsenal.
QR code generators allow you to fully customize a QR code to your specifications, and once it’s been generated, it can be printed on anything.
What are the best ways to use QR codes in my practice?
For dental practices, QR codes can easily be added to printed flyers, business cards, and signage around the office. They can be printed on bags, boxes, and tchotchkes. QR codes can benefit your practice, helping it grow on social media. If your staff encourages patients to scan a QR code that links to the practice’s FB page or its online reviews on Google, patients who don’t already can easily follow the practice and leave feedback. A QR code that links to Facebook Places can be used to encourage patients to check in at your office, letting all their FB friends know that they get their dental care from you.
QR codes can also be integrated into direct mail and print advertising campaigns as a way to direct patients to a specific landing page. A QR code on a mailer could even link directly to your practice’s online appointment request form, making it very easy for someone to request an appointment at the very moment they are thinking about it. And because QR codes are still unique enough to stand out in print, they are likely to get someone’s attention and pique their curiosity. For example, if your practice wants to promote teeth whitening for a month, a QR code on a printed flyer could direct patients to a special landing page for the teeth whitening services your practice offers, possibly also advertising a promotional rate.
In the waiting area and around the office, QR codes on brochures and posters can link to videos from your practice’s website or FB page, fun and educational content for children, landing pages for specific treatments and services, anything that occupies the patient while they are waiting to be seen or a parent waiting for their child’s appointment to be over. After all, while they are sitting there, they are likely to be looking at their phone anyway. With a QR code, you can enrich their experience at your office and keep them engaged and present while they are there.
A QR code is truly an amazing marketing tool and easy for any dental practice to use in a myriad of ways. Since patients are already used to seeing QR codes everywhere, it will be no surprise when they start showing up in your office. QR codes can help your practice expand its online presence, grow its social media audience, and create enriching experiences for its patients. If your practice isn’t already taking advantage of this versatile tool, now is the perfect time to start.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With more than a decade of experience in corporate dental laboratory marketing and brand development, Jackie Ulasewich-Cullen decided to take her passion for the dental business and marketing to the next level by founding My Dental Agency. Since starting her company, she and her team have helped a wide variety of practices all over the nation focus their message, reach their target audience, and increase their sales through effective marketing campaigns. She can be reached at (800) 689-6434 or via email at jackie@mydentalagency.com.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.
