If you’ve recently visited a home improvement store, chances are you’ve seen QR Code stickers, signs, and flyers up and down the aisles. These two-dimensional barcodes are powerful tools for engaging shoppers and improving their in-store experience.
QR Codes for home improvement stores are versatile solutions that benefit both store employees and customers. They can link users to tutorials on how to use products, provide updates on inventory levels, and even deliver promotional offers.
So, how can home improvement stores utilize QR Codes to engage shoppers? Here, we’ll provide all the details you need to get started with QR Codes and use them effectively, with tips specifically for home improvement stores.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Why QR Codes are essential for home improvement stores
Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) are incredibly useful for home improvement stores. They provide an easy and convenient way to deliver information to customers without the need for bulky product manuals or constant assistance from store associates. QR Code technology brings a new level of convenience and creativity to today’s DIYers.
Creating interactive and personalized experiences
Home improvement customers are not your average casual shoppers. These DIY enthusiasts want to know how products work, what materials are best suited for their projects, and how to make their renovation dreams a reality. Often, they rely on store associates to answer their questions and provide tailored recommendations.
When QR Codes are used strategically, they provide an interactive and personalized shopping experience for customers. You can link to URLs that contain product videos, instructional guides, and other relevant content that allows customers to fully explore products and make informed decisions.
A customer considering an all-natural household cleaner may benefit from a QR Code placed near the item that directs them to the item’s online product description, instructions for use, or even a product video. This gives shoppers easy access to relevant, useful information that may increase the likelihood of a sale.
Enhancing the in-store shopping experience
Have you ever found customers wandering aimlessly, searching for a specific product or department? Or maybe they’ve had trouble finding information about your store’s services and offerings.
QR Codes can help eliminate these challenges by quickly linking customers to store information. You can create QR Codes for wayfinding to guide shoppers through the store, making it easier for them to find exactly what they need.
And when it’s time for payments, no more fumbling through credit cards or cash. Stores can utilize QR Codes for payment, enabling contactless payments with a simple scan of the code, which opens a linked URL where customers can confirm transaction details.
You can also use QR Codes to provide information about any additional services that the store offers, like installations or in-person demos, via the linked URLs. QR Codes give your customers quick access to linked landing pages for product details, reviews, and special offers—making their experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
Increasing engagement, sales, and post-purchase interactions
QR Codes spark curiosity and lead to increased engagement with store promotions and offers. You can use them to link to loyalty programs or offer bundled deals that encourage customers to purchase related items.
But the usefulness of QR Codes doesn’t end at the point of sale. QR Codes on receipts or shopping bags are perfect for continuing the conversation beyond the store.
A quick scan can lead customers to post-visit surveys where they can share what they loved (or didn’t). These codes can also connect them to personalized recommendations, gamified loyalty programs, or how-to guides for their purchases.
Examples of how to use QR Codes in home improvement stores
The use cases for QR Codes in home improvement stores are endless. From enhancing the shopping experience to increasing customer engagement, these codes offer a wide range of benefits for both customers and businesses.
Share product tutorials and guides
QR Codes give customers instant access to the information they need. With a quick scan of a QR Code on product packaging, customers can access instructional content like DIY videos, step-by-step guides, or user manuals.
A customer looking at paint cans can scan a QR Code to access a tutorial on color-matching techniques to create the perfect shade for their home. No more guessing if this shade of blue pairs with that shade of green. QR Codes can help every shopper feel like a pro decorator.
Streamline inventory updates and availability
There’s nothing worse for the customer experience than having them show up for a specific item, only to find that it’s out of stock. QR Codes allow customers to check real-time inventory updates for popular items and find alternative purchasing options if needed.
A QR Code near a sold-out item can direct shoppers to a landing page that lets them order it online or find nearby stores with it in stock, saving them wasted trips and disappointment. QR Codes make shopping more efficient and convenient, saving your customers time and hassle.
Offer in-store promotions and discounts
QR Codes can make in-store promotions more accessible by linking to digital coupons or sales pages. They can also be used on flyers, Black Friday promotions, or at checkout to offer discounts on future purchases.
For example, a QR Code on a flyer at checkout can offer 15% off the next purchase when scanned, eliminating the need to clip coupons or remember promo codes. Customers can instantly scan and save.
Support contactless payments
You may have noticed that many businesses are moving toward contactless payment options to ensure a safe and hygienic shopping experience. QR Codes facilitate this by linking to URLs with secure payment portals, reducing the need for physical contact with cash or credit cards.
A self-checkout kiosk might display QR Codes for customers to scan to visit a landing page and pay using their preferred mobile wallet. The process is quick and convenient and minimizes contact between store staff and customers during transactions.
Promote loyalty programs and apps
The last thing you want is for customers to miss out on your loyalty program or app because they didn’t know how to sign up. QR Codes provide an easy and convenient way for customers to join your program or download your app.
Consider placing a QR Code near the register that links to the store’s app, where customers can sign up for personalized offers and easily track their purchases. You can also use QR Codes to offer exclusive deals or rewards for app users via linked landing pages, further incentivizing customers to join and engage with your brand.
Drive traffic to e-commerce platforms
Shoppers may not always be able to find the exact product they want in-store, but with QR Codes, they have easy access to a retail store’s full online inventory.
A QR Code on a home appliance display might link to a page with additional models and accessories available online. This allows customers to shop for specific features or compare prices without having to visit different stores or search through multiple websites manually.
Retailers can also use QR Codes to promote bulk purchasing options for items that may be more cost-effective online, driving traffic and sales to their e-commerce platforms.
Best practices for using QR Codes in home improvement stores
When it comes to using QR Codes in home improvement stores, a little strategy can make a big difference. These handy little squares can do a lot, but to knock it out of the park, you need to take an intentional and creative approach.
Place QR Codes strategically throughout the store
Just like with any digital marketing strategy, placement is key when it comes to QR Codes in home improvement stores. You want to ensure they are easily visible and accessible for customers to scan.
Placing QR Codes in high-traffic areas like aisles, promotional displays, and registers increases the chances of customers interacting with them. Just make sure the placement and the QR Code link complement one another. A QR Code near a display of paint samples, for example, can lead customers to an online color-matching tool or tutorial video.
Other strategic placements could include a QR Code linking to a URL with store maps at the entrance or links to pages with product information on shelves.
You can also use QR Codes on the products themselves to provide more information, like installation instructions or usage tips. Get creative and think about where customers may need additional guidance or information while shopping.
Ensure QR Codes link to mobile-optimized content
The point of QR Codes is to make things easier for customers, so don’t lose them by linking to slow-loading or desktop-only websites. More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so it’s important that the content you direct customers to is mobile-optimized and easy to access.
With a tool like Bitly Pages, you can easily create no-code, mobile-friendly landing pages. These pages are designed to load quickly and be easily navigable on a small screen, which can increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
Add clear, actionable CTAs
If you want customers to scan your QR Codes, make sure to include clear and actionable CTAs (calls to action). These are the instructions that tell customers what they can expect or gain by scanning the code.
This is especially important for in-store shoppers who may not be familiar with QR Codes or may need some extra motivation to scan them. Adding phrases like “Scan for a tutorial!” or “Scan to discover exclusive deals!” can entice customers to take out their phones and scan the code.
For post-purchase items like receipts or shopping bags, adding a CTA like “Scan for product recommendations” can also lead customers back to your store for future purchases. Keep it simple, clear, and inviting to inspire engagement.
Regularly update QR Code content
Businesses should not treat QR Codes as a one-time use tool. To keep customers coming back, it’s essential to regularly update the content linked to your QR Codes.
Dynamic QR Codes allow you to repurpose existing codes and links without recreating printed materials. Bitly Codes are always dynamic, so you can update or redirect links as needed. This saves time and resources while ensuring that your QR Codes always lead customers to the most relevant and up-to-date information.
Regularly updating QR Code content keeps customers interested in scanning codes in-store. It also allows your business to repurpose existing materials for future campaigns, reducing printing costs.
Create a better shopping experience for your customers with Bitly QR Codes
Shopping at a home improvement store can often be overwhelming for customers, with endless aisles and products to navigate. Moreover, if they have a question or need help, it may be tough to find an employee in the right department, creating a time-consuming and frustrating trip to your business. However, by strategically placing QR Codes that link to relevant, helpful resources, businesses can create a more efficient and enjoyable customer experience.
With a reliable QR Code generator like Bitly’s, you can easily connect customers to helpful resources that give them the information they need to make a purchase decision. With Bitly Analytics, you also gain insights into how often customers engage with your codes, and which get the most interaction. Best of all, Bitly’s QR Codes are Dynamic, so you never have to worry about reprinting codes if you decide to reorganize your shelves! Simply update the destination URL to keep your customers connected to the helpful, relevant information they need.
Sign up for Bitly today to transform your customer experience with QR Codes.
