Improve your tour company operations using QR codes
Google has been pushing QR codes on us for years. But they had not caught on. It was the COVID pandemic that resuscitated the use of QR codes due to the need for touchless interactions, and consumers became comfortable using them. Here in the US, most Americans, 97%, have a smartphone. All have a built-in camera function that can scan a QR code.
The tourism industry across the world has reopened, and businesses are accessing permanent changes in how we interact with each other and are looking to adopt the use of contactless technology in their tour, rental, and activity businesses. Using QR codes is an easy way to incorporate some of this technology for free.
What is a QR Code?
It is an acronym for Quick Response Code. QR Codes are an easy and fast way to get to a specific destination on your IOS or Android devices. By simply using the camera on your mobile device and scanning a QR code, you can get a direct link to a specific site, email address, or other destination desired by the creator.
Why Use QR Codes?
You want to use QR codes due to the remarkable versatility that they offer their users. The QR Code can redirect its scanner to a website, a specific location on a map, a video or song, a Facebook profile page, create a contact in your address book, or even call a specific number. They have the potential to raise your product or company to a higher level of awareness, accessibility, and success. Also, due to the Covid pandemic, your customers don’t want to come into close contact with anyone or anything to stay safe, so they want more touchless interactions, according to a study done by Travel Daily News.
Where to Use a QR Code?
We already know how QR codes can work for tours and activities businesses. We may want to use them, but where exactly should they be employed? Here are a handful of popular uses for a tour and rental company to consider:
- Website Connection - a QR code to your company's home page where customers can get all necessary information about your offerings.
- Location finding - a QR code could be placed on the email confirmation for those who printed their receipt. It will reduce phone calls and direct your customers to a specific location on Google Maps, such as your office or a meeting spot.
- Signing a waiver and or rental agreement – placing a QR code at your registration desk that directs them to review any agreement and sign the waiver.
- Safety Videos - a QR code could be used to direct customers to watch any required video prior to the activity beginning.
- Sell Tickets – place a QR code right on your ticket booth or registration area, so they do not have to wait in line. A terrific way to start their customer journey.
- Social Media - using an eye-catching graphic to embed QR codes can help guide customers to your Instagram or Facebook page. One scan can generate many followers.
- Customer acquisition – guide people to you by promoting unique offers or discounts in advertisements that will take them directly to your site.
- Get More Reviews - ask for a review right after the activity. Place your review QR code in an area that all will see right at the end of the experience.
- Wireless network connection -rather than writing and updating your network's name and password, you can add a QR code to your office or other Wi-Fi location so customers can connect directly to your network using their smartphones.
Creating a QR Code Strategy for Your Tour Company
Before investing in printing and creating QR codes, you should have a plan. A few things you should consider when creating a QR code strategy include: - What are you trying to achieve with this strategy? - Where will you place your QR codes? - What content will your QR codes link to? - How will you keep track of the codes and their performance?
QR (Quick Response) codes have grown in popularity due to their ability to instantly connect physical and digital worlds. For a tour and activity business, QR codes can offer several advantages to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and improve marketing efforts. Here are some ways in which QR codes can be beneficial:
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Mobile Ticketing: Instead of printing tickets, businesses can generate QR codes that serve as electronic tickets. Customers can simply scan the QR code from their phones upon entry, making the check-in process faster and reducing paper waste.
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Informational Guides: At points of interest or activity stations, QR codes can be placed to provide tourists with instant access to multimedia guides, historical data, videos, or any other relevant information. This reduces the need for printed brochures and allows for richer content delivery.
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Feedback and Reviews: QR codes can be used to direct customers to feedback forms or review platforms immediately after their experience, increasing the likelihood of capturing genuine feedback.
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Location-based Promotions: By strategically placing QR codes at different tour spots, businesses can offer special deals or promotions for other tours or related activities.
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Language Options: For tours that cater to an international audience, QR codes can link to translations of information in various languages, allowing non-native speakers to fully enjoy and understand the tour content.
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Safety and Emergency Information: In the event of an emergency, QR codes can provide instant access to safety protocols, evacuation routes, or contact details of emergency services.
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Loyalty Programs: QR codes can be integrated into loyalty programs, allowing tourists to scan and collect points or rewards for each activity they participate in.
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Contactless Payments: Especially relevant in a post-pandemic world, QR codes allow for contactless payments, reducing physical contact and increasing hygiene.
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Social Media Integration: Tourists can be encouraged to share their experiences on social media platforms by scanning a QR code, thereby boosting the business's online visibility.
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Market Research: QR codes can direct users to surveys where businesses can gather data on customer preferences, demographics, and feedback, aiding in more informed decision-making.
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Inventory and Equipment Tracking: For businesses that rent out equipment (like kayaks, bikes, or helmets), QR codes can be affixed to the items. Staff can then scan the codes to check items in and out, helping to keep track of inventory.
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Dynamic Updates: One of the benefits of QR codes is that the content they link to can be updated without changing the code itself. This means businesses can regularly update information, promotions, or any content without the need to reprint or redistribute QR codes.
To maximize the benefits of QR codes and improve your tour, and activity operations you should ensure they have a mobile-responsive website or app, as most tourists will be accessing content through their smartphones. Additionally, training staff on the use and advantages of QR codes will ensure consistent and effective implementation.
How to Create a QR Code
There are several companies that provide this service, some for free, and some have a nominal charge. Here are a few companies:
If you would like help with setting up QR codes at your place of business,
Or call (800) 742-4781 Ext. 1