4 Ways to Use QR Codes for Your Home-Based Business

Whether you recently launched a new side hustle or are finally ready to set up that Etsy shop you’ve always wanted, you’ll need a reliable way to drive sales. Home-based businesses are often run by a small team, if that. Often, it’s one passionate solopreneur who’s strapped for cash and trying to reach potential customers.

When you don’t have a big-business marketing budget, the solution is to get as personalized and creative as possible. QR codes  are the perfect way to turn your customers into loyal supporters — and perhaps even brand ambassadors! Here’s how.

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How to Promote Your Home-Based Business

A home-based business (HBB) is just what it sounds like: products are created, packaged, and shipped out of the business owner’s home. This can include virtual products such as website development and graphic design. For service-oriented businesses such as consultants or coaches, everything is done in one’s home, whether virtually or in-person. Even music and dance teachers often offer home-based lessons.

HBBs may have an e-commerce site or a shop on a platform such as Etsy or Storenvy. Other options include gated content such as Patreon or online courses such as through Teachable. Some HBBs sell products through Facebook or Instagram. In any case, they must market and promote their products and services just like any business.

While a home-based business helps reduce your overhead costs and allows you a flexible work schedule, you don’t have the benefit of a storefront to affirm your brand presence or attract passersby. Most booking and purchases have to be done online as you typically can’t accept walk-ins.

It’s also challenging to promote your business when you don’t have a dedicated marketing/sales team — which is usually the case in HBBs!

That means it’s crucial to (a) reach your audience and (b) make it easy for them to visit your digital storefront, course, or booking form. Flowcode QR codes  are the solution!The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
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1. Use QR Codes to Send Your Print Audience to Your Digital Channels

One major advantage of big brands is that they typically have enough name recognition to bolster their advertising. If you see a TV ad for something you want, it’s easy to find the brand with a quick Google search. But flyers, business cards, and print ads for small, home-based businesses don’t have that staying power.

The solution is to add a Flowcode on all of your print marketing and advertising materials. This makes it easier for people to visit your website or shop with a quick scan. Remember, the simpler it is, the more likely people are to do it!

Here are some ways you can power up your physical brand presence with Flowcode:

• Add a Flowcode to your print ads to offer a new customer discount or special offer. Configure the Flowcode to go to a private landing page or trigger an SMS that sends them a coupon code.
• Print a Flowcode for your e-commerce site on your flyers. Include a clear call-to-action that entices them to scan.
• Generate a Flowcode for your online booking form and include it on your business card. You can also configure the Flowcode to automatically dial your business phone number.
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2. Use QR Codes to Boost Customer Service and Brand Loyalty

If your home-based business ships out physical products, you have a unique opportunity to reconnect with customers and make them excited about your brand. While big brands may have the means to get more customers, they’re not as interested in forging a personal connection. They ship out products in a generic package, then move on to the next customer. Lather, rinse, repeat.

HBBs can treat each purchase with more care and personalization. This helps you build loyalty among your customers and make them feel appreciated — which, in turn, encourages them to return to your site for another purchase.

Here are some ways you can use Flowcode  to improve your packaging and shipping:

• Write a personalized thank-you note and encourage the customer to follow and tag you on social media by printing a Flowcode on the note.
• Generate a Flowcode for your customer service email. Include a package insert that lets the customer know to contact you with any issues.
• Encourage customers to leave a review by printing a Flowcode to your Google My Business page and including it on the shipping label.
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3. Use QR Codes to Help Customers Get the Most Out of Their Purchase

One problem with most box-store products is that they contain limited instructions. Whether you’re shipping out custom products or designs, or you want to encourage your customers to use your product, it’s helpful to include rich media and valuable content. This is where Flowcode truly shines, because they allow you to link a physical product with a digital one.

For example, let’s say that you’ve invented a fitness gadget. You have demos on your website, but not all customers may think to visit it. Some may not remember the name of your brand! Make it easier on them by including a Flowcode  that drives them right to the page you want them to see.

• Generate a Flowcode that leads to a product tutorial or demo, then include it on your packaging.
• Create an online community on Facebook, Mighty Networks, etc. Link a Flowcode to the signup page and post it on your package inserts.
• Invite customers to use the product and post a photo to social media. Make a Flowcode that automatically links them to your preferred social channel.
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4. Use QR Codes to Cross-Sell Your Other Products and Services Using Flowcode

The most successful brands market various products and services depending on where their customers are on their buyer journey. Ideally, you have several offerings that flow into each other, as well as complementary products/services for customers who have already purchased from you.

Flowcode is the best way to bridge the gaps among the different stages of the journey. Often, there is a disconnect between the physical brand experience and the digital one: customers may purchase a product and completely forget that there is an online course to go with it.

Here’s how to use Flowcode to link your various offerings.

• Create a special landing page that showcases a particular collection or a set of related products. Include a Flowcode for this page on a package insert for every customer who buys something in this set of offerings.
• Generate a Flowcode that leads to a related service or gated content. For example, if you sell custom knitting kits, create a Flowcode to the sales page for your online knitting class. Print the Flowcode on your product packaging.
• Send your in-person customers to your digital presence. Whenever you check out a customer, give them a receipt with a Flowcode directing them to your online community, gated content, or services. For example, a dance teacher could send students to her Etsy shop with custom costumes, tights, and bags.

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Ready to Sell at Home and Make Money?

Flowcode  is the perfect way to link the digital and physical worlds. For home-based businesses, which don’t have the luxury of an attractive storefront or large marketing team, it pays to be creative. Personalize your materials and target distinct segments of your customer base. Then, use Flowcode to connect them to your various offerings. By helping customers seamlessly move between your print and digital channels, you will create a more trustworthy and compelling brand experience that’s crucial to success for HBBs.

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