For the last decade, the world has been making a digital shift. From marketing turning digital, the boom of social media, and the further development of SEO, everyone now possess a mobile phone and they use them heavily. The digital transformation was spearheaded by the effects of COVID-19, where absolutely no one wanted to touch anything such as cash or menus.
QR codes have been around for a while, so they aren’t exactly a new creation. However, Covid’s unwanted appearance launched the QR code to its ultimate popularity and now we see them everywhere – particularly in restaurants and coffee shops. As we come out of COVID, QR codes in food centric environments have stayed. Why are they so popular in restaurants? And what are the long-term benefits of using QR codes? Continue reading for a deep dive.
What are QR Codes?
QR codes, otherwise abbreviated from “quick response” are barcodes seen on any digital platform easily scanned by a smartphone device. These codes store information in little pixels on a square grid that can be read in two directions, differentiating it from your standard barcode. QR codes can store tons of unique characters and can include information like phone numbers and websites.
QR codes were originally designed by a Japanese engineer for the automobile industry. It was made to store large pieces of information and used to track vehicles and parts as they moved through manufacturing. Despite it being originally crafted by an engineer and used to digitally lead someone from one place to another, creating a QR code is now very simple and easy to do. There are many websites you can use to create codes for whatever you need them for, like contact information or menu items at a restaurant.
The Benefits of QR Codes in Restaurants and Cafes
Since the pandemic, QR codes have held major significance in Australia. Aside from being a touchless avenue for digital traffic, QR codes have a ton of other benefits to all industries. They are the bridge between print and digital, as they are often seen on t-shirts, billboards, and brochures. This can be useful in adding a digital aspect to your printed ads for marketing.
QR codes also engage customers, and this is where they’ve been popular in restaurants and coffee shops around Australia. I know in some restaurants in Melbourne, if I want to order food at my favourite venue, it’s now generally done through a QR code on the table. If you have a QR code in your marketing efforts like a flyer, you can easily lead the customer to receive more information than what you can put on your flyer. The same goes for a restaurant menu. People love to hold a restaurant menu in their hands and look through what food and beverages they can order, but ultimately the order can now be done through a mobile device.
You can also give discounts via QR codes, leaving people to want to come back for more.
Popular Ways Restaurants and Cafes Can Use QR Codes
Menus, Ordering Food and Discounts
QR codes have become exceedingly popular within the restaurant industry after the pandemic. Restaurants can use QR codes to allow customers to order food. They can also have their menu items on a landing page so that their customers can view their menu. This saves employees time cleaning, uses resources effectively, and helps the customer find what they are looking for at their own pace. Restaurants can also offer discounts to customers using QR codes for them to scan when they come back.
In conjunction with a printed menu, a QR code for ordering tends to be the ultimate solution. Branding and visual representation of the restaurant or café can remain on a printed document and is a brilliant place for a QR code to exist, allowing the customer to scan and order exactly what they want.
Virtual Contact Information
The Covid protocol for businesses in Australia right now is to collect customer information digitally. This means refraining from using spreadsheets or any paper-based recording system. It’s encouraged to use other methods like online forms or QR codes. This makes it more sanitary as well as more efficient.
QR codes are here to stay and can be beneficial in this new digital landscape. Embrace the new and get started on making QR codes for your restaurant or café, in conjunction with that ever-so-desirable printed menu!
