By Andrea Abbondanza, Contributor
In our previous QR blog post, we looked at seven reasons why your restaurant should start using QR codes and the immense benefits they provide both your guests and your staff. They help with everything from always have an updated menu, to faster service, to direct in-house marketing, and even less stressful staff!
By placing QR codes in strategic locations throughout the restaurant, your guests can easily access the information they need without needing physical menus or lengthy interactions with waitstaff. In this way, QR codes not only enhance the dining experience for customers but also help restaurants streamline their operations and reduce costs.
QR Code Placement in Restaurant
QR code menus offer great versatility compared to traditional paper menus. While printed menus are typically placed on tables or walls, QR codes can be placed anywhere. However, where should you put your QR code to get the most out of it? Below, we'll explore some creative and effective options for QR code placement.
Restaurant Table
QR codes have become increasingly popular in restaurants, especially when placed on tables. By scanning the code, customers can access the restaurant's digital menu and place orders without physical contact or interaction with staff. This reduces the risk of spreading germs and viruses. It also saves time and improves the overall dining experience.
Additionally, QR codes on tables can be customized with marketing promotions or other information, such as the restaurant's social media handles or loyalty programs, providing an easy and effective way for businesses to engage with their customers.
Menu Stands
QR codes on menu stands provide a convenient and contactless way for customers to access restaurant menus. Rather than having physical menus that multiple customers handle, QR code menu stands can be placed on each table or throughout the restaurant for easy access. Customers simply scan the code with their smartphone camera, and the menu appears on their screen.
This method not only reduces the spread of germs and bacteria but also allows for easy updates to the menu without the need for costly and time-consuming printing.
QR codes in menu stands can also be used to promote specials, deals, and events, providing an additional marketing opportunity for restaurants.
The Front Door
QR codes on the front door of a restaurant can be an effective way to attract potential dining guests. By placing a QR code on the front door, passersby can easily scan the code and browse the restaurant's menu before entering the establishment. This can help entice customers who may be hesitant to enter a new restaurant without first knowing what type of cuisine and pricing is offered.
Additionally, placing a QR code on the front door can help reduce physical contact between customers and staff by allowing them to view the menu and place an order without touching or interacting with staff. It could also be used to send potential guests to your reservation system.
Your Restaurant’s Walls
QR codes can also be placed on the walls of a restaurant, allowing customers to access the menu and other important information easily. This can be a creative and eye-catching way to promote your QR code menu, as it can be strategically placed in high-traffic areas or near areas where customers may wait for a table.
By placing QR codes on the walls, you can offer customers a touchless and convenient way to browse your menu while promoting your restaurant's technological savvy.
Receipts
QR codes on receipts can give customers a convenient way to access the menu and leave feedback. With a simple scan of the code, customers can view the restaurant's menu and place orders directly from their mobile devices. Additionally, QR codes on receipts can collect valuable customer feedback, allowing restaurant owners to understand what's working and needs improvement.
This information can enhance the overall dining experience and increase customer satisfaction. Finally, QR codes on receipts can also be used to promote the restaurant's social media channels or other promotions, providing an additional marketing opportunity.
Booking Confirmation Emails
QR codes on booking confirmation emails can effectively promote additional services or encourage customers to leave a review. Including a QR code that leads to a landing page with relevant information or a special offer makes customers more likely to engage with your brand beyond their initial booking.
Additionally, using QR codes on booking confirmation emails to request reviews can help increase your online reputation and provide valuable feedback for your business. With a quick scan, customers can easily access the information or promotion they want to share, making it a convenient and efficient marketing tool.
QR Code Placement for Restaurant Promotions
Earlier, we discussed the placement of QR codes inside the restaurant; in this section, we will explain the placement of QR codes for promotions outside the restaurant. Here are the placements.
Your Restaurant’s Website
One effective way to promote your QR code menu is by placing it on your restaurant's website, particularly on the website's homepage or the menu page. By doing so, potential customers who visit your website can easily access your menu and make informed decisions about dining at your establishment.
Additionally, you can use the QR code to offer exclusive promotions or discounts to customers who scan it on your website. This can help to drive traffic to your restaurant and increase customer engagement.
Social Media
QR codes can also be used on social media platforms to promote a restaurant's menu or special offers. Adding a QR code to a social media post or advertisement lets customers quickly scan the code with their smartphone and be directed to the restaurant's menu or website.
This can be a highly effective way to attract customers already scrolling through their social media feeds and looking for something new and exciting to try.
Restaurant Review Sites
QR codes on review sites are another effective way to promote your restaurant. Customers browsing review sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor are already interested in finding a place to dine, so providing them with a QR code to your menu or special offers can be a great way to attract their attention. Scanning the QR code allows them to access your menu and learn more about your restaurant easily.
Additionally, you can offer incentives for customers who leave a positive review, such as a discount on their next meal. By placing QR codes on review sites, you can drive traffic to your restaurant and increase positive reviews.
Flyers
QR codes on flyers can be a great way to promote your restaurant and its offerings. Including a QR code on your flyers gives potential customers easy access to your menu and website. You can also use the QR code to offer special discounts or promotions to incentivize them to visit your restaurant.
Flyers can be distributed in various locations, such as nearby businesses, residential areas, or community events. A well-designed flyer with a QR code can effectively reach a wider audience and increase your restaurant's visibility.
Stickers
QR codes can also be placed on stickers for promotional purposes. These stickers can be placed on various items, such as product packaging, takeaway bags, or smartphones. This is an effective way to get customers to engage with your brand beyond the walls of your restaurant.
Customers can access your menu, promotions, and even social media accounts by simply scanning the QR code. Stickers are also easy to distribute and can be handed out during events or given to customers with orders. This way, your brand can gain more visibility and attract new customers outside the restaurant.
Business Cards
Including QR codes on business cards can be a great way to make it easier for potential customers to learn more about your business. By scanning the code with their smartphone, they can be directed to your website, social media pages, or even a specific promotion or discount offer.
This can be especially useful for networking events or conferences, where you may not have the opportunity to explain your business to everyone you meet fully. QR codes on business cards also add a modern and tech-savvy touch to your marketing materials, showing that your business is up-to-date with the latest trends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, QR codes have proven to be valuable in the restaurant industry. Their versatility and convenience make them an excellent menu, promotion, and customer engagement option. Placing QR codes in strategic locations like table stands, walls, receipts, and the front door can help enhance the customer experience and drive revenue.
Additionally, utilizing QR codes on online platforms such as websites, social media, and review sites can broaden the reach of the restaurant's marketing efforts. QR codes in a restaurant's marketing strategy can increase customer engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction.
