The easier it is for consumers to enter, the more likely they are to engage with your brand. That’s why utilizing Second Street QR codes has become one of the most valuable tools in modern contest marketing.
With QR codes included in the Second Street platform, you can now bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences, simplify entry, increase engagement, and prove even more ROI to your advertisers.
Instant Access Increases Participation
One of the biggest barriers to contest entry is effort. Audiences are far less likely to participate if they have to type a long URL, search for a website, or complete multiple steps before entering.
A QR code eliminates those obstacles. With a simple scan from a smartphone, participants can be taken directly to the contest entry form to participate.
The faster the process, the higher the likelihood of participation. Convenience drives engagement, and QR codes deliver a frictionless user experience.
QR Codes Provide a Seamless Transition for Print & Broadcast Media
Promotions created by media companies are backed by a multi-media marketing campaign, and while these channels are excellent for visibility, they often lack a direct path to immediate action. QR codes solve that problem by creating a seamless connection between offline advertising and online engagement.
For example, a newspaper ad promoting a giveaway can include a QR code that takes readers directly to the entry page. Instead of asking customers to remember a web address later, the contest becomes accessible immediately.
The same goes for tv broadcasting. You can promote a link, or you can include a QR code viewers can quickly scan to enter.
This ability to convert attention into action is one of the greatest strengths of QR code marketing.
Strengthens Advertiser Relationships
Since QR codes create a faster, easier way for your audience to participate, this will increase leads, opt-ins, and data collected for your advertisers. One good experience with your contest marketing could then lead to a larger marketing investment with your company in the future.
QR codes are also an added bonus feature you can add to your advertising offerings. For example, if you sell a featured entrant listing or text-to-vote keyword to a business for your Best Of, you can also include QR codes in your packaging. The QR code will then lead to their featured entrant listing on the ballot or open a text for users to easily text to vote. All of this is additional value in the packages you offer to your advertisers.
Cost-Effective and Easy to Implement
Since QR codes are included with your Second Street license, there is no other investment you need to make. They are:
- Fast to create
- Easy to update & deploy
- Compatible with nearly all smartphones
Whether you’re running a local giveaway, a multi-market sweepstakes, or a seasonal promotion, QR codes offer a scalable solution for any organization.
Creates a Better Customer Experience
Modern consumers expect convenience. Every additional step in the entry process increases the chance that a potential participant will abandon the promotion.
QR codes streamline the customer journey by providing immediate access to the desired destination. Participants spend less time navigating and more time engaging with the promotion.
A positive user experience can improve brand perception while increasing participation rates and overall campaign effectiveness.
Available for Any Need
Within the Second Street platform, you have access to create ANY type of QR code needed. A QR code could be created for a new promotion that was created, or a new article you just published. The QR code does not need to connect to a promotion within Second Street – you can create it for anything your organization needs!
QR codes are also fully customizable. Change the shape, update the colors, include a logo, and align the branding with your marketing vision.
The Bottom Line
QR codes have evolved from a simple technology into a powerful marketing asset. For contest promotions, they provide a direct path from awareness to action, helping advertisers increase participation, collect meaningful campaign data, and improve the customer experience.
No matter your core media, adding a QR code can significantly enhance results. In an increasingly mobile world, QR codes make contest entry easier for consumers and more measurable for marketers, creating a win-win for both audiences and advertisers.
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Matt is a Customer Success Manger at Second Street. He works with our partners to help them succeed with engagement campaigns, and is also our in-house expert on running successful ballot programs.