I first heard of QR codes about 20 years ago. To me, they would be a marketer’s dream tool, but to my surprise, they were underutilized for the next decade.
Fast forward to 2012 when I was traveling through France, and I stumbled upon this building covered in QR codes that linked to the company’s website. It got me thinking maybe the U.S. was just slow in catching on to this tech trend. People were calling QR codes a fad, but seeing them in action made me think otherwise.
Back in 2017, QR code popularity grew when Apple integrated a QR code reader into their iPhones, and Android followed suit. Suddenly 700 million people could effortlessly scan these codes without any additional apps.
Since then, QR codes have exploded everywhere. You’ll spot them on restaurant menus, product packages, TV ads, events you name it. Want to tip a street band? Just scan their QR code and Venmo them.
Now, let’s talk about how to leverage QR codes effectively in real estate. This handy guide will walk you through creating and using QR codes in the real estate game. It’s easier than you think.
Creating The Code
Before diving into QR Codes, it's essential to figure out how you want to make and track them.
I suggest sticking to one system for creating all your codes. There are plenty of options available, each with its own unique features.
For instance, if you’re browsing a web page using Chrome, you can simply right-click to create a QR code for that page and share it with others. It’s interesting but not exactly mind-blowing.
To take advantage of QR codes, you need an enterprise-level solution that helps you use the codes differently. Many options are available; you can just Google ‘QR Code Generator’ for the full lineup.
The best tool, and the one I use, is the QR Code Generator powered by Bitly. They offer a free version if you want to try out the technology, but I encourage you to sign up for one of the paid options. With those, you’ll get more data and create dynamic codes, which I’ll explain more about later. Here are their pricing tiers; we currently use the Advanced Plan.
Creating The Code
The best tool, and the one I use, is the QR Code Generator powered by Bitly. They offer a free version if you want to try out the technology, but I encourage you to sign up for one of the paid options. With those, you’ll get more data and create dynamic codes, which I’ll explain more about later. Here are their pricing tiers; we currently use the Advanced Plan.
Dynamic QR Codes
When it comes to taking full advantage of QR codes and all they have to offer, there's one type that's a total game-changer: Dynamic QR codes.
What makes them so beneficial? Unlike regular QR codes that stay fixed, dynamic ones give you the ability to change their web address after you create them. This makes them incredibly powerful, especially for marketing campaigns. Plus, they come with tracking and analytics features so you can collect valuable data like where, when, and how often they’re scanned. It’s like a secret weapon for measuring campaign success.
Think about your For Sale signs. Without dynamic codes, each time you sell a property, you’d either have to throw away the sign or slap on a sticker with an updated QR code for every new property. Not very cost-effective, right?
But with dynamic codes, it’s simple! You can use software to redirect the code to the web page of your next property while keeping the same QR code on the sign.
Dynamic QR Codes
Check out this example to see how simple it is to change where a QR code points. Just update the website, and the QR code stays the same. Now that’s handy!
Design
Check out this example to see how simple it is to change where a QR code points. Just update the website, and the QR code stays the same. Now that’s handy!
Look at this one we made – it’s got our logo right in the middle and matches our brokerage’s colors.
These are some of the QR codes we use on our For Sale signs. If you take a closer look at these designs, you’ll notice that each of the three red designs has a corner pointing in a different direction from the others.
The one on the left is number one, the next is number two, the third is number three, and so on. This hidden system helps us easily identify which signs we’re using and quickly determine which URL we need to modify.
Design
When it comes to design options for your QR code, the possibilities are practically limitless. You can customize it in countless ways.
For example, the code you see above can be transformed into various styles, but they will all lead to the same URL. So, get creative and make your QR code stand out in a way that works for your brand and marketing style.
Analytics
One of the most powerful features of a QR code application is the ability to delve into the data and get insights into how your code is performing.
You can easily access information on how many times the code has been scanned, what type of operating systems were used to scan it, and even where in the country or world the code was scanned the most or at least where the scanning devices are based.
This data is a goldmine of valuable information, helping you understand the reach and impact of your QR code campaign. Unfortunately, this data is unavailable with the free plans, so if you want to unlock this level of analytics, you’ll need to opt for a paid plan.
Applications
QR codes offer endless possibilities, and once you start using them, you'll discover countless exciting ways to leverage their potential.
As you explore and experiment, you’re bound to find innovative applications that work great for your specific needs.
If you discover any impressive QR code applications that are a perfect fit for you, I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to shoot me an email and share your experiences. Your valuable insights will be a great addition to the next guide update.
Brochures
While print brochures are nice, they don’t get many QR code scans from people politely taking them. Let’s offer a better way – engaging digital media. It’s convenient, and tracks engagement effectively.
We revamped our property brochures to digital versions. At our listings, you’ll find QR codes neatly displayed in frames throughout the home. When scanned, they link directly to the virtual brochure or listing page for that property. To see an example in action, simply scan this code:
Applications
Digital Business Cards (VR Cards)
This is one of my favorite ways to use QR codes. One of the worst things about printed business cards in the digital age is the hassle of adding them as a contact in your phone or a database. Thanks to QR codes, we’ve found a solution.
First, we include our QR code on printed cards so people can quickly scan and save our contact information when we hand them out. But the real magic happens when we meet someone interested in our contact details.
We ask if they have their phone handy, and then we show them the QR code, which is available both on our phone and as an Apple watch face. This way, they can scan it and have our info, including our social media accounts, without the hassle. It’s a powerful way to ensure our data gets into their phones effortlessly. QR codes have revolutionized how we share and manage contacts.
Applications
Digital Business Cards (VR Cards)
If you’d like to add my contact information to your phone, simply click the code below. Having my details easily accessible might be handy if you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling property in Arizona. When you do, you will see the following on your phone or computer:
Applications
Mailers
For our Just Listed and Just Sold properties, we send out oversized postcards. Each mailer includes a unique QR code specific to the property, ensuring it’s different from the one used on the For Sale sign or inside the home. This individual code helps us measure the success of the postcard campaign and distinguish it from sign scans.
From an analytical perspective, the application allows us to track how many people clicked on the QR code on the postcard. While immediate calls might not always come in, this data is a valuable guide to gauge the effectiveness of our mailings. It’s a powerful tool to fine-tune our marketing strategies and optimize results.
Additional Uses
Office Listings
If you have an office with listings displayed in a window, QR codes are a fantastic way to showcase your properties effectively. Passersby can do some window shopping for potential future homes without feeling the need to enter the office and engage in a conversation with an agent.
Using QR codes also ensures that the buyer connects directly with you, bypassing the possibility of connecting with an agent who just happens to be sitting in the office. This is especially powerful in resort areas where potential buyers might just be starting to consider owning a home in that location.
Advertising
Incorporating QR codes into ads in local newspapers, real estate magazines, or any other publications adds significant impact to the advertisement. With QR codes, you go beyond the constraints of photos and limited information in the ad.
Now, potential clients can dynamically explore and learn more about a property by scanning the QR code. It’s a game-changer, providing an enhanced and interactive experience for potential clients and boosting the effectiveness and value of your ads.
Vehicles Additional Uses
During a recent visit to Miami, I noticed something interesting – a pickup truck parked near our hotel, strategically promoting a Compass agent named Alan Philipso, with a prominent QR code on display. The location was perfect, right in a highly trafficked tourist area. For potential clients exploring real estate options, it was hard to miss.
What a clever way to capture the attention of vacationers and get them to learn about your real estate business.
Utilizing QR codes in such creative ways will make it easier for people to connect with agents and explore property opportunities.
If you use your vehicle to promote your business, don’t miss out on the opportunity to include a dynamic QR code. The dynamic QR code allows you to change the web location it links to based on what makes the most sense for potential buyers on any given day.
Additional Uses
Swag
When it comes to wearing agency-branded T-shirts or sweatshirts, the exposure is great, but it might not drive new business without a call to action. By adding a QR code, you instantly enhance your chances of future connections. Now, even if someone sees you in photos on social media wearing the shirt, there’s another potential point of contact.
For those who frequent coffee shops, hotel lobbies, or public venues, consider creating a sticker with a QR code to attach to the back of your computer. This QR code can offer something valuable, like “Scan this to see real estate market conditions in this neighborhood.” It provides a compelling reason for potential clients to scan the code and engage with you.
Alternative Collateral Additional Uses
Whether you use bench advertising, billboards, grocery cart ads, or someone walking around wearing sandwich boards, incorporate a QR code to guide potential buyers and sellers to web locations where they can stay informed about the market and easily contact you.
Capturing User Data
QR codes offer a clever way to gather information about the person scanning them.
Whether you use bench advertising, billboards, grocery cart ads, or someone walking around wearing sandwich boards, incorporate a QR code to guide potential buyers and sellers to web locations where they can stay informed about the market and easily contact you.
Scratching The Surface
QR codes offer a clever way to gather information about the person scanning them.
As time goes on, you’ll likely find your own favorite ways to use QR codes. The true power lies in your creative application of this technology, making it an invaluable tool in your real estate business. We’ve only just scratched the surface, and there’s so much more to explore.
We invite you to share any unique and innovative applications you discover. Feel free to contact us, or call or text us at 630-740-1919.
Remember, with creativity and resourcefulness, QR codes can revolutionize your real estate endeavors and propel your business to new heights. Embrace the possibilities and unlock the full potential of QR codes for your market.
Meet The Author
Meet Jordan Ayan
Jordan Ayan is a licensed Realtor with The Lifestyle Collection at Launch Real Estate, powered by Compass. He is a seasoned business professional with decades of expertise and wisdom. His career has been defined by opportunities that blend emerging technology with creativity. After starting his
first business, Create-It!, with his wife Jan, he became captivated by the excitement of business innovation and demonstrating the power of new technology to people.
Jordan became a highly respected and sought-after global speaker and consultant. This knowledge and passion led Jordan and Jan to build several other ventures, including SubscriberMail, one of the first permission-based email marketing companies, which was later sold to a Fortune 500 company. Jordan also led the team that launched lighting.com, one of the earliest online business communities.
In addition to his business success, Jordan has written four books, one of which has been translated into seven languages. Following the sale of SubscriberMail, Jordan and Jan moved to Arizona in 2010 and spent time mentoring fellow entrepreneurs through Take Two Partners, a consulting firm they created. Together, they coached others who were working with their spouses, business partners, or in family businesses.
Frustrated with their personal real estate experiences, Jordan and Jan realized they could offer a unique approach for buyers and sellers that blended their extensive business and marketing expertise with Jan’s design vision, aiming to reimagine the traditional real estate business. Along with their daughter Ashley, they formed The Lifestyle Collection to share their vision for real estate and lifestyle.
Meet Jordan Ayan Meet The Author
Jordan is committed to enjoying life with his family, building businesses, and fostering relationships, believing in the vital role of entrepreneurs in our economy.
