Simplify Your Marketing with QR codes

Effective Marketing using a QR code

QR codes are popping up everywhere.  According to a study by Statista conducted in 2021, 33% of businesses worldwide reported using QR codes in their marketing efforts. That number is expected to increase dramatically over the next year (Statista,  2021). QR codes became popular as a contactless solution yet still providing information during a worldwide pandemic. Asia has one of the highest usage rates when it comes to QR codes as they are more widely adopted for payment and marketing purposes. QR codes can be very effective in your marketing campaign and will continue to grow as more consumers become familiar with them and the benefits of targeted information. 


1. What is a QR code?


A QR code is a type of barcode that can be read using a smartphone or other device. QR stands for “Quick Response”. QR codes were originally designed for use in manufacturing and logistics to track parts and products. However, QR codes have become popular in marketing and advertising as a way to engage with customers and learn more about their needs and interests.


QR codes can be used to link to websites, social media profiles, or to provide information such as a product’s price or an event’s date and time. QR codes can also be used to enter contests, sign up for newsletters, or make a purchase.


2. What are some benefits of using QR codes in marketing campaigns?


There are many benefits of using QR codes in marketing campaigns. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that QR codes can be used to
track data. This data can be used to determine how effective the campaign is, and how well it is reaching its target audience.


Another benefit of using QR codes is that they are a
highly visible form of marketing. They can be placed on billboards, buses, and other high-traffic areas, which means that more people are likely to see them. This increased visibility can lead to more people scanning the codes and thus, more people being exposed to the campaign.


 QR codes also have the potential to make campaigns more
interactive. For example, codes can be placed on products so that when people scan them, they are taken to a website where they can learn more about the product. This is a great way to increase customer engagement and interest.


Finally, QR codes offer a lot of
flexibility when it comes to design. They can be used to create QR code games, competitions, and other fun activities that will get people interacting with the campaign. This can make the campaign more memorable and more likely to stick in people's minds.


3. How can businesses make sure their QR code marketing campaigns are successful?


There are a few key things businesses need to do to make sure their QR code marketing campaigns are successful. First, they need to make sure their codes are visible and easy to scan. This means placing them in high-traffic areas where potential customers are likely to see them. They also need to make sure the codes are big enough to be easily scanned, and that they’re not placed too close to other objects that could interfere with scanning.


Second, businesses need to make sure their codes lead to
landing pages that are mobile-friendly and optimized for conversion. This means that the pages should load quickly and be easy to navigate on a smaller screen. They should also include a strong call to action and clear next steps for the customer.


Finally, businesses need to
track and measure their QR code campaigns to see what’s working and what’s not. This means setting up goals and tracking codes to see how many people are scanning and what they’re doing after they scan. By tracking and measuring their campaigns, businesses can make adjustments to improve their results.


By following these tips, businesses can make sure their QR code marketing campaigns are successful. Contact River City Consulting today to plan your next product launch, event, or promotion. 


August 14, 2026
Website accessibility has been a conversation for years, but recent changes to federal accessibility requirements are putting an even bigger spotlight on how websites work for people with disabilities. And if your website hasn’t been reviewed for accessibility recently, now is a good time to take another look. At River City Advertising, we have the tools to add accessibility-focused features that are easier for everyone to use. What Changed With ADA Website Accessibility? In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act establishing a specific technical accessibility standard for websites and mobile apps provided by state and local governments. That standard is WCAG 2.1 Level AA —a widely recognized set of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines designed to make digital content more accessible to people with visual, auditory, physical, cognitive and other disabilities. In 2026, the DOJ extended the deadlines for these public entities: April 26, 2027: State and local government entities with populations of 50,000 or more April 26, 2028: Smaller public entities and special district governments While these particular deadlines apply to state and local governments, the changes reinforce something that affects organizations of all kinds: website accessibility is becoming increasingly important. Businesses should also remember that accessibility obligations can vary depending on the type of organization, services provided and applicable federal, state and local laws. What Does an Accessible Website Actually Mean? Accessibility isn't simply adding a button to your website. An accessible website is designed so people with disabilities can navigate, understand and interact with its content—including visitors who use screen readers, keyboard navigation or other assistive technologies. Some of the elements that can affect accessibility include: Alternative text for meaningful images Appropriate color contrast between text and backgrounds Clear heading structures Keyboard-friendly navigation Properly labeled buttons, links and form fields Readable text and logical page layouts Accessible forms Captions or alternatives for multimedia content Correct website language settings Content that works effectively with screen readers Many of these features also happen to make a website easier to use for everyone , not only visitors with disabilities. How Our Platform Helps Us Build More Accessible Websites At River City Advertising accessibility isn't treated as an afterthought. Our platform includes built-in functionality that can help developers create more accessible websites, including support for alternative text, keyboard navigation and automatic website language definition. Our platform also integrates with accessibility solutions such as UserWay and AudioEye for businesses and organizations that want additional accessibility tools, monitoring and remediation capabilities. However, there is an important distinction: No website platform, plugin or accessibility widget can automatically guarantee that a website is 100% ADA compliant. Accessibility depends on the platform and how the website is designed, written, maintained and updated. For example, adding an accessibility tool doesn't fix a poorly structured page, unclear link text, an inaccessible third-party application or every issue created when new content is added. That is why accessibility should be viewed as an ongoing website-management practice rather than a one-time checkbox. Why Businesses Should Pay Attention Now Even if the newest Title II deadlines don't apply directly to your business, there are several reasons to make website accessibility a priority. Reach more people. An accessible website makes it easier for more potential customers to interact with your business online. Create a better user experience. Clear navigation, readable content, properly labeled forms and thoughtful page structure benefit everyone. Support your SEO efforts. Several accessibility best practices—such as descriptive image text, organized headings and well-structured content—can also help search engines better understand your website. Reduce unnecessary risk. Digital accessibility continues to be an important legal and regulatory issue. Proactively improving accessibility is much better than waiting until someone identifies a problem. Prepare your website for the future. Accessibility standards and expectations continue to evolve. Building accessibility into your website now makes it easier to adapt as requirements change. Accessibility Isn't "Set It and Forget It" This may be the most important takeaway. Your website can become less accessible over time as new pages, images, videos, forms, integrations and other content are added. That's why website accessibility should be part of ongoing website management. At River City Advertising, we can help businesses evaluate their current websites, identify accessibility concerns and determine what tools or updates may make sense. Is It Time for an Accessibility Check? If you're unsure how your current website measures up, we can help you take a closer look. Contact River City Advertising to talk about your website, accessibility options and how we can help make your online presence easier for more people to use.  This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. ADA and digital accessibility requirements can vary depending on your organization and jurisdiction. Businesses with questions about their specific legal obligations should consult qualified legal counsel.
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