Covid-19 led to existential crises across the globe. As the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, businesses and professionals sought innovative ways of remaining afloat.

One of the technologies that emerged as a touch-free solution and suited the new reality of reduced physical interaction was QR codes. Before the pandemic, they were considered "dead," and most people expected them to fade away.

QR codes are a touch-free way of sharing information like product information, menus, and business information ballooned across the globe. During that period, brands used QR codes extensively to share information with their customers.

The shift also resulted in increased use of QR code business card as an alternative to traditional paper business cards. Also referred to as electronic business cards, the digital business card was the go-to networking and marketing solution.

With a simple scan of the QR code, businesses could share contact details and other information directly an unlimited number of times.

The Rise of QR Codes in Retail

In the retail landscape, usage of QR codes exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brilliance of QR codes lies in their simplicity.

 Nobody would have thought the unassuming black and white squares could be embedded in marketing posters and digital business cards to facilitate seamless information sharing.

Many months after this apocalyptic period, QR codes are still an integral part of our daily lives. They create interactive and immersive online and offline shopping experiences.

Fortune 500 companies understand the potent power of QR codes and have incorporated them into their online and offline marketing strategies.

Whether it's a promotional campaign, loyalty program, or product launch, QR code effectively spurs customer participation, brand interaction, and brand awareness.

The QR codes are also embedded in electronic business cards to help sales executives share more than basic information. The codes redirect customers to online platforms such as YouTube, Google Play Store, Apple Wallet, Apple Watch, Google App Store, and social media.

Such added capability renders the traditional business cards null and void in the digital business realm.

QR Codes in the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. They stayed afloat and connected with customers during this apocalyptic period by replacing the traditional paper menus with scannable QR code menus.

By replacing the traditional menus with scannable QR code menus and posters, eateries adapted to the no-physical contact requirement imposed by governments to contain the virus. They also enjoyed the flexibility and convenience of updating the menu details and offers like happy-hour discounts in real-time.

Dynamic QR codes cushioned them from the need to create new QR codes every time they changed the menu or discount details. The virtual business card QR code is also dynamic and can redirect customers to multiple online platforms.

In a nutshell, QR codes and digital business cards became a gateway to enhanced dining experience. From accessing chef interviews to participating in feedback surveys, customers engaged with restaurants and the sales team on a deeper level, all with a simple scan of the QR code.

QR Codes Usage Statistics

Since the pandemic, QR codes have become integral to businesses and professionals. They revolutionized how digital business cards work by allowing seamless sharing of contact details and bridging the gap between offline and online networking efforts.

Here are some statistics about QR codes.

• 82% of people polled scanned a QR code in 2020 at least once
• 11 million households scanned a QR code in 2020
• QR code interactions increased by 94% in 2020
• 36% used QR codes as a payment method
• 53% said they would use QR codes as a payment method in future

QR code usage is expected to experience exponential growth as the number of smartphone users continues to surge globally.

After the pandemic, the usage of QR codes in hotels and restaurants has increased by 7x and 25x, respectively. This is clear proof that they are the future of marketing and networking.

The usage of NFC business cards with a QR code is also expected to increase as brands embrace the new digital way of networking without using paper cards to reduce their carbon footprint.

Popl Leading in Innovative QR Code Business Cards

At the heart of this innovation and leading the transition from traditional business cards to digital business cards is Popl.

After the pandemic, it became clear that Popl's digital business cards and custom badges needed QR codes to enable users to connect and exchange contact information with a single tap. No more manually typing new contact details on the phone.

The NFC business cards can also be shared via a link, enabling brands and professionals to expand their reach without breaking the bank.

Brands give customers instant access to product information and special discounts by linking the QR code with landing pages. Alternatively, the code can be used to share coupon codes and redeem discounts. The uses are literally unlimited.

No prior experience is required to create digital business cards. Popl offers different digital business card designs that allow customers to create business cards in under 5 minutes. There are different business card design and badge options to choose from.

Popl's also has an advanced QR code generator for creating dynamic or customizable QR codes that can be added to the user's Zoom background, badges, and email signatures to be fully branded professionally.

Choose a digital business card design and customize it by adding the company logo and brand colors. Brands can also create cards for the whole team by joining Popl Teams, an excellent platform for managing and monitoring teams on one dashboard.

About Popl

Popl is the world's leading provider of digital business cards for businesses and brands across all industries. It also provides a team management solution for businesses, Popl Teams, to help enhance team productivity and efficiency. 

Media Contact
Company Name: Popl
Contact Person: Gerald Lombardo
Email: Send Email
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://popl.co/