A Quick Response (QR) code is a type of machine-readable label that uses a pattern of black and white squares. With a simple smartphone camera scan, users can access web information such as contact details, product descriptions, or special event promotions, making QR codes versatile tools for marketers.
QR codes have become particularly prevalent in China. This is largely because of the widespread digital ecosystem that integrates QR codes seamlessly into everyday activities that allow for easy payments, information sharing, and more driven by applications like WeChat and Alipay. China rapidly adopted cashless transactions, with QR codes playing a pivotal role in this transformation. In fact, QR code payments have become the dominant payment method, used by 95.7% of Chinese mobile payment users.
What is a WeChat QR Code?
WeChat, the popular social app in China, uses QR codes extensively to enhance user interaction. Every WeChat user is assigned a unique QR code linked to their profile and by scanning it, users can easily connect with each other.
Accessing your QR Code in WeChat
To find your personal QR code on WeChat:
- Go to the Me tab.
- Tap on your avatar, then select My QR Code.
- Share your QR code so others can scan and add you as a friend.
How to scan a QR Code on WeChat
Scanning a QR code on WeChat is easy:
- Open the WeChat app.
- Tap on Discover > Scan.
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code.
- WeChat will automatically detect the code and perform the associated action.
WeChat QR codes can serve many purposes
- Adding Friends: By sharing or scanning a personal QR code, users can effortlessly add each other as friends on WeChat. This functionality, similar to how Snapcodes work in Snapchat, allows seamless interaction without the need to manually enter a WeChat ID or phone number.
- Inviting to WeChat Groups: People can join groups by scanning an invite QR code.
- Accessing Mini Programs: WeChat QR codes help users interact with various "mini programs" or lightweight apps embedded in WeChat.
- Payments: With WeChat Pay, users can scan QR codes to pay for goods and services—vendors simply generate a code, and customers scan it to complete purchases.
- Following Official Accounts: Businesses use WeChat QR codes to promote their official accounts, helping them acquire followers quickly and efficiently.
How to use WeChat QR codes to grow your Official Account following
It is important to ensure QR codes that link to your WeChat account are included on all marketing materials—ads, posts (including KOL posts where possible), and websites to grow your WeChat following. Don’t overlook offline channels either: QR codes should be featured on product packaging, print ads, and at events or in stores. Pay special attention to their placement at events and in stores—make sure they are visually prominent and located in multiple areas to make scanning easy for users.
For more tips to grow your WeChat Official Account following click here.
How to track the source of WeChat followers with WeChat QR Code
Understanding how you acquire followers on your official WeChat account is essential for improving marketing campaigns. Standard WeChat QR codes cannot be tracked making it difficult to measure the source of your followers. However, the Sinorbis Experience Platform provides a solution: Custom WeChat QR Codes.
These codes allow organisations to generate unique QR codes for any marketing channels—such as other social media platforms, articles, or even offline advertisements. When a user follows a WeChat account by scanning one of these custom QR codes, they are automatically tracked, allowing you to measure where your followers are coming from. This tracking capability provides insights into which channels are performing best, making it easier to invest resources where they matter most.
Moreover, the source of your WeChat followers from custom QR codes can also be automatically tagged on the Sinorbis Experience Platform, enabling easy segmentation. Once segments are created, you can broadcast targeted messages to accordingly. For example, followers who join from a custom QR code at an event like a webinar can later receive follow up broadcasts on WeChat, such as the webinar recording or exclusive promotional discounts for webinar attendees.
WeChat QR codes present organisations with an efficient way to expand their reach, enhance customer engagement, and track their marketing efforts in China. By leveraging these QR codes, brands can build interactive experiences and gather valuable data on follower acquisition—all while making interactions seamless for users. WeChat QR codes are a versatile and essential tool for modern marketers targeting China’s expansive digital market.
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