How many people in your circle have read a book, start to finish, in the past few months?
Zero? One? Or five?
All in all, not many of them.
More and more people are drifting away from books, especially physical ones, choosing instead to consume content through videos and other formats.
The question is: how do you make books more engaging for today’s audience?
The answer lies in making books more interactive, and a powerful tool for that is the Quick Response (QR) Code.
By the way, if you wanna know the 5 most interesting thing about QR Codes, make sure to read this.
Source: qrcodechimp.com
Have you noticed QR Codes popping up in books and wondered why?
As technology and traditional formats merge, QR Codes have become a powerful tool for the publishing industry, adding an interactive layer to the reading experience. But what exactly do these codes mean for publishers and readers?
Physical books are facing tough competition.
Around 30% of Americans now read e-books, and while printed books still hold a place in many hearts, publishers are looking for ways to stay relevant. Integrating QR Codes is one solution that blends the best of both physical and digital worlds.
QR Codes can be more than just an extra element, because they can improve reader's experience but also opens new doors for publishers to differentiate their offerings.
Publishers can see in practice how using the QR Codes can attract them multiple benefits for their business and impact. And here’s why.
QR Codes aren't just nicely designed squares - they're can open a door to a whole new level of reader experience. By scanning a code, readers can access exclusive content like:
This engagement can make a book more than just something to read - it becomes an interactive journey. Imagine reading a novel and then scanning a QR Code to watch an interview with the author discussing the motivations behind the characters. That’s now a deeper level of interaction.
Absolutely! QR Codes give publishers the chance to add extra layers of content, such as:
Imagine a reader who picks up a mystery novel and scans a code to access a clue-revealing video. It’s these added layers that can set a book apart in an increasingly crowded market. For educational publishers, the ability to provide extra learning resources like video tutorials or practice quizzes can significantly enhance the value of their books.
Accessibility matters more than ever in publishing, and QR Codes can help reach a wider audience by:
Inclusion is key, and QR Codes can help make books accessible to everyone, regardless of their needs. For instance, a reader with visual impairment can scan a QR Code in a printed book to listen to an audio version, ensuring they don’t miss out on the content. This is a game-changer for making literature accessible to a diverse audience.
Publishing is fiercely competitive - especially in the last few decades and since Amazon forever changed the way that books are sold.
Big publishers and independent authors are all fighting for attention. QR Codes can make marketing efforts more dynamic by offering:
It's all about making the reader's journey as smooth as possible. Imagine a potential reader picking up a book at a store, scanning a QR Code to watch the trailer, and then immediately buying it because they’re hooked.
This kind of instant connection can be crucial in driving sales.
Understanding readers is vital for publishers.
QR Codes can link to surveys, allowing publishers to gather valuable insights like:
By knowing what works, publishers can adjust their offerings to better serve their audience. For example, if a large portion of readers indicate that they enjoyed the behind-the-scenes content accessible via QR Code, publishers can prioritize such additions in future books.
Adding a QR Code that links to a quiz is a great way to make reading interactive, especially for younger audiences. For example:
It’s a creative way to keep readers engaged and thinking beyond the text. A quiz can turn reading into an interactive game, encouraging young readers to stay focused and absorb more of the material. This makes books not just educational, but also an entertaining experience.
On the other hand, building a connection between readers and authors can make a book unforgettable. QR Codes can:
Readers love feeling like they know the person behind the words, and QR Codes make these moments possible. Imagine reading a memoir and then joining an online Q&A with the author where you can ask questions about their journey - this kind of connection is priceless and can lead to stronger reader loyalty.
For genres like cooking or Do It Yourself (DIY), QR Codes can add immense value:
This makes instructional content far more effective and interactive, bridging the gap between reading and doing. Visual learners, in particular, will appreciate this feature as it helps them follow along more easily compared to just reading instructions.
If you want to include QR Codes in your next publication, here's how to get started in 5 steps:
Want to learn more about how technology is transforming traditional industries? Check out our articles on:
✅ How NFC Is Used In Different Industries
✅ How Innovative Brands Are Using QR Codes
✅ The Environmental Impact of Paper vs. Digital Business Cards.
