Barcodes are among the most widely used technologies for identifying and tracking products, thanks to their ability to store information that can be quickly read by scanners or smartphone cameras. But their use is not limited to retail: in digital marketing, barcodes can be powerful tools for improving user experience, streamlining transactions, and increasing engagement.
Barcodes are graphic representations of data in the form of parallel lines (in the case of traditional barcodes) or two-dimensional patterns (such as qr codes). They store information that can be quickly read by specific devices.
This article focuses on traditional barcodes. For an in-depth look at QR codes, check out our dedicated article: QR Codes: what they are and how to use them.
Overview of the main types of barcodes
EAN-8
Ean-8 is a shorter barcode (8 digits) compared to Ean-13 and is designed for small products, such as cosmetics or small shelf items.
EAN-13
Ean-13 is the standard format used internationally for product encoding in retail. It consists of 13 digits and is read by checkout scanners in supermarkets and stores.
EAN-128
Ean-128, based on the Code 128 standard, is a more advanced barcode that allows additional information to be included, such as expiration dates or batch numbers. It is mainly used in logistics and the healthcare sector.
Code 128
Code 128 is a high-density barcode used for product identification and tracking in logistics, warehousing, and shipping management. It can store both numbers and letters, increasing the amount of data that can be encoded.
Applications of barcodes in digital marketing
Barcodes can be used to create direct connections between the physical and online world, improving customer experience and campaign effectiveness. Here are some practical applications:
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Loyalty programs: barcodes can be used in digital loyalty cards to quickly identify customers and simplify the accumulation and redemption of loyalty points directly through apps or emails.
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Exclusive offers: barcodes can be used to redeem a discount code.
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Event access and ticketing: events can use digital barcodes to simplify check-in and access control, eliminating the need for printed tickets.
🔗 Want to know how to create a barcode in magnews? Check out the step-by-step guide in our dedicated article: How to generate a barcode on magnews.