A QR code can be a great marketing tool for businesses. QR codes are scannable barcodes that can store website URLs, contact info, coupons, menus, and more. When customers scan your QR code with their smartphone camera, it will direct them to your chosen destination. QR codes provide a quick and easy way to access information about your business. Here’s how you can get a custom QR code made for your company.
Why Use a QR Code?
QR codes bridge the gap between the physical and digital world. Here are some of the key benefits of using a QR code for your business:
- Drives traffic to your website – QR codes allow instant access to your website when scanned.
- Shares contact information – Include your phone, email, address, etc in the QR code.
- Allows contactless engagement – Customers can scan and engage without touching shared menus or brochures.
- Tracks campaigns and analytics – You can see scan stats like quantities and locations.
- Generates leads and loyalty – Offer exclusive deals, coupons, content in your QR code.
- Brand awareness – Your branded QR code spreads visibility of your logo, name, and offering.
In short, QR codes open up opportunities to conveniently connect with customers and prospects. The pandemic has made QR code adoption grow even faster, as businesses seek contactless options.
How to Create a QR Code in 5 Simple Steps
Generating a QR code for your business is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here is the process:
- Find a reliable QR code generator
- Enter a destination URL
- Customize design
- Download image files
- Print and display
Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail:
1. Find a Reputable QR Code Generator
First, you need to find a trusted QR code maker. There are many free QR code generators online, but some critical factors to consider are:
- High-quality codes – The QR codes should scan easily without errors.
- Customizable – Look for abundant design options like color, images, logos, etc.
- Analytics – Choose a generator that provides scan metrics for your QR campaign.
- Bulk codes – You’ll likely need multiple QR codes, so bulk generation is ideal.
- Easy download – Make sure you can download the QR codes in PNG, JPG, SVG, EPS file types.
Some top-rated QR code makers include QR Tiger, QR Code Monkey, HubSpot, and Venngage QR Code Generator.
2. Enter a Destination URL
When you create your QR code, you’ll need to input a destination URL. This is the web address that you want people to access when they scan your code.
Typically, you’ll want to link to your website homepage or a specific landing page. But you have options for the URL destination:
- Your website
- Social media profiles
- Contact information
- PDF files
- Image galleries
- Youtube videos
- Coupons/deals
Choose a destination that aligns with your goals and offers the most relevant experience for the QR code placement. For example, you may link to a product page for codes on packaging or brochures. Or link to your contact page for codes on business cards and posters.
3. Customize The Design
One of the best features of QR codes is how customizable they are. You can tailor the design, color theme, shape, logo, and other elements.
Start with your branding colors and logo. Most generators allow you to upload images like your logo to overlay on the code. You also typically have full control over the color, including background and foreground colors.
Aim for high contrast colors for easy scanning. Black QR codes on white backgrounds have the highest scan rates. But you can play with colors and still retain scanability.
Other design options may include:
- Frames
- Patterns
- Gradients
- Borders
- Shapes like circles and squares instead of traditional square codes
Get creative with the QR code design while keeping your brand identity front and center. Also ensure the design elements don’t obstruct the code itself.
4. Download Image Files
Once your QR code is generated, you’ll need to download the image files. The generator will provide different file format options for the QR code graphics.
PNG and JPG formats are most common for basic digital and print uses. EPS and SVG files are vector formats, which are recommended for expanding to large sizes, like billboards.
Be sure to download copies in any format you may need. Also download different sizes where available, like square or portrait layouts.
5. Print and Display
With your QR code files, you’re ready to display them in your business materials and location. Popular places to feature your QR code include:
- Business cards
- Table menus
- Posters/signage
- Product packaging
- Brochures
- Billboards
- Website/social media
- Store windows
Print out your codes on stickers, signs, receipts, fliers, and any other materials where customers can access them. The more visibility, the better. Also post digital copies on your website and social channels.
Pro tip: Place your QR codes strategically in locations where people will see them and have time to scan them. For example, at checkout counters or on tables in a restaurant.
QR Code Best Practices
Follow these tips for getting the most out of your business QR codes:
- Give clear directions – Include visible call-to-actions so people know what to do, like “Scan code to browse menu.”
- Shorten the URLs – Long links won’t scan well. Use a URL shortener if needed.
- Check scanability – Confirm the codes work correctly by scanning them before printing or posting online.
- Send to mobile-friendly sites – Make sure the destination pages are optimized for mobile.
- Promote your codes – Let customers know about your QR codes through other marketing channels.
- Track performance – Use a QR code generator with analytics to see scan metrics.
- QR codes need maintenance too – Check back regularly that your codes aren’t outdated or the destination links broken.
QR Code Examples
QR codes are versatile for many business uses. Here are some examples across different industries:
Restaurants
- Menus – Link to digital menus for contactless, sanitary option.
- Tables – Customer scans on table to access menu or order.
- Takeout/delivery – Put code on bags which links to deals or your website.
- Loyalty – Offer special perks, deals for frequent diners who scan code.
Retail Stores
- Displays – Codes beside products link to more product details, reviews.
- Checkout – Put code on receipts that goes to your website or contact page.
- Shopping bags – Scannable codes on bags drive traffic back to your online store.
- Product packaging – Link to product information pages.
Service Businesses
- Appointment cards – Allows easy online booking from the code.
- Business cards – Link to your website, social channels, contact info.
- Promotional materials – Newsletters, flyers, brochures, door hangers.
- Website and social media – Provides digital connection.
You can get very creative with QR codes across nearly any industry. The key is linking them to valuable content that customers will benefit from accessing instantly.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about QR codes:
Are QR codes free to create?
Yes, you can find many free QR code generators online. Popular options like QR Code Monkey and HubSpot provide basic codes at no cost. You simply enter a URL and download the code.
Some free generators may limit features like customization, analytics, and bulk generation. Paid upgrades unlock more capabilities if needed for businesses.
Can I track QR code scans?
One advantage of QR codes is you can track analytics to see how well they are performing. Choose a generator like QR Tiger that provides scan metrics.
You’ll be able to see data on scan numbers, locations, days and times, operating systems, and more. This helps you identify which QR codes are most effective for your marketing.
How are QR codes scanned?
Users simply open their smartphone camera app and point it at the QR code. The phone will automatically detect and scan the code. Most phones have built-in QR readers or allow easy download of QR scanner apps.
Once scanned, the code will instantly open the destination URL you set. Android phones can scan codes directly in the camera app. iPhones require a third party reader app.
Can I update my QR codes?
Yes, one benefit of QR codes is you aren’t locked into permanent links. You can edit and update the destination URL at any time as needed. Just be sure to reprint or replace any codes whose links you change.
For example, you may update a code that goes to an expired coupon or expired event page.
Where is the best placement for QR codes?
Visibility is key when displaying QR codes. They should be placed where customers can easily notice them. Some top placement options include:
- Beside relevant products, posters, brochures
- On tables and counters
- On business cards
- On receipts
- On packaging
- On promotional giveaways like pens or shirts
- On advertisements
- Near the entrance and exits
The placement can make a big difference for scan rates. Monitor your QR code analytics to see which locations get the most activity.
Conclusion
Adding QR codes to your business marketing provides compelling opportunities to engage customers. In just a few quick taps, people can instantly access your chosen destination and offering.
The process is simple – just generate your codes, customize the design, download the files, and print or post them. Be sure to link to valuable content that your audience will benefit from accessing.
Use QR codes strategically throughout your location, materials, and promotions. Track the analytics to refine and improve your tactics. With the right strategy, QR codes give businesses an easy digital connection point with any customer walking through the door.
