A QR code can be a great way to drive traffic to your business’s website or social media page. By creating a QR code and displaying it on your products, storefront, business cards, and advertisements, you make it quick and easy for customers to access your online content. Follow the steps below to learn how to easily create a custom QR code for your business.
What is a QR Code?
QR code stands for “quick response” code. It is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to instantly access text, URLs, phone numbers, emails, and more. When scanned by a phone, a QR code pulls up a corresponding website or app page on the user’s device.
QR codes are commonly seen in magazines, billboards, business cards, and product packaging. Businesses often use QR codes to provide quick access to their website, social media profiles, contact information, coupons, menus, and more. Customers simply open their smartphone camera, scan the QR code, and are instantly directed to useful online content from that business.
Benefits of Using a QR Code for Your Business
Here are some of the key benefits of creating a QR code for your business:
- Drives website traffic – Scanning your QR code allows customers to instantly visit your website or landing page.
- Boosts social media followers – Link your QR code to your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media profile to increase followers.
- Improves customer experience – QR codes give customers quick access to helpful online information about your business.
- Measures marketing campaigns – You can create specific QR codes to track the effectiveness of individual marketing campaigns or advertisements.
- Generates leads and sales – QR codes can lead directly to landing pages, coupons, ordering systems, and more to help generate leads and sales.
- No app required – Customers don’t need to download any app to scan and use your QR code.
- Cost effective – Creating a QR code is free or low cost for most businesses.
By taking advantage of these benefits, your business can drive greater brand awareness, increase sales, and improve customer experience through the strategic use of QR codes.
How to Create Your QR Code in 5 Simple Steps
Many free QR code generator sites and apps make it easy for any business to create a custom QR code in just a few steps. Here is the simple process to make your own QR code:
- Decide what you want your QR code to link to – This might be your business’s website homepage, social media profiles, contact page, special coupon or promotion, online menu, or any other web page you want customers to visit.
- Find a reliable QR code generator – Popular free options include QR Code Monkey, Google’s QR Code Generator, Kaywa, and QR Code Generator.
- Enter the URL – On your selected QR code site or app, input the full URL that you want your QR code to direct people to when scanned.
- Customize your QR code – Many QR generators allow you to customize details like the code’s size, color, image background, file type (PNG, JPEG, SVG), and more.
- Download your QR code – Download your newly generated QR code image file to your computer or mobile device to start using it in your business marketing.
That’s all there is to creating a QR code tailored specifically for your business and goals! Most QR code generators make the process very quick and user-friendly.
Tips for Using Your QR Code Effectively
To maximize the impact of your new business QR code, keep these tips in mind:
- Place it in high-visibility locations – Print your QR code on business cards, posters, product packaging, storefront windows, restaurant tables, and anywhere else with heavy customer traffic.
- Run promotions with it – Offer discounts, contests, giveaways, or other special incentives when customers scan your QR code to encourage engagement.
- Use it in ads – Integrate your QR code into print, digital, TV, billboard, and other ads to track engagement.
- Change it up – Update your QR code periodically if you want to link it to a new promotion or campaign.
- Use QR code analytics – Use free analytics from providers like Google or built into your website to see QR code scan data.
- Make it easy to scan – Position QR codes in well-lit, easily accessible locations so customers can conveniently scan them.
QR Code Examples
Here are some examples of creative ways businesses are using QR codes:
On Business Cards
Add a QR code on your business card that links to your website, social media, or contact information so it’s instantly accessible when customers scan it.
On Restaurant Menus
QR codes on menus can link to online menus, ordering systems, nutritional information, or deals to streamline the ordering process.
On Retail Products
Place QR codes on product packaging, tags, or displays to link shoppers to online product info, videos, reviews, or your ecommerce site.
On Billboards/Print Ads
Use a QR code to track engagement with your billboards, magazine ads, brochures, flyers, and other print marketing materials.
At Conferences/Events
Attendees at conferences, trade shows, or other events can scan QR codes to easily follow your business on social media or visit your website.
On Direct Mail
Mail postcards, coupons, or other marketing materials with a QR code on them that links to exclusive deals, contests, or info.
5 Ideal Places to Display Your Business QR Code
To maximize visibility, aim to display your QR code in these 5 prime locations:
- At your storefront entrance – Catch the eye of foot traffic walking into your retail store or restaurant.
- On product packaging – People who buy your products can easily scan for more info as they use them.
- On receipts – Print your QR code on receipts so customers can revisit your site to reorder or leave reviews.
- Inside email newsletters – Include your QR code next to a call-to-action inside digital newsletters and emails.
- At your trade show booth – Attendees at conventions and trade shows can quickly save your info right from your booth.
Measuring Your QR Code Performance
To determine the effectiveness of your QR code, aim to track these key metrics:
Scans
How many times has your QR code been scanned? This reveals how frequently people are engaging with it.
Scanners
How many unique devices have scanned your QR code? This shows if you’re reaching new audiences.
Scan Sources
Where are scans coming from? This identifies which QR code placements are working best.
Click-Through Rate
What percentage of scans convert to site/page visits? Higher percentages signal better engagement.
Conclusion
Adding a custom QR code is an easy and effective tactic for boosting your business’s digital presence. A well-placed QR code allows customers to instantly access important information, deals, promotions, and other online content related to your brand.
Be sure to track analytics to identify which QR code placements are driving the most scans and engagement. Change up the linked URL periodically if you want to connect your QR code to specific marketing campaigns or new online content. With creative integration, QR codes offer an innovative way to bridge the gap between your physical and digital business presence.
