A QR code, short for “Quick Response” code, is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera. QR codes often contain information like website URLs, contact details, Wifi passwords, etc. When scanned by a smartphone, the information encoded in the QR code instantly pops up on the phone screen.
QR codes provide a quick and convenient way to share information. Instead of manually typing in a long URL or contact details, you can simply ask someone to scan your QR code. The person scanning can then instantly access the information without having to type anything.
This makes QR codes great for sharing contact details, social media profiles, discount codes, website links, documents, and much more. But how exactly do you go about sharing your QR code with someone else? Here are some tips:
Ways to Share a QR Code
There are several ways you can share your QR code with others:
- Print it: Print the QR code on business cards, flyers, posters, packaging, etc. This allows people to easily scan the code.
- Email it: Attach the QR code image in an email. The recipient can save the image and scan it.
- Text/Chat apps: Send the QR code image via messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.
- Social media: Post the QR code image on social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
- QR code stickers: Stick QR code stickers on products, doors, tables, etc. for people to scan.
- Dynamic QR codes: Use a dynamic QR code that stores data in the cloud. You can instantly update the code.
These methods allow you to share your QR code both digitally and physically. The person receiving your QR code can then scan it using their smartphone camera and access the information instantly.
Choosing the Right QR Code Type
When sharing your QR code, it’s important to choose the right QR code type for your specific purpose. Here are some common QR code types to choose from:
Static QR Code
A static QR code contains information that does not change. For example:
- Contact details
- Social media profiles
- Company website URL
Static QR codes are easy to generate using free online tools. You simply enter the data like a URL once to create the code. This code and the data it contains remain static.
Dynamic QR Code
A dynamic QR code contains data that needs to be updated or changed frequently. For example:
- Discount codes
- Event details
- Product information
Dynamic QR codes are generated using paid specialty tools. They allow you to update the underlying data without having to recreate the code each time.
Trackable QR Code
A trackable QR code allows you to see how many times the code was scanned and gather data like location, date/time, etc. This helps understand user behavior. For example:
- To track coupon usage
- To see which flyers attracted the most scans
Trackable QR codes require analytics integration to capture scanning data. Popular tools like QR Tiger allow you to generate trackable codes.
Choose the appropriate QR code type based on whether the data needs to be static, editable, or trackable.
Best Practices for Sharing QR Codes
Follow these tips to share your QR codes effectively:
Make it Clearly Visible
– Ensure the entire QR code is visible, not cropped, folded, or distorted in any way. This allows the scanner to easily detect the code.
– Print the code in a size large enough to scan from a reasonable distance. At least 2×2 inches is recommended.
– Provide good contrast between the QR code and background colors. Black QR code on a white background works best.
Tell People What the Code Does
– Provide clear labeling or instructions near the code indicating what information the code contains or what action scanning it will perform.
– For example, “Scan code for website” or “Scan code for 10% off.” This avoids confusion and encourages more scans.
Choose Appropriate Sharing Medium
– Select sharing mediums where people will notice and be able to scan the code conveniently.
– For example, next to a related product in a catalog rather than on the back cover. Or on product packaging instead of on shelving.
– Ensure digital images are high resolution so the code is scannable when shared online or via email.
Consider Dynamic Codes for Frequently Changing Data
– If the underlying QR code data requires regular updates, use a dynamic QR code service. This avoids having to recreate and redistribute static codes repeatedly.
– Dynamic codes allow real-time data updates. For example, daily lunch specials or unique discount codes for each customer.
Test the Code Works Before Sharing
– Validate that the QR code works as expected by scanning it prior to sharing widely. Verify it directs to the right URL or displays the expected data.
– Check the code works seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices before public distribution.
Following these tips will maximize the chances of your QR code being noticed, scanned, and used effectively by the recipients.
Common Questions when Sharing QR Codes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sharing QR codes:
How do recipients scan my QR code?
Most smartphones today have built-in QR code scanners within their camera apps. On iPhone, simply open the camera and point it at the QR code to scan. On Android, open the camera, select the QR code scanning option, and scan the code. Third party QR scanner apps can also be used on both platforms.
Can I update the data in a QR code that’s already been shared?
Yes, if you used a dynamic QR code service to generate the code. This allows you to update the underlying data without having to redistribute the code graphic. Static QR codes cannot be updated – you would need to recreate and redistribute them.
How long do QR codes usually last before expiring?
Most QR codes are designed to never expire. The code graphic and the data it links to remain valid indefinitely unless purposefully revoked. However, dynamic codes can expire if the associated subscription service lapses. Trackable codes can provide analytics only for a limited period before data is deleted. But in general, QR codes don’t have a built-in expiration date.
How many times can a single QR code be scanned? Is there a limit?
There is no technical limit on the number of scans for most QR codes. A given QR code can be scanned an unlimited number of times. The only exception is if a QR code is intentionally configured to work only once or for a limited number of scans as a security measure. But commonly, QR codes can be scanned repeatedly with no cap.
Can I see statistics on QR code scans?
Yes, if you generate a trackable QR code using a paid analytics service. This allows you to see data on scan numbers, locations, timestamps, and more. With normal QR codes, scanning activity is private and not tracked. Only trackable QR codes provide access to scan analytics.
Do QR codes require an internet connection to be scanned?
QR codes do not require active internet connectivity to function in most cases. The QR code graphic itself contains all the encoded data. As long as the scanner can read this graphic clearly, it can extract the data offline. An internet connection is only required if the code links to online content.
Conclusion
Sharing your QR code with others is easy and convenient with the right strategies. Consider the purpose of your QR code, choose the appropriate type and sharing mediums, make the code clearly visible and scannable, provide explanatory text, and test it works as expected before distributing. Follow these best practices to ensure your QR code connects people to the intended information or actions successfully. QR codes take data sharing to the next level with their ease of use, versatility, and quick access to information simply by scanning.