LinkedIn Company Pages provide a great way for businesses to establish their brand presence and connect with customers on LinkedIn. While most Company Pages utilize standard features like the company overview, products/services, jobs, and news sections, some companies are leveraging QR codes to enhance the experience for their Page visitors.
What is a LinkedIn QR code and how can it be used?
A LinkedIn QR code is a unique quick response (QR) code that can be generated specifically for a LinkedIn Company Page. When scanned by a user with a smartphone camera, the QR code will direct them straight to the Company Page, rather than having to search for it or type in a URL.
Here are some of the ways a LinkedIn QR code can be utilized:
- Featured prominently on the Company Page header image or description section
- Included on business cards, brochures, print ads or other marketing collateral
- Placed on product packaging or in retail stores/trade show booths
- Promoted through online ads or social media campaigns
- Sent to new customers/clients or event attendees for easy access
A LinkedIn QR code eliminates the friction of manually looking up a company’s Page. It enables direct access from any offline or online material where the code is displayed. For companies actively trying to grow their LinkedIn follower base, a QR code can help drive more traffic to the Page.
How to create a LinkedIn QR code
Generating a LinkedIn QR code for your Company Page is easy and only takes a few steps:
- Go to your LinkedIn Company Page and copy the URL from the address bar.
- Go to any free QR code generator site and enter the Company Page URL.
- Customize the QR code appearance/options and download the image file.
- Add the QR code image to your Company Page or any other materials.
Some popular QR code generators include Kaywa, QR Code Generator, QRStuff and GoQR. Most provide options for customizing size, color, image overlays and more.
Best practices for using a LinkedIn QR code
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn Company Page QR code, keep these best practices in mind:
- Place it prominently on your Company Page header image for high visibility.
- Use a high-resolution version with crisp edges for easy scanning.
- Make sure the code links to your main Company Page URL, not a specific subpage.
- Include a call-to-action like “Scan code to visit our LinkedIn page!” so people know what it does.
- Promote the code across multiple platforms including your website, emails, brochures, etc.
- Change the design or image overlay periodically to keep it fresh.
- Track QR code scans/traffic to see if additional placements could be effective.
Pros of using a LinkedIn QR code
Here are some of the benefits of utilizing a LinkedIn QR code for your Company Page:
- Increased visibility – A QR code stands out and lets people instantly recognize that scanning it will take them to your Page.
- Convenience – Users can access your Page much faster than typing or searching for a company name.
- Trackable analytics – Many QR tools provide usage metrics so you can see how often it’s scanned.
- Works offline – QR codes bridge the gap between online and offline marketing.
- Multi-channel amplification – A QR code allows promoting your Page across different mediums.
Cons of using a LinkedIn QR code
There are also a few potential drawbacks to having a LinkedIn Company Page QR code:
- Some users may not understand what the QR code is or how to scan it.
- QR code analytics may not differentiate unique users from repeat scans.
- Designing an eye-catching code that matches branding can take time.
- Scanning could potentially direct people to an outdated or inactive URL if not maintained.
- Only smartphone users can scan a QR code, not desktop visitors.
Tips for designing an effective LinkedIn QR code
Follow these tips to create a LinkedIn QR code that aligns with your brand and drives user engagement:
- Use your brand colors and logo so it’s easily associated with your company.
- Make sure the code is large and highly visible on any material.
- Add a customized image overlay for more visual impact.
- Change the code on your Company Page periodically to prompt rescanning.
- Shorten your Company Page URL if possible using a bitly link.
- Provide clear instructions like “Scan for our LinkedIn page” near the code.
- Test that the code scans accurately before mass promotion.
Examples of LinkedIn QR code implementations
Here are a few real-world examples of companies leveraging LinkedIn QR codes creatively and effectively:
- Salesforce displays a prominent QR code on their Company Page header image.
- Oreo includes a LinkedIn QR code on their cookie packaging to drive more followers.
- Starbucks prints their LinkedIn code on employee business cards for networking.
- Red Bull changes the design and placement of their code across different events or activities.
- Marriot provides LinkedIn codes on hotel key cards to connect with guests.
Tools to create and track LinkedIn QR codes
Here are some of the top services to easily create, customize, and track LinkedIn Company Page QR codes:
Tool | Key Features |
---|---|
Kaywa | Free QR code generator with logo/image overlays and usage stats |
QR Code Generator | Customizable backgrounds and frames with download tracking |
Bitly | Link shortener and QR code maker with click analytics |
GoQR | Dynamic QR codes with design templates and scans counter |
Scanova | Bulk QR code creator with full analytics dashboard |
Conclusion
Adding a scannable LinkedIn QR code can be a great way to boost engagement with your Company Page. With the ability to track scans and raise visibility both online and offline, it gives your audience a convenient way to connect.
Focus on placing the code prominently across marketing materials and pairing it with clear instructions. Customize the design to reinforce branding while testing different placements to see what resonates best with your target users. With the right strategy, a LinkedIn QR code can become a core tactic for driving more Page views, followers and engagement.