My friend Josh just reminded me this morning that I had not set up a QR Code for my blog yet. I have to admit that I have heard of and actually used QR codes, but I have not taken the time to actually set up a QR code for my blog. Here is how to set up a QR code for your web site or for any web page for that matter.
What exactly is a QR Code?
In short, it’s a barcode that you can scan (usually using an iPhone or Smart Phone) and when you scan it you are taken to a web site. Wikipedia’s definition of QR Code is as follows:
A QR code (short for Quick Response) is a specific matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
QR stands for “Quick Response,” and the code itself is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information like a website URL, contact details, or text. When scanned using a smartphone camera or QR code reader, the code immediately directs the user to the embedded data—in this case, your website. QR codes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to connect users with your digital content quickly and efficiently.
Unlike traditional barcodes, which are one-dimensional and typically used to track products, QR codes can hold significantly more information and provide instant access to online resources. This makes them ideal for businesses looking to engage with customers and direct them to a website, a promotional landing page, or even a social media account.
How to Create a QR Code for Your Website
Creating a QR code for your website is simple, thanks to a variety of free and paid QR code generators available online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a QR code:
- Choose a QR Code Generator
There are many QR code generators to choose from, each offering various features, including customization, tracking, and analytics. Some popular options include:
- QR Code Generator: A user-friendly tool that allows you to create a basic QR code for free, with customization options available for premium users.
- QRStuff: Offers the ability to create a QR code for a wide range of data types, including URLs, Wi-Fi passwords, and email addresses.
- Beaconstac: A comprehensive tool that provides advanced features such as dynamic QR codes, analytics, and branding options.
When choosing a generator, consider what features you need. Free tools are great for creating basic QR codes, but if you want to track performance or update the code’s destination URL without reprinting it, a premium or dynamic QR code generator may be worth the investment.
- Enter Your Website URL
Once you’ve selected a QR code generator, simply enter the URL of the website or landing page you want to direct users to. This could be your homepage, a specific product page, or a promotional page designed for a particular campaign.
Make sure the URL is correct before proceeding. Any errors in the link will result in the QR code directing users to the wrong location or returning an error.
- Customize Your QR Code (Optional)
Many QR code generators allow you to customize the design of your QR code. Customization options can include:
- Changing the color: Instead of the traditional black-and-white QR code, you can opt for colors that match your brand. Be cautious when choosing colors, though—high contrast between the foreground (QR code) and background is necessary for the code to be scannable.
- Adding a logo: Some tools allow you to add your company logo or other images within the QR code, enhancing brand recognition.
- Adjusting the shape: While QR codes are typically square, some generators offer rounded edges or alternative shapes for a unique look.
Customization helps your QR code stand out and align with your brand, but make sure that the design modifications don’t compromise its functionality. The code still needs to be easily scannable, so always test it before printing or distributing it.
- Download and Save the QR Code
Once you’ve entered the URL and customized your QR code, download it in a suitable format (such as PNG, SVG, or EPS) for your intended use. High-resolution files are ideal if you plan to print the code on marketing materials like flyers or banners. For digital purposes, a standard PNG should suffice.
- Test the QR Code
Before distributing your QR code, it’s crucial to test it on multiple devices to ensure it works correctly. Scan the code with your smartphone camera to verify that it leads to the correct URL. Testing across different devices and QR code scanner apps will help ensure that your audience can easily scan and access your website.
- Use the QR Code in Your Marketing Materials
Now that your QR code is ready, it’s time to integrate it into your marketing strategy. Consider placing the QR code on business cards, product packaging, posters, brochures, social media posts, or email newsletters. If you’re hosting a physical event, you can display the QR code on signage to encourage attendees to visit your website or promotional page.
QR codes work well in both physical and digital spaces, so think creatively about where you can display them to maximize engagement.
Why Use a QR Code for Your Website?
QR codes offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to any marketing or business strategy. Here’s why you should consider using a QR code for your website:
- Instant Access to Your Website
QR codes eliminate the need for users to manually type in your website URL. This convenience is especially important in today’s fast-paced world, where people want quick and easy access to information. By scanning your QR code, users can be instantly directed to your website, reducing friction in the user journey and improving engagement.
- Trackable and Measurable
If you use a dynamic QR code generator, you can track how many people are scanning your code, where they are scanning it from, and what devices they’re using. This data can be valuable for understanding the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and making informed decisions about future strategies.
For example, if you place QR codes in different locations—such as on product packaging, in-store signage, or digital ads—you can track which placement generates the most traffic to your website. This allows you to optimize your marketing efforts and focus on the channels that drive the best results.
- Cost-Effective
QR codes are incredibly cost-effective to create and distribute. Once you’ve generated the code, it can be used on multiple platforms at no additional cost. Whether you print it on physical materials or include it in digital marketing campaigns, QR codes provide a simple and affordable way to drive traffic to your website.
- Versatile Marketing Tool
One of the greatest advantages of QR codes is their versatility. They can be used in countless ways to engage customers and enhance your marketing campaigns. Whether you want to direct people to a promotional landing page, encourage them to sign up for a newsletter, or provide additional information about a product, QR codes can be adapted to suit your specific goals.
You can also use QR codes to provide users with exclusive discounts, download an app, or access a limited-time offer. The possibilities are endless, and the flexibility of QR codes makes them an essential tool for businesses of all sizes.
- Seamless Integration with Mobile Devices
With the widespread use of smartphones, QR codes have become an even more valuable tool for marketers. Most modern smartphones come equipped with built-in QR code scanners, making it easy for users to access your website or promotional content. This seamless integration between QR codes and mobile devices ensures that you can reach a broad audience and engage users where they spend most of their time—on their phones.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes
To make the most of your QR code, follow these best practices:
- Provide a Clear Call to Action: Let users know what they’ll get by scanning the QR code. For example, include text such as “Scan to visit our website” or “Scan for an exclusive offer.” A clear call to action will encourage more people to engage with your code.
- Place QR Codes in High-Visibility Areas: Ensure that your QR code is placed where it will be easily seen and scanned by your target audience. Consider using QR codes in locations where people have time to engage, such as waiting areas, restaurant tables, or product packaging.
- Optimize the Destination Page for Mobile: Since most people will scan your QR code using their smartphones, it’s essential to ensure that the landing page or website they are directed to is optimized for mobile devices. A responsive design and fast load times will provide a better user experience and increase the likelihood of conversion.
By following these best practices and integrating QR codes into your marketing strategy, you can effectively engage your audience, drive traffic to your website, and enhance the overall customer experience.
How to Make Up a QR Code?
The process of making or getting a QR code is pretty simple, really. There are several web sites that will allow you to make a QR code within seconds. The one I used for the QR code above is Kaywa, a site that has both a QR Code Generator and a QR code reader. You’ll need a QR code reader app installed on your iPhone or Blackberry or Android Smart Phone in order to actually scan the bar code.
- First, go here: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
- Enter the URL, Text that you want displayed, a Phone Number, or even an SMS (a message).
- Select L (for large) or even XL (for extra large).
- Generate it.
Once it’s generated, you can save it and display it wherever you want. I prefer to screen capture it and save it as a .JPG file so I can then share it around with others, just like I have done above.
If you do not have a QR code reader app installed, then you need to go ahead and do that. That way you can scan any other QR codes that you come across, not only in printed ads but also at certain locations, some merchants display their QR codes that will then take you to their web site.
QR Stuff
One of my favorite QR code Generator websites is QR Stuff, a site that has a lot more than just a QR Code generator. At QR Stuff, you can have short URLs, and even get access to high resolution artwork files. You’ll need a high resolution file if you’re going to use your QR Code anywhere else other than on the web. Click on the graphic below to go on over to QR Stuff and create a QR Code there.