You’ve probably seen a QR Code before, but you may not have known exactly what they were. They look complicated, but they’re actually really simple to create and use. And these small barcodes save people time because they don’t have to type in a long URL. In this article, I’ll explain the 7 easy steps to making a QR Code for your business that can direct people to a specific place on your website.
QR Codes have been around for 30 years. They were invented in Japan in 1994 by an automotive company to track parts during the assembly process. Now, they’re widely used by solo entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes because they’re so easy to create and implement.
If you’re a small business owner, QR codes are an effective and affordable way to market your business and drive traffic to your website. You can use them on business cards, flyers, brochures, coupons, posters, or any other physical marketing material.
How do QR Codes Work?
A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode that links to a web page. QR stands for Quick Response. These barcodes can be read by the camera on your smartphone (iPhone or Android).
Here’s how to scan a QR code:
- Open the camera on your phone
- Point the camera at the QR Code (Don’t take a picture)
- You should see square corners outlining the QR Code
- A button with a URL link will show up at the bottom
- Click on the link, and it will take you to a website
Benefits of Using QR Codes:
QR Code seen at an airport
QR Codes seem to be everywhere you look. I’ve seen them in mail advertisements, receipts at the store, food packaging, museums, on the slides of speakers at live events, and even at church!
QR Codes can be helpful for small business owners, especially if you have a physical location, such as a massage or healing center or yoga studio, where you see clients in person. One of the best things about QR codes is that they don’t require the person who is scanning to have a special app or account – just their phone camera!
Here are a few more benefits of using QR Codes:
- They are very easy to create
- Can help build your brand and drive traffic to your website
- Enables customers or prospects to connect with you quickly
- It’s an affordable marketing tool
- Shows that your business is professional and up-to-date
The 7 Easy Steps to Make a QR Code for Your Business:
1) Identify the Purpose of the QR Code
First, decide what you want the QR Code to do. Do you want to direct users to your website? Do you want them to take a customer survey? You have to know where you want the person scanning to “go” and why.
2) Choose a Reliable QR Code Generator
There are dozens of online QR Code generators. And most of them are free! We recommend that you pick up that’s simple, easy to use, and offers any customization options you want. Popular websites with QR Code generators are Canva, VistaPrint, QR Tiger, Uniqode, Popl, and bitly. We’ve had experience with Canva and VistaPrint.
Video on How to Create a QR Code with Vistaprint:
Here is the QR code generated from that video:
3) Select the Type of QR Code
Different QR Code generators offer a variety of code types, such as URL, text, email, contact card, and more. To select the type, refer back to step 1 – what’s the purpose of the QR Code? For example, if you want to direct customers to your website, select the URL option.
4) Input Your Information
Based on your chosen QR Code type, input the relevant information. Make sure that your information is accurate before you save it!
5) Customize Design (Optional)
The standard design for QR Codes is black and white. However, many QR Code generators allow customization of the code’s appearance. You can add your business logo or colors to make the QR Code attractive.
6) Test the QR Code
Before incorporating the QR Code into your marketing materials, test it to ensure it works correctly. Use various mobile devices to verify the information is clear and accurate.
7) Add it to Marketing Materials
Once you’ve created and tested your QR Code, incorporate it into your marketing materials. Generally, you will have to download the image file to your computer and then upload it where you want to put it.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes:
- Codes should be clearly visible and accessible to customers
- The linked URL should be active and mobile-friendly
- Monitor QR Code scans and determine the effectiveness
- Update content when necessary (For example, if you’ve linked to a page about an event that’s passed, update your QR Code!)
Where To Link Your QR Code
Here are some ways that you can use a QR Code in your business. You can link to:
- Business website
- Social media profile
- Appointment booking page
- Customer feedback or survey
- Google form
- Payment page
- Special Events page
Note: QR Codes can do more than just link to a web page. But for the purposes of this article, we’re focusing on linking to a website since that’s the most common use of QR Codes and the best place to start!
Final Thoughts…Try it Out!
So, those QR barcodes you’ve seen all over are not as complicated as they appear! They’re actually easy to set up and easy to use. Plus, they are a smart and affordable way for you to promote your business.
Here’s a challenge for you! Gain some field experience using QR Codes. Next time you see one, aim your camera and scan. See where the link takes you. It may help get the creative juices flowing for some interesting ways that you can use QR Codes.
