QR codes: what you need to know

Quick Response (QR) codes provide a great way for your business to connect and engage with your customers. It’s a scanning barcode system that has become one of the newer marketing techniques. You may have seen that QR codes are now being used at events and at airports. They are also popular in restaurants since Covid where you can scan them to view or order from the menu. However, here at Prontaprint, we are finding many clients still aren’t using them so we thought we’d write a short blog telling you all you need to know.

This is what a QR code looks like:

Not all codes are square and some have different colours, logos, and images on them.

QR codes are great for brochures and printed material as they give you a lot of flexibility. You can provide more detail on the products you are selling or you can send your customers to a campaign landing page where you offer a special discount. They allow you to conveniently provide additional information without having to include a lot of content on your leaflet or brochure.

There are two types of QR codes.

• Static codes – these are permanent and can’t be changed. So, if something is wrong with the link then it can’t be changed.
• Dynamic codes – you can edit a dynamic QR code. It can be edited in real-time which means as soon as you have edited it anyone scanning it will go to the new link.

How to generate a QR code:

Option 1 – A simple way to generate a QR code is to use Google and find a QR code generator website. Just be aware that some online generators are only free for a certain period and may charge you at a later date if you want to continue using it. This could prove tricky if you have already included the code on a brochure or banner.

Option 2 – We can create one for you that won’t expire. Our design team are here to help.

What should your QR code link to?

Think carefully about what will add the most value to your printed material. If you are selling products, then you may want to link to your app, website shop or Instagram shop. A campaign landing page will be useful if you have more information to provide to your customers or you may just want to increase traffic to your social media so link to one of your profiles. Other options include linking to a pdf or an online form to collect feedback. Or you may consider using them on your business cards to link to your contact information.

Our quick guide on the best way to use a QR code on your printed material:

Think carefully about what will add the most value to your printed material. If you are selling products, then you may want to link to your app, website shop or Instagram shop. A campaign landing page will be useful if you have more information to provide to your customers or you may just want to increase traffic to your social media so link to one of your profiles. Other options include linking to a pdf or an online form to collect feedback. Or you may consider using them on your business cards to link to your contact information.

• • Create a QR code that doesn’t expire (we can help if you aren’t sure).
  • Make sure it is clear, visible, and big enough to be scanned by a smartphone. The background colour should always be lighter than the code itself.
  • Include your logo in the centre of the code. You also have the option to adjust the colours so it ties in with your corporate identity.
  • Don’t forget that call to action – this is important. Users need to know why they are scanning the code. You could say something like:
    
    • • Scan the code to see our latest deals
      • Scan this code to save 25%
      • Scan this code to download our new product brochure
  • If you are linking to a website then ensure you link to a mobile-friendly website as QR codes are scanned with smartphones. Customers will be viewing the information on their phones.
  • Make sure you test your code to ensure it works properly. This is particularly important if you are using a static code on printed material.
  • Check the paper or material is not too shiny and reflects light making it difficult to scan the code. You don’t want to put customers off if the code doesn’t scan easily.
  • If you are printing the QR code on banners or posters think about the position of the code. You want people to be able to reach the code with their phone to scan it.

The possibilities for using QR codes are endless so get in touch today to see how we can help you successfully use them on your next print job.