There does not seem to be a shortage of QR codes. They’re popping up like weeds! We see them in magazines, promotional materials and even TV commercials. Unfortunately, many of these QR codes are not providing value to the visitors. Because there are great benefits to be had using a QR code, there is also great responsibility to make sure you’re utilizing them properly.
QR codes are not new. In fact, they were developed back in 1994. As the mobile phone industry improved, such as 3g internet speeds and browsers in our smartphones, QR codes could now have a very practical use. QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are great at getting you fast and easy to a mobile site.
Here are common mistakes marketers and business owners are making when implementing a QR code strategy:
- they make the QR code too small for scanners to read
- they provide no call-to-action around the QR code
- they are directing the vistor to a non-optimized mobile site
If any of the above factors are present in your QR code strategy, your visitors will be turned off. If you’re going to go through the trouble of printing material with QR codes or developing a special mobile site, make sure you follow these simple guidelines:
- For print material, make sure you try scanning the QR code on your proof. If the QR code is unscannable, you better make it bigger before ruining all your promo materials.
- People need a reason to scan your QR code–is it to get a discount? receive an incentive? share with their friends? Whatever your call-to-action is, make sure you customers will appreciate what they’ll get in return.
- If you get people to scan your QR code, make sure that the site they’re taken to is optimized for mobile browsers. If the site doesn’t open properly or look good in the smartphone, you’ll lose a great opportunity.
To generate your own QR codes, check out free QR code generator. If you need assistance in your QR code strategy, contact ConnectStrong to get the assistance and support you need.
