QR codes are “hot” but few people know how to use them correctly. Every day I scan codes in magazines, brochures and advertisements and am amazed that most of them are done incorrectly.

I’m going to assume that you know what they are but you may not know what I’m about to tell you.

The important thing to remember about QR codes is they are not about being novel. They are about making things easy for your readers and providing information in a targeted, planned way.

Here are some of the things that most people miss with their QR codes.

QR Codes are Mobile

That’s right, QR codes are meant for reading by MOBILE devices (smart phones) and by taking you to a web page, video or something else online. Please don’t put a QR code on a web page – that defeats the purpose (unless your demonstrating what they look like, as on this page).  Your reader is already online.

With that in mind, remember that there is a limited sized screen.  QR codes are meant to be used with smart phones.  You will not be able to see a full sized web page on a smart phone screen, where text looks like 2 point type,  without manipulating left and right, up and down (and nobody wants to do that.)  Instead, have the QR code point to a mobile web page.  Mobile web pages are designed to be seen and read on a smart phone without having to enlarge or move left and right to read.

It is easy to turn your web page into a mobile page or to develop a new mobile page.  If you use WordPress.com, your pages automatically become mobile pages on smart phones.  If you use WordPress.org. you can add a plugin that will take care of that for you.  Have your webmaster fix this for you or we can provide the service to you.

QR Codes Add Value

Scan codes are about engagement and added value.  Again, don’t waste your readers time by using QR codes as a novelty.  Have the code point to something of value or don’t have a QR code at all.  Do not have your QR code point to your main web page; it’s probably not that interesting.  Point to a landing page, show YouTube video, offer a coupon, a map, event information, product information or simply your v-card, but make it worthwhile.  Know who your target audience is and the desired response.

When you determine just the right spot to take your readers through your QR code, consider developing a mobile landing page.  This is a great way to gather email addresses or phone numbers in return for information.  But do this in way that is not annoying.

Test Your QR Code Before Publishing

Before you actually print your QR code, test it with different mobile scanning apps and different smartphone devices.  What may look great on my Iphone may not look so great on a BlackBerry or Android.

Also, don’t publicize your QR code in a place where there is no internet access like a subway, or deep inside a  steel building.  With no internet access, the QR code is worthless.

Printing Your QR Code

When printing your QR code, use a URL shortener (tinyurl, bit.ly, etc.) inside the QR code.  It makes the code cleaner and easier to read than a long URL.  Also take note of the print size and don’t print your QR code too small.  It may be difficult to pick up by the scanner app.

Your QR code should be readable so that the app can pick it up.  The code has to be darker compared to it’s background.  Be sure to leave some white space around it as well.

QR codes are an effective way to bring your offline visitors online and when done correctly, you can more accurately target your traffic to your online sales material.

Need to integrate your printed material with your QR codes?  Give Greenway Print Solutions a call today.