Quick Response (QR) Codes are two-dimensional barcodes originating from Japan in the mid-90s. Originally designed to track vehicle parts during manufacturing, these ingenious symbols have expanded well beyond their initial industrial use.
Now, you’ll spot them in every sector from marketing to mobile payments and beyond. A quick scan with a smartphone camera instantly links users to websites, social media platforms, menus, and tickets – the possibilities seem endless.
Their ease of use and versatility are key reasons for the ongoing popularity and diversified benefits of QR Codes globally.
A. Types of QR Code format
QR Codes come in multiple formats. First, we have the common QR Code Models 1 and 2, often used for URLs, PDFs, image galleries, vCards, and Google Maps QR Codes.
Then, there’s the Micro QR Code. It’s smaller than a regular QR Code, perfect for small product packaging where space is limited. It may hold less data, but it’s advantageous where size matters.
The iQR Code is an expanded version, offering more flexibility in size and a larger storage capacity. This versatility makes it a favorite for diverse printing requirements, such as advertisements and marketing material.
SQRC, or Secure QR Code, is designed specifically for storing confidential information. Hence, it’s perfect for tasks requiring an added security level, such as financial transactions or personal data transfer.
FrameQR takes a creative twist on QR Codes, allowing for unique designs that incorporate the code into promotional graphics. It’s an innovative approach, combining functionality with brand aesthetics.
Finally, HCC2D Code, a prototype, holds potential for further applications with its promising features, hinting at future developments in the world of QR Codes.
B. Applications of QR Codes
QR Codes play a significant role in driving website traffic. Users can directly be sent to a webpage by merely scanning the code, providing easy access to the desired content.
1. Drive Traffic to Website
QR Codes are used to drive website traffic as a simple yet effective method. By embedding a website URL within a QR Code, users can scan it with their mobile device and be directly taken to your site.
It eliminates the need to manually type in a web address, reducing potential errors and making the process quick.
This is particularly effective for printed media, where embedding clickable links is impossible. From posters to business cards and product packaging, these QR Codes instantly bridge physical media and your online presence.
Physical navigation becomes a breeze with Location QR Codes, Google Maps QR Codes, and Waze QR Codes.
By scanning the QR Code, the user’s mobile device can launch a navigation app (like Google Maps or Waze) and provide directions to the desired location.
This can be a game-changer for businesses with physical locations. For example, retail stores, event venues, or restaurants. It also provides a way to guide people directly to places of interest, increasing footfall.
3. Deliver downloadable contact details
QR Codes can also carry contact information within them. These are called vCard QR Codes. When scanned, they show a landing page with details such as your name, mobile, website, company, designation, weblinks, and even a profile picture.
Plus, the page also has a ‘Save as Contact’ button. Hence, the recipients can easily save your contact with a simple click. No need for them tot ype anything. Easy, right?
4. Deliver documentation
QR Codes can contain links to PDF files, which can be downloaded and stored later. This is a practical solution for businesses that must share documents, manuals, reports, or e-books with their customers or stakeholders.
A PDF QR Code can be printed on product packaging or advertising material, giving users quick and easy access to information. QR Codes can significantly enhance customer experience and engagement, helping businesses share knowledge and add value.
5. Promote your app
App Download QR Codes are programmed to direct users to app download pages on the App Store or Google Play.
This means businesses can promote their apps simply by distributing these QR Codes on their marketing materials. Businesses can increase their app’s visibility and usage by making it easier for people to find and download their app. That means enhanced customer engagement and loyalty.
6. Welcome guests’ safely
In the age of contactless services, Restaurant QR Codes have become a critical tool. By using a Menu QR Code, restaurants can allow guests to view menus, place orders, and make payments, without touching common surfaces.
This reduces the risk of viral transmission and streamlines the ordering process, providing an enhanced dining experience. Something to explore while deciding on the marketing strategy of your restaurant.
7. Improve conversion rates
Landing Page QR Codes help you design a mobile landing page even if you don’t have a website. Here, you may add text, images, video, weblinks, etc.
Businesses often use it to create pages with the objective of converting them into customers.
When people scan the QR Code, they are tkane to the required landing page where they may make a purchase, sign up for a service, or perform any other desired action.
8. Engage users with video content
Video QR Codes allow businesses to share video content directly with their customers. When users scan a Video QR Code, they are taken to a video on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
This provides businesses with a unique way to engage customers, sharing anything from product demonstrations and tutorials to promotional videos and testimonials.
9. Increase visual appeal
Image Gallery QR Codes allow businesses to share a range of images with their customers. Retail businesses can use this type of QR Code to showcase various products, and real estate companies can use it to display pictures of their properties.
When a user scans an Image Gallery QR Code, they can swipe through a range of images, providing a visually engaging experience.
QR Codes can unlock a world of auditory experience by sharing MP3 files. For instance, musicians can make their work accessible by getting fans to scan a QR Code to instantly stream a new song, album, or playlist.
Podcast creators can also use MP3 QR Codes to share episodes. At the same time, educators might incorporate them into learning materials to provide audio lessons.
These codes make audios readily available, offering a user-friendly way to share audios even via print media.
11. Deliver deals and offers
For many businesses, coupon QR Codes are an effective strategy to drive sales customer engagement.
These QR Codes can contain information about a special discount, a limited-time offer, or exclusive deals. Hence, they encourage customers to take advantage of the offer.
The codes can be added at store displays, product packaging, digital platforms, etc.
With Text QR Codes, users share information that might not fit comfortably in print media.
They can be used in a multitude of settings, from education and information dissemination to marketing and promotions.
For example, they can provide supplementary info about a museum exhibit, instructions for product assembly, or additional content about a book or article.
13. Receive feedback
Rating and feedback QR Codes streamline the process of collecting customer feedback.
By scanning a QR Code, customers can rate their experience, provide suggestions, or voice complaints. Hence, businesses get to know vital information to improve their services or products.
These QR Codes can be placed on receipts, product packaging, or in-store displays, providing a simple and accessible way for customers to share their thoughts and experiences. Businesses can enhance customer engagement and satisfaction by making the feedback process interactive and easy.
14. Make event planning easier
Event QR Codes simplify the management and promotion of events. They can hold all the necessary details about an event. For example, location, date and time, schedule, and even a link for ticket purchases or registration.
By scanning the code, attendees can easily access all the information they need, saving time and avoiding confusion. Event organizers can also update the content behind the QR Code in real-time, ensuring attendees always have the latest information.
15. Cashless payments
Payment QR Codes are an essential part of the growing trend towards cashless transactions. They are fast and secure, making the payment process smoother for businesses and customers.
Users scan the QR Code with their smartphone, enter the amount, and authorize the payment.
16. Make calls instantly
Call QR Codes can streamline communication by enabling users to make a phone call by simply scanning a code.
These can be particularly helpful in business settings, allowing potential customers to reach out for inquiries immediately.
Imagine a real estate sign with a QR Code that, when scanned, initiates a call to the agent.
This makes contacting the appropriate person quick and convenient, improving the user experience and engagement.
17. Send instant messages
Much like Call QR Codes, Message QR Codes allow for instant communication, only this time in text format.
By scanning the code, users can instantly generate a preformatted text message or email, ready to send to a specified recipient.
This is useful in providing better customer service, allowing users to send feedback, place orders, or make inquiries with just a few taps on their mobile devices.
18. Save personal information
MeCard QR Codes offer an efficient way to share and save personal information. Like a digital business card, these QR Codes can hold information such as a person’s name, phone number, email, and address.
This information can be instantly saved to the user’s contact list when scanned. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and improving efficiency, especially in professional networking scenarios.
19. Connect to Wi-Fi fast
Wi-Fi QR Codes are a secure and efficient solution to the often cumbersome process of connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
Instead of verbally sharing or manually entering complex Wi-Fi passwords, these QR Codes can be scanned to connect to a specific network instantly.
This is especially useful in public spaces like coffee shops, libraries, or hotels, improving the user experience by offering a quick and hassle-free connection method.
C. Choosing the best QR Code generator for your business
Several factors come into play when selecting a QR Code generator for your business. These include the generator’s ease of use, the types of QR Codes it can produce, its design options, and whether it provides dynamic QR Codes.
The generator should also offer tracking and analytics to measure your QR Code’s effectiveness.
We recommend going ahead with Scanova. It allows you to create more than ten types QR Codes and some handy customization options.
Plus, creating a QR Code with Scanova is a rather easy process. Here’s what you need to do: –
- Visit scanova.io: Open your preferred browser on your phone or computer and navigate to https://scanova.io
- Click on “Create QR Code”: Once you’re on the Scanova website, locate and click on the prominently displayed “Create QR Code” button
- Choose a category: Scanova offers a range of fifteen categories for QR Codes. Consider your purpose and select the category that best suits your needs. Options include Website QR Code, Image QR Code, Document QR Code, and more
- Follow the on-screen instructions: After selecting your desired category, Scanova will provide specific instructions on how to proceed. These instructions will vary based on the category you’ve chosen
- Customize your QR Code (optional): If you want to create a personalized experience, Scanova allows you to generate a custom page. Simply select the “Custom Page QR Code” option from the available categories
- Input the required information: Depending on the selected category, you will be prompted to provide relevant details such as a website URL, image file, or document link. Enter the necessary information accurately
- Customize the QR Code appearance (optional): Scanova offers various customization options, allowing you to modify the appearance of your QR Code. You can change colors, add a logo, and adjust the design to align with your branding or personal preferences
- Generate and download your QR Code: Once you’ve completed the necessary steps and customized the QR Code (if desired), click on the “Generate” or “Create” button. Scanova will process your request and provide a downloadable QR Code file
- Test and use your QR Code: It’s essential to test your QR Code before implementing it. Use a QR Code scanner app on your phone or a QR Code reader on your computer to verify that it functions correctly. Ensure it directs to the intended content or webpage
- Share and distribute your QR Code: Once you’ve confirmed that your QR Code is functioning correctly, you can start sharing it. Use it in your marketing materials, business cards, posters, or any other medium to enhance user engagement and interaction
By following these ten simple steps, you can easily create a QR Code using Scanova’s user-friendly platform. Whether you need a QR Code for a website, image, document, or a customized experience, Scanova provides a hassle-free solution to meet your specific requirements.