QR codes are a great way to leave an impression on customers, but in order for them to be effective they need to be built properly. Here is how you can make your QR code stand out and leave the intended mark with ease.
In this article, I will show you how to make a QR Code in 7 easy steps. The “qr code generator” is an app that creates a QR Code for your business or company logo.
Floors. Ceilings. Stall doors in the bathroom. These are just a handful of the sites where QR codes may be found. In fact, QR codes have grown so ubiquitous that in 2021, 45 percent of customers utilized marketing-related QR codes.
There’s no doubting the QR code’s popularity and use. But what is it, exactly? Why is it so well-liked? What steps should you take to build one for your next marketing campaign?
Continue reading to discover more about QR codes and how to make your own.
What exactly is a QR code?
The abbreviation QR stands for “quick response code.” It’s a black-and-white sign in the form of a square that may be scanned with a smartphone or laser to discover more about a product or service. Content, links, discounts, event details, and other information that consumers desire to view may be stored in these encrypted squares.
The following is an example of a QR code:
Not every QR code is in the form of a square. Inside, they may contain one-of-a-kind designs, colors, and logos. You’ll find them in non-digital places like direct mail, signs, billboards, and even TV broadcasts, where you can use your phone to scan the code on the screen.
Barcodes vs. QR Codes: What’s the Difference?
Although QR codes and barcodes are both visual representations of data, the way the information encoded inside them is read distinguishes them. The data recorded in barcodes is read horizontally and is one-dimensional. QR codes are two-dimensional, and the information they contain may be read both horizontally and vertically.
Both barcodes and QR codes may be scanned using a laser or a smartphone as long as the equipment has the proper vertical and horizontal data reading capabilities. Although most smartphones can automatically read QR codes, they can’t scan barcodes, so you’ll need a specific software for that.
Is the development of QR codes signaling the end of regular barcodes? Obviously not. Businesses still use traditional barcodes to identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product inventories.
Image Credit:
Image Credit:
However, there are several distinctions between barcodes and QR codes, both in terms of their applications and qualities. Three key distinctions are listed below.
QR Codes Come in a Variety of Shapes
Because barcodes are often rectangular, scanning machines must read the data horizontally. QR codes are typically square in design and show data both vertically and horizontally.
Different types of data are stored in QR codes.
QR codes are often utilized in ways that barcodes are not. At the point of sale, barcodes store important product information such as the price and the manufacturer’s name. More passive and intangible information, such as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages, is available through QR codes.
More Data Can Be Stored in QR Codes
In comparison to a barcode, a QR code can contain far more data due to its square design. Hundreds of times more encrypted characters can be stored in a QR code than can be stored in a barcode.
We learnt a little about the differences between barcodes and QR codes, but how do QR codes work?
What are QR codes and how do they work?
Marketers chose the QR code because of its vast storage capacity and ability to transmit more information to customers beyond what the packaging or advertising of a product could show. The QR code was first invented in Japan for usage in the automobile industry.
Let’s imagine a customer comes across a QR code. They may pull out their phone, download a free QR code scanning app, or just scan the QR code using their phone’s camera to learn more about what they saw.
If you wanted to make a bus stop advertising for your podcast, you could include a QR code on the printed ad that when scanned with a phone takes visitors straight to your iTunes page. Isn’t it straightforward?
What Is a QR Code and How Do I Make One?
- Select the sort of material you want to promote.
- Fill out the form that appears with your information.
- Consider downloading a QR code that is dynamic.
- Make your QR code unique.
- Make verify the QR code works by scanning it.
- Distribute and share your QR code.
- Analyze and track performance.
The procedure of making a QR code is really simple. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Step 1: Decide what kind of material you want to promote.
You must first choose your preferred QR code generator. Check out our list for some inspiration. We’re going to utilize qr-code-generator.com for this example.
Choose the sort of material you want the user to see when they scan your QR code. As illustrated in the picture below, you may pick from ten different content kinds.
We’re going to advertise a link to our podcast on social media.
Step 2: Fill out the form that displays with your information.
After you choose the sort of material you want to promote with this QR code, a field or form will appear where you can fill in the details for your campaign.
You’ll see a series of fields where you may input your email address, subject line, and related message if you want your QR code to preserve contact information, for example.
To save a link to our podcast, just type it into the area provided, as follows:
Step 3: Think about getting a dynamic QR code.
See the “dynamic” option below? The fact that you can’t modify the data in a QR code after it’s printed is a huge disadvantage. However, with dynamic QR codes, you may change this information.
You may print a dynamic QR code, scan it, and open up an editable form where you can adjust the data your visitors will get when they scan the QR code themselves using a free membership to QR code generators like qr-code-generator.com.
Step 4: Make your QR code unique.
Customizing the design of QR codes to meet your business is the most enjoyable aspect of the process. Do you want your code to resemble your logo? Take a chance. Do you want it to match the color scheme of your website? It’s no issue.
We may personalize our QR code using qr-code-generator.com by pressing the button in the top-right corner, as seen in the picture below. Keep in mind that not every QR code generator has this design option; depending on the QR code you want to create, certain programs may be restricted in their capabilities.
Of course, you can further personalize your QR code by changing the colors, adding a logo, adding social media buttons, and so on.
However, certain alterations may make it more difficult for QR code scanning programs and smartphone cameras to read the code correctly. It’s a good idea to create two copies of your QR code, one simple and one with your desired design, just to be safe.
In relation to this…
Step 5: Verify that the QR code can be scanned.
Remember to double-check that the QR code is read properly, and use more than one QR code reader. Google Goggles, a free program that captures a photo and then informs you what link or object it “reads to,” is a nice place to start.
The app QR Code Reader is another wonderful free application that immediately sends you to anything it “reads.” Because most smartphones now come with a built-in QR code reader, you should check to see whether your code is also legible there.
Step 6: Distribute and share the QR code.
If people don’t notice a QR code, it won’t be able to accomplish its work. As a result, make sure you have a strategy for disseminating the code. It might be shown in print advertising, on apparel, or in actual places where people can scan it with their phones.
Continue reading for more information on how to correctly display a QR code.
Step 7: Monitor and evaluate results.
You should follow up on any material or campaigns that include QR codes, just like any other marketing effort, to check whether they’re truly functioning. How much traffic does each code generate? Are customers scanning your code but then abandoning the landing page without redeeming their offer? Is it possible that they were never obligated to scan your QR code in the first place?
Knowing the answers to these questions will aid you in troubleshooting and adjusting badly performing QR codes so that they more closely resemble those that operate.
I suggest include a UTM tracking code in your URL so you can monitor performance more accurately—this is especially crucial if you utilize closed-loop marketing analytics or do more in-depth reporting on your campaigns.
QR Codes: How to Use Them (And How Not to)
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to make a QR code, let’s talk about some best practices for increasing the possibility that your QR code will be utilized.
People will be able to scan your QR code if it is displayed in a handy location.
Put QR codes in areas where they’ll be straightforward to scan and where the customer will have ample time to do so. While QR codes are often seen on billboards and television advertising, they aren’t always the most user-friendly settings. Entice people to take out their phones while driving to scan a code is a safety problem, and a 30-second ad may not be enough time for someone to locate their phone and scan the TV.
Consider locations where customers will have the time and ability to scan the code. Locations having a robust Wi-Fi connection will also be beneficial.
Make the QR’s destination page mobile-friendly.
Make the page you’re directing users to mobile-friendly. When customers scan the QR code with their phones, they should be sent to a website that provides a great mobile experience.
Include a call to action (CTA) that encourages users to scan your QR code.
Include a call-to-action (CTA) with the code, i.e., inform people what they should do if they see the code and what they’ll get if they scan it. Not everyone understands what a QR code is, and even those who do won’t scan it unless they’re certain there’s something valuable on the other side.
Don’t use just one smartphone scanner to scan your QR code.
There is no need for a dedicated QR code scanner. Your QR code should be app-agnostic, meaning that it may be scanned by any reader. A reduced barrier to entry increases your and the user’s chances of success.
Make someone’s life simpler by using your QR code.
Use a QR code only when absolutely necessary. For example, it’s not uncommon for marketers to believe, “What can I do to connect my physical and online experiences? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” That isn’t always incorrect, but it isn’t always correct either.
It’s more probable that your QR code will generate results if you have material that makes sense to provide to a mobile user and a suitable channel to do so (see usage #1 at the beginning of this section).
What Not to Do With a QR Code
You don’t want to include a QR code in digital material that consumers mostly read on their phones. Social media postings, articles, movies, and SMS messages are all examples of this. Sure, each of these sorts of material may be read on a device other than a smartphone, but they’re seldom used that way, so keep those channels for conventional URLs and sharing methods.
We taught you how to make a QR code in the last section, but you don’t have to start from scratch. The procedure may be sped up by using a QR code generator (and take a lot of math out of it, too.)
The Best QR Code Makers
- Kaywa
- GOQR.me
- Shopify offers a free QR code generator.
- Visualead
- The-qrcode-generator.com
- QR Stuff
- qr-code-generator.com
- Monkey with a QR Code
There are several QR code generators available. The better ones allow you a lot of customizability when it comes to how you use your QR code, as well as compatibility with almost all mobile QR code reader applications.
Other features to consider when selecting a QR code generator include the ability to watch and evaluate performance in real time, as well as the ability to create a code that is unique to your business.
Below are some of our favorite QR code generators for quickly and easily creating personalized QR codes.
1. Kaywa
Kaywa is a no-nonsense QR code maker that generates basic codes for discounts, URLs, and contact information. Simply input your data, choose whether you want a dynamic or static code, and click “Generate.”
We like it because:
When you establish an account with Kaywa, you can monitor metrics if you’re utilizing your QR code as part of a marketing campaign. You’ll have the most up-to-date information on who used your code, when they used it, and where they used it.
2. GOQR.me GOQR.me GOQR.me GO
GOQR.me is a simple QR code generator that works best with short URLs but may also be used to store text, geolocation, and event information. Simply fill in the fields by clicking on the symbol that corresponds to your data.
We like it because:
You’ll receive a real-time preview of your QR code, which will save you time if you’re putting the final touches on your marketing campaign. For an extra cost, a GOQR.me-affiliated designer may add your logo to your QR code for a more personalized appearance.
3. Shopify’s Free QR Code Generator
When users scan QR codes, it’s better if you have something to give them. And chances are, you’re marketing to folks who purchase items online every day on their phones.
We like it because:
In just one click, Shopify allows you to generate a QR code. The greatest aspect is that this free tool doesn’t need you to have a Shopify site to utilize it.
4. Create a visual aid
Looking for a one-of-a-kind QR code that perfectly matches your brand? The tool we propose for the task is Visualead.
We like it because:
Visual QR codes are popular and may pique your readers’ attention more than a standard black-and-white code. This suggests that this form of QR code may generate more scans and interaction.
5. The-qrcode-generator.com is a website that generates QR codes.
The-qrcode-generator.com has a simple user interface that allows you to quickly produce a unique QR code. Simply type in your URL or the information you’d want to share, and your QR code will display right away.
We like it because:
If you’re making many QR codes at once, you may want to consider using the Google Chrome plugin to speed up the process.
6. QR Codes
QR Stuff, being one of the most powerful QR code generators, can generate codes for almost any form of data you wish to share with the world. This program supports YouTube videos, Zoom conference invites, and even bitcoin information.
We like it because:
In just three simple steps, you’ll have a free, fully customized QR code that works and looks amazing. There’s also no limit to how many codes you can make.
7. Qr-code-generator.com
This QR code generator was included in our how-to instruction above for a purpose. Qr-code-generator.com is a simple tool that even the least tech-savvy among us can utilize. Simply paste your URL into the box, and the generator will take care of the rest.
We like it because:
The website QR-code-generator.com is simple to use. It will automatically recognize the kind of URL you’ve entered and generate a QR code for you in a matter of seconds.
Monkey with a QR Code
Try QR Code Monkey if the appearance of your QR code is essential to you but you don’t want to spend extra for a bespoke design. You may modify the color, add a logo, and further tweak the pixels in your code after you’ve added your URL.
We like it because:
The creative options with QR Code Monkey are nearly endless. To make a branded QR code, all you need is a creative eye and a little time.
Make your QR code now.
It’s now your time! Why not build your own QR code once you’ve spent enough time scanning them? To get your company, project, or event out there in the real world, follow the instructions in this article and utilize one of the free QR code generators we’ve selected.
Note from the editor: This article was first published in January 2021 and has been revised for accuracy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a QR Code myself?
How do I create a QR ID?
A: To create a QR ID, you need to have a website that allows users with QR codes.
QR Code generator websites such as this one will allow you to easily and quickly generate your own personal code: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/
What is the simplest QR Code?
A: The simplest QR Code will be an empty black square.
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