Making effective QR codes takes work. To shortcut the amount of learning and work required, you can look at how others are using QR codes. By using the best techniques you find and avoiding the worst problems, you can make your QR codes be the best they can be.
Today, let’s look at a QR code on a Publix weekly advertisement sale paper. The QR code is about 3/4″ square. There is a call to action but no URL.
The encoded data is a URL: http://www.publix.com/qr_mobileweeklyad
Overall rating: 5 out of 5
Pros
- The QR code is large and easy to scan
- There is a call to action, “Scan this code with your mobile device…”
- The landing page is mobile-friendly
- The URL is branded
Cons
- There is no URL listed for users who don’t want to scan the QR code
What We Can Learn
From a user’s perspective, there is a good chance that they will have their smart phone available when they find the device. Adding the option to download the app and search the ad or visiting the mobile site works well if the user is in the store or reading from home.
Summary
When making your own QR codes, keep the following in mind:
- QR codes can direct users to your website, to app downloads, or a landing page for the user to choose which they would prefer
- Although it is often important to list a URL, if the goal of the URL is to get users to visit a mobile site or download an app, omitting the URL may reduce clutter since a mobile device is needed for the landing page
If you have questions about how to get started using QR codes in your business, how to use QR codes more effectively, or how fix a QR code issue, let me help.
