Over the past few years, QR codes have become increasingly popular — and the numbers back this up. Between 2018 and 2020, QR code interactions skyrocketed by 94%. Today, QR codes are used worldwide to communicate information and simplify business operations.
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone camera, but they’re not just useful for scanning menus and promoting discounts. From how to make a QR code to incorporating QR codes into your marketing strategy, here’s everything you need to know to take your business to the next level.
Top benefits of using QR codes
Considering using QR codes for your business? Whether you’re looking to mix up your marketing strategy or switch to contactless payments, here are a few ways QR codes can help simplify your business.
- Small size: Since most QR codes are small in size, they require minimal space on ad banners, products, or any other location you’ll use them. This way, you won’t have to worry about distracting potential customers from other information in your design.
- Easy to scan: QR codes can be quickly scanned by smartphone cameras, laptops, and other devices. Plus, no technical skills are needed to interpret the message.
- High storage capacity: QR codes can typically store up to 7089 digits of 4296 characters. They can also store data in the form of images, videos, URLs, and vCards (virtual contact cards) so you can send the right message to your audience.
Types of QR codes
QR codes have become a ubiquitous feature in our daily lives, from scanning tickets to paying for groceries. However, not all QR codes are created equal. The two main types of QR codes are static and dynamic.
Static QR codes are fixed and can’t be edited once they are generated. They’re commonly used for basic information such as website links and contact information. In general, static QR codes are easy to generate and require no additional tools or services.
Meanwhile, dynamic QR codes are editable, which means they can be changed after they’ve been distributed. Dynamic QR codes are perfect for businesses or individuals who need to track the effectiveness of QR code campaigns. They can also be used for more complex purposes, such as creating multiple QR codes with different content for a single product.
Popular QR code formats
QR codes can contain a wide variety of information beyond just URLs. They can also encode text and vCards (virtual contact cards), which store contact information like phone numbers and email addresses.
When it comes to formatting, QR codes will vary based on the information they’re encoded with. For example, a QR code with an URL will take you directly to a website when scanned. On the other hand, a QR code with text may contain a message or instructions, while vCards make it easy to quickly exchange contact information.
How to create QR codes in 5 easy steps
There’s no denying the popularity and convenience of QR codes, but how can you use them to grow your business?
Fortunately, learning how to create QR codes is pretty simple — even if you don’t have any graphic design or technical skills. With Picsart’s easy-to-use QR code generator tool, you can quickly create QR codes to share contact information, exclusive promotions, and more. Here’s how to get started.
- Open the Picsart QR Code Generator.
- Next, type or paste your link into the box to encode your QR code with an URL.
- Select a unique QR code style and frame design to enhance your design.
- Upload your own brand logo or choose from one of our preset logos for a branded QR code.
- When you’re finished creating your QR code, click Export to download and save the design.
3 creative ways to utilize QR codes
Now that you know how to create a QR code, how can you incorporate QR codes into your business? From conversion-worthy ads to contactless payments, here are some of the best ways to use QR codes for your business.
1. Upgrade your next marketing campaign
Whether you’re a business owner, marketing professional, or influencer, QR codes can be an amazing marketing tool to grow your brand. When you place QR codes on products or ads, you’ll encourage potential customers to scan the code, which will bring them directly to your website or landing page.
At the same time, marketers can use QR codes to offer discounts and promotions. By scanning QR codes, you can bring customers to landing pages where they redeem special offers. From simple BOGO promos to discounts for returning customers, this can be a great way to incentivize customers to engage with your brand.
One of the best ways to use QR codes? Create interactive content to keep your audience coming back for more. By placing codes in different locations (or on different products), you can draw customers to videos, surveys, and games — all while encouraging them to engage with your content in a more interactive way.
2. Transform customer experiences
QR codes can also help you create ultra-personalized experiences for your customers. With QR codes, you can offer instant customer support. Instead of typing in long URLs or searching for the FAQ page on your website, you can direct customers to the information they need — from reviews and product details to your customer support line.
QR codes can also be used for contactless payment, menu ordering, and even virtual tours of properties, helping businesses create a seamless customer experience from start to finish.
3. Streamline business operations
One of the main benefits of QR codes is their unrivaled ability to instantly convey information. By scanning a code, employees can easily access attendance information, manage inventory, and track products for more efficient business operations.
In addition, QR codes can simplify document sharing and storage by providing a quick and easy code to access documents. Instead of storing large files or sharing physical documents, you can create a QR code that links to the document. This way, you’ll save time and effort, especially when you’re dealing with multiple documents.
QR code frequently asked questions
Once you’ve learned how to create QR codes, you can boost your business efficiency with efficient marketing, personalized experiences, and seamless operations. Here’s everything you need to know to ignite your business with QR codes.
- What is the purpose of a QR code?
QR codes provide quick and easy access to information. They can be used to store different types of data, including URLs, contact information, and product details.
- How do I create a QR code?
Check out Picsart’s QR Code Generator to generate unique QR codes for all of your business needs.
- Can I customize the appearance of a QR code?
Yes, you can customize the appearance of QR codes with Picsart’s AI editing tools by adding text, colors, logos, and other design elements. However, too much customization can make the code harder to scan, so it’s important to test your QR code before advertising it.
- How can I track the performance of my QR code?
QR code tracking tools provide data on the number of scans, locations of scans, and types of devices used to scan your QR code. You can also use analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to track QR code performance by creating unique URLs for each code and monitoring web traffic.
- Can I edit a QR code after it has been created?
Yes, the content and destination URL of dynamic QR codes can be edited after they’re created.
- Are QR codes only for mobile devices?
No, QR codes can be scanned using any device equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app, including laptops, desktops, and specialized scanners.
- Are QR codes secure?
QR codes are not inherently secure or insecure. They’re a means of storing information that can be read by a compatible device. However, the information contained within a QR code can be encrypted or protected to enhance its security.
- Can QR codes contain sensitive information?
Yes, QR codes can contain sensitive information. QR codes can store a wide range of data, including text, URLs, and files. Therefore, it is important to ensure the data being stored in the QR code is protected if it contains sensitive information.
