In this slideshow I go over what a QR code is, how it's a tool that can help your business, and how to create one. A QR code can help you level up your business in a small way with potentially big results. They might seem fancy but they’re actually quite simple to create.
The main benefit of a QR code is they make long web addresses manageable because to visit the website, the individual doesn't have to manually type out the URL address (which is not only annoying but introduces the possibility that they put a typo in it).
QR CODE VS. BAR CODE
What's the difference between a QR code and a barcode. A QR code on the left is scanned with a mobile phone camera. When scanned it pulls up a website. A barcode, something that was invented in the 1960s, gets scanned with an optical scanner also known as a barcode reader. It pulls up a set of data. For example product purchasing information, ISBN information at a library or bookstore, or inventory information in a warehouse.
HOW ARE QR CODES USED?
A QR code must be easily scanned with a telephone. This means that the displayed code must be reachable by someone with a phone in their hand. Also keep in mind that you wouldn’t want to text someone a QR code because it’s difficult to figure out how to scan a QR code with a mobile phone, if it’s displayed on that phone’s screen.
To help ensure the QR code is easily scanned, it's recommended to make it 1 inch or larger, make sure it's clear (not fuzzy) and include a little bit of white clear space on all sides.
Some ideas of how to use a QR code are for example in a slight presentation like this one, you might use it on your business card especially if you’re selling with doTERRA or some larger brand where you have a long website address that has your name in it. And just to give you an idea of what’s possible, you can actually track how many times the QR code is scanned and integrate it with your retail website to determine whether people who scan the QR code are buying or not. Bitly will help you count scans, and setting up Google Analytics Campaign URL Builder feature will tell you if they buy.
HOW TO MAKE A QR CODE
Finally, how do you make that QR code? Please take a screen capture or a photograph of this slide for your future reference. I recommend QR code monkey - it's free and easy. First, on a computer go to the website you want your QR code to link to and copy the URL. Next, go to the QR code monkey website. Paste your URL into the designated box. Click the green create QR code button. Wait a minute as it loads to download, then click the light blue download PNG button. The blue window will pop up with a processing circle. Make sure you wait until it’s done processing. Then, your QR code will automatically download to your computer as an image file called a generic name, QR-code.PNG. I highly recommend that you rename that image file so that you know which website you have created a QR code link to.
This is just one way you can leverage technology to make your business more efficient, more easy to interact with, and help ensure that your efforts are having the intended reach. I hope it helps you level up in a small way!
Do you have an idea for a branding or marketing topic that would help entrepreneurs thrive? I’d like to hear it! Please send me a message using the form below. Thank you for stopping by!
Hustle With Aloha is a project by Alicia Nagel Creative. The purpose of Hustle With Aloha is to share marketing and branding tools and advice with the entrepreneurial community of Hawai'i (and beyond) in the spirit of aloha. After consulting over 100 clients for well over a decade, I am looking at how to help those who would rather DIY their branding or marketing than hire a pro.
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