The QR Code Rises

By Siân Morgan-Owen, The Admin Genie UK

What is a QR Code?

Why the QR code Rises!

The QR code is like a barcode but instead of lines it uses a pattern of dots, shapes and white space to translate readable information.

Originally developed in 1994 for the car manufacturing industry in Japan. They’ve been on the marketing scene since the early 2000’s but they never really took off in the way marketing strategists hoped, as users were required do download a QR reader app. Then in 2017 with an IOS update, Apple changed the game to allow QR codes to be scanned directly through the camera app. GENIUS! Game changer!

Now, due to the pandemic people are looking for more touch-free solutions and the QR code is a great, simple and cost effective solution.

The QR Code Rises! (insert dramatic Batman theme music here!)

How to Scan a QR Code on an iPhone/Android Smartphone

STEP 1: Open your Camera App from your Home Screen, Locked Screen or Control Centre.

STEP 2: Hold your device so the QR Code appears in the view finder guideline. A notification link should appear at the top of the screen.

STEP 3: Click on the notification and it should take you to the associated link.

What Can You Use a QR Code For?

There are so many creative ways to use QR Codes. As long as you have a URL then you can create a QR Code for every platform you are on. Use a QR Code to drive your audience to anywhere online you want them to have quick, easy access to.

If you have an ecommerce shop, use a QR Code to drive people to your shop, whether it’s your website, Etsy or another platform.
If you sell a service use it to drive people to your services, prices etc.
If you have a course or a membership use it to drive your audience to offer/landing pages.
Use them as digital business cards and link them to your connect page on your website, linktr.ee or social media platforms.
Use a QR Code to ask people to fill in feedback forms (like Google forms) or leave you a testimonial on your Facebook page or Google Review.
Drive your audience to your tutorials or podcast.
Encourage new clients to book appointments through your online scheduler.
Drive your audience to your online brochure or menu.
If you have a lead magnet then use a QR code to drive people to your sign up page. You could even put a QR code into your lead magnet to drive people directly to your other free resources, special offers, courses, groups, etc.

If it’s online and has a URL (can be opened in a browser) you can create a QR code.

How do I Create a QR Code?

There are lots of programs out there that let you quickly create QR codes. However, everyone know’s I’m the Canva Queen and OF COURSE, you can create them super quickly and easily in Canva…even if you are using the free version!

Log into your account.
Create a new design or open an existing design you’d like to add the QR code to.
Select ‘MORE‘ from the menu on the left-hand side.
Select QR Code.
Enter the URL you want to use for the QR Code.
Click ‘GENERATE CODE.’
And you have your QR Code.