De-mystifying QR Codes
QR Codes are popping up everywhere - and so are the people scanning them with their smart phone! But what are QR codes and how can they benefit you?
At A Local Printer we can create, add and then print a bespoke QR Code on your product. All you need to do is tell us what 'hidden' information is to be embedded in the QR Code and where it is to be positioned on your printed product. Order your own unique QR Code by clicking here - a steal at only £18.00.
What are QR Codes
QR Code stands for Quick Response Code and it is a 2-D barcode. The barcode is made of black modules within a white background that together create a square image. Embedded in to the QR Code is a range of data which can be scanned by a smart phone to reveal its content.
What can a QR Code contain?
QR Codes can contain all sorts of data - you should have a think about where you would like your QR Code to lead people and what will deliver the best results:-
- Website URL
- Google Maps Location
- Social Media Links, to Twitter and Facebook for example
- Plain text information
- Contact information - email address, telephone number
Important things to remember!
If you are going to use a QR Code try to incorporate it within your design, rather than plonk it in as an after thought. QR Codes ideally need to be no smaller than 20mm x 20mm and with an area of white space around it to enable the code to be scanned and read properly.
Try to be 'appy' - include information on where a free scanner app can be downloaded so the QR Code can be read!
People love to scan a QR Code - you just never know what it is hiding! All quite exciting. Try to make your QR Code deliver something worthwhile - a link to a special offer on your website, key dates for a sale or event, a promotion for a launch, directions to a hard to find venue. The key point is ADD VALUE (our QR Codes link to our website for example).
If you are using a QR Code to link to a website landing page - make sure it is working first! Sounds obvious but you'd be surprised. Also, be polite and include a thank you to the user for taking the time to scan your code.
Size does matter in the QR Code world. Familiarise yourself with a URL shortening site to take the bulk out of a chunky website address. We use https://bitly.com/ but you can also use http://tinyurls.co.uk/. A shorter code will scan easier and more successfully.
What do we need from you?
All we need is the website URL, the text, contact information etc that you want within your QR Code and we will do the rest. All QR Codes that we create are tested in our studio using an iPhone.
