QR Code Best Practices

Simple. Creative. Effective. Used properly QR Codes can be an important component of your marketing message.

1. Short links. QR codes should be generated using a shortened URL. The longer the URL, the denser the QR code. The denser the QR code, the harder it is for a scanning app to read it. Consider getting your social media people involved in this discussion:  they may already be tracking your promotional efforts and may want to capture this information as well.
2. Cross-platform testing. Always test your code three ways:  iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry, before you launch.  Your code may not scan the same way across all three platforms.
3. Size vs. distance to scan. Test the distance most users will be scanning your code from. Will it be displayed on a business card?  Your table top?  The back of your booth?  On an event banner?  The farther away it is the larger the code must be.
4. Consider your colors.  QR codes don’t need to only be black and white, but darker colors definitely work best. Even it if looks great with your logo, don’t use soft colors or pale tones.
5. Offer guidance.  Not everyone knows what a QR code is, so consider adding a line of instruction and a recommended QR-code scanner .

QR Codes can open a world of creative marketing possibilities for you.  A bit of planning and forethought can yield terrific results.