In today’s digital age, many businesses have to be a step higher than their competitors all the time. They need to embrace innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive. One such strategy is the use of QR codes, which has taken off even after the peak of the pandemic.
QR codes are beneficial, especially for marketing, engagement, and even improving your Google ranking. Though its usefulness didn’t stop there. They have emerged as a popular marketing tool, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These two-dimensional barcodes have become ubiquitous in various industries, from retail to hospitality.
QR Code Basics
Static Codes: Free, one-off, and non-editable. These are mostly used for promotions and instant information campaigns.
Dynamic Codes: Editable, though sometimes come with a fee, meaning they can be used multiple times.
How to Generate a QR Code for Your Business in Australia
QR Code Generator: This online tool is a great option for generating static QR codes for free. It’s the top choice for creating QR codes for just about anything. It allows you to create codes for website URLs, text, email, phone numbers, and more. The codes can be downloaded in various file formats, including PNG, JPG, and SVG.
QR Code Monkey: This is a more user-friendly online generator that offers both static and dynamic QR codes. It offers a wide range of customization options, including colour, shape, and logo insertion. This generator is best for creating codes that link to websites, social media profiles, and other online resources.
QRStuff: A popular and powerful online generator that offers both static and dynamic QR codes. It allows you to create codes for a wide range of data types, including URLs, text, phone numbers, and more. You can customize the design and colour scheme of your QR code, and the codes can be downloaded in various file formats.
For creating dynamic QR codes, which can be edited and updated even after being printed, here are three popular online QR code generator apps:
QR Code Generator: On top of static codes, this app also allows you to create dynamic QR codes for free. You can choose from a range of dynamic QR code types, such as events, social media, or email QR codes. You can also customize them according to your needs.
QR Code Studio: This is another popular QR code generator that allows you to create dynamic QR codes for free. You can generate QR codes for different purposes. These may include website links, vCards, or PayPal payments, and you can also track and analyze the scans of your codes.
Scanova: This is a powerful QR code generator that offers a range of dynamic QR code types, such as an event, coupon, or feedback QR codes. You can create and edit your codes, track and analyze scans, and even integrate your codes with third-party apps and platforms. However, some of the more advanced features may require a paid subscription.
For a more pocket version, there are also QR code generator apps. These are available on both Android and Apple devices. First off are QR code generator apps available in the Google Play Store:
QR Code Generator – QR Code Creator & QR Maker: This app allows you to create both static and dynamic QR codes for free. You can generate codes for different purposes like website links, Wi-Fi credentials, or even contact information. Customization with different colours, shapes, and logos is also available.
QR & Barcode Scanner: This app not only scans QR codes but also generates them. It offers a simple and intuitive interface and allows you to create various types of QR codes, such as URLs, text, or phone number codes. You can also share your codes with others or save them to your device.
Free QR Scanner – Barcode Scanner, QR Code Reader: A free and user-friendly app. This is primarily a scanner but also includes a QR code generator feature. It allows you to create different types of QR codes, such as email, location, or SMS codes, and share them with others.
Next are the top three QR code generator apps available in the Apple App Store:
QR Code Reader & Generator: This app allows you to create both static and dynamic QR codes for free. You can generate codes for various purposes, such as website links, contact information, or calendar events, and customize them with different colours and logos. The app also includes a scanner feature.
QR Code Generator – Make Your Own QR Codes: This app is specifically designed for creating QR codes. It offers a simple and intuitive interface and allows you to generate codes for different types of content, such as URLs, text, or email addresses. You can also customize the size and colour of your codes here.
QR Scanner – QR Code Reader & Generator: This app includes both a scanner and a generator feature. It allows you to create QR codes for different types of data, such as Wi-Fi credentials, calendar events, or phone numbers. You can also customize the appearance of your codes and share them with others.
It’s worth noting that there are some key differences between Android and Apple QR codes.
Android QR codes tend to be more flexible, allowing for greater customization and more data storage. In earlier versions of Android QR codes, another app was needed for the sole reason of scanning them. Now, you just need to use the default camera app and it will automatically detect the QR code in the image.
On the other hand, Apple QR codes are typically simpler and more straightforward, making them easier to scan. And unlike Android, the functionality to scan QR codes from the camera was there from the start.
Now, let’s provide a step-by-step guide for generating a QR code using the QR Code Generator online tool:
1. Navigate to the QR Code Generator website.
2. Select the type of code you want to create (e.g., URL, text, phone number, etc.).
3. Enter the relevant information (e.g., URL, phone number, etc.).
4. Customize the design and colour scheme of your QR code (optional).
5. Download your QR code in your preferred file format.
To generate a QR code using the QR Code Generator mobile app:
- Download and install the QR Code Generator app from the relevant app store.
- Open the app and select the type of code you want to create (e.g., URL, text, phone number, etc.).
- Enter the relevant information (e.g., URL, phone number, etc.).
- Customize the design and colour scheme of your QR code (optional).
- Save or share your QR code as desired.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes in Your Business
To make the most out of this technology, it’s important to follow best practices for using QR codes effectively.
The placement of QR codes is crucial to ensure maximum engagement and scanning rates. Consider placing QR codes in visible and accessible areas. Product packaging, brochures, business cards, storefronts, and social media profiles are common examples. It’s also important to ensure that the area where the QR code is placed has good lighting, a stable internet connection, and is easily scannable. Strategic placement of QR codes is key to increasing the chances of customers scanning them.
Promotion is also vital to ensure that your customers know that your business is using QR codes. Promote your QR codes by adding them to your email signature, social media posts, newsletters, and website. Incentives to whoever scans the code are also another approach. Discounts, coupons, or exclusive content are often used here.
As a reminder when creating QR codes, it’s important to consider the information that you want to provide to your customers. The information can include links to your website and contact details for communication. You can also put product information or promotions if you have a marketing campaign.
It’s essential to keep the information concise and relevant to the customer’s needs. Avoid creating QR codes that lead to irrelevant or outdated information. This can lead to frustration and disengagement from customers which you don’t want.
And of course, there are several common mistakes that businesses make when using QR codes. One of the most common mistakes is creating a QR code that is too small or too complex. It makes it difficult for customers to scan the code in the first place.
Another mistake is creating QR codes that lead to a non-mobile-friendly landing page. Customers will scan your code using a smartphone so it only makes sense to take them to a mobile-friendly site. It’s also essential to ensure that the QR code is tested before implementation to avoid technical errors.
You can test the QR codes by using a smartphone scanner or a QR code scanner app. It’s important to test the QR codes in different scenarios. These can be different lighting conditions, internet connectivity, and scanner types. If you can manage to make your code work under these conditions then you’re set!
QR Code Regulations in Australia
QR codes became popular and useful in Australia. This didn’t come as a surprise, especially since they were useful at the height of the pandemic. They were used for contact tracing, making payments, and other purposes. But with the pandemic essentially over, it’s also essential to understand the regulations that govern their use in the country.
In Australia, there are regulations and guidelines that businesses must comply with when using QR codes. The Australian government has issued guidelines on how businesses should implement QR codes for contact tracing purposes. The guidelines vary depending on the state or territory.
For instance, in New South Wales, businesses must display QR codes at their entrances. In Victoria, businesses can use different methods to collect customer information.
Businesses should also communicate effectively with their customers. This is to ensure they understand the purpose of the QR codes and how their information will be used.
One of the main concerns with QR codes is privacy. Businesses need to take steps to protect customer privacy. And this concern becomes more important when collecting personal information through QR codes.
Australian regulations address these concerns by requiring businesses to store customer information securely. And afterwards, that data is deleted after a specified period. However, businesses can take additional steps to protect customer privacy. Using encryption and limiting the collection of personal information to what is necessary is a prime example of this.
Conclusion
QR codes have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses in Australia, not only for marketing and engagement but also for complying with contact tracing regulations. Businesses can now generate QR codes easily using online generators or mobile apps. Static QR codes are suitable for promotions and instant information campaigns, while dynamic QR codes are editable and can be used multiple times. By following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can easily generate a QR code for their business and start reaping the benefits.
