Introduction
Have you ever seen those black and white square barcodes that seem to pop up everywhere: on posters, flyers, business cards, or even on products in a store? You have just come across a QR code. QR codes have been around for more than a decade, but now have captured attention and popularity among marketers and advertisers worldwide.
As people these days become increasingly dependent on technology, QR codes have become an essential element in marketing strategy. They serve as a call to action, providing fast and easy access to the desired information with a single scan. They can be used to direct people to websites, social media profiles, phone numbers, email addresses, and e-commerce platforms.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating QR codes, including a step-by-step guide, software reviews, best practices, tips, specific tools, and real-world applications to help you understand how to make your QR code successful.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Before creating a QR code, you need to understand what type of content you want to link to the code. This content could be a webpage, an email address, a phone number, a Facebook page, a Twitter handle, and much more.
The next step is to select a QR code generator. There are many free tools available online such as QR Code Generator, QR Stuff, and QRickit, that allow you to generate a QR code quickly. In addition, you can also download paid applications available on smartphones and tablets.
Once you have chosen a QR code generator, follow these simple steps to create your QR code:
1. Choose the type of content to link to the code
2. Open the QR code generator
3. Enter the information to be encoded
4. Customize the design of your code or leave it as it is.
5. Generate the QR code
Most QR code generators will provide you with a high-resolution image in PNG format that you can save on your device. You can print the QR code on to various marketing materials or place it on your website.
After generating the code, test it by scanning it with your phone. You can use various free mobile apps, such as QR Code Reader, QR Droid, and i-nigma, to scan a QR code.
A Software Review
Choosing the right software tool for creating QR codes can be challenging. We have made a list of the best software tools, including their features, benefits, and real-life examples of their usage.
QR Code Generator
One of the most popular and easy-to-use QR code generators is QR Code Generator. It’s free, and all you need to do is enter your data and customize the size, color, and background of your QR code. Furthermore, you can use its analytics tools to track the number of scans and the location of the scans of your QR code.
QR-Code-Generator.com
QR-Code-Generator.com is another popular website that allows you to create and customize QR codes. You can modify the design of your code, upload your logo, and have a unique design for your QR code.
QRickit
QRickit offers various customization options for your QR code, such as images and logo placement, background color, and text color. You can even add visual effects, such as shading and gradients, to make your QR code stand out.
Best Practices and Tips
Now that you know how to create QR codes, here are some best practices and tips to help make yours successful:
Choose the Right Type of QR Code
There are four major types of QR codes, including URL, VCard, MECARD, and SMS. Choose the type of code that is most appropriate for your intended purpose.
Optimize the Code for Scanning
Keep the code simple and clear to make scanning easier. Incorporate a call to action such as “Scan me” to encourage people to scan the code.
Use Unique Designs or Colors
Make your QR code more attractive by modifying its colors or designing it uniquely, but be sure to maintain its readability. Consider adding visual elements that complement your brand identity.
Creating QR Codes with Specific Tools
Two software tools that allow you to generate QR codes are Google Chart Tools and Adobe Photoshop.
Google Chart Tools
Google Chart Tools offers various designs and styles to create QR codes. It is also free and easy to use. Follow these steps:
1. Open Google Chart Tools
2. Choose QR code and paste in your URL
3. Customize the design and size of the code
4. Click “Generate”
You can then right-click to save the image.
Adobe Photoshop
Using Adobe Photoshop to generate a QR code requires some more advanced knowledge, but it allows you to fully customize your design. Here are the steps:
1. Open Adobe Photoshop
2. Create a new document
3. Go to “Filter” and “Generate”
4. Choose “QR Code”
5. Enter the required information
6. Customize your design
7. Save the image
Real-World Applications
QR codes are frequently used for various real-world scenarios. Here are a few examples:
Product Promotion
QR codes are used in various shops and stores to promote their products. People can scan the code, land on the product page, and purchase the product.
Payment
A QR code is an ideal way to facilitate payment. People can scan the code and initiate payment instantly.
Traveling
QR codes are employed by airlines to facilitate check-ins. People can scan their boarding passes to pass the check-in counter promptly.
Conclusion
QR codes are a powerful marketing tool that may save time while providing quick access to information. By following the step-by-step guidelines we have outlined, utilizing the proper software, constructing your layout, and using best practices and tips, you can create stunning QR codes that generate interest in your brand. Give it a try today.