Avoiding 10 Common QR Code Mistakes: What Every Business Needs to Know
QR Codes have revolutionised the way businesses in Australia interact with customers.
From marketing campaigns to contactless menus, these handy codes offer endless possibilities. However, using them incorrectly can lead to wasted resources and frustrated customers.
Here’s a guide to Avoiding 10 Common QR Code Mistakes that businesses make and solution you can implement now.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of QR Code
There are two main types of QR Codes: Static and Dynamic.
- Static QR Codes: Best for unchanging information, like plain text or fixed URLs.
- Dynamic QR Codes: Ideal for when you need flexibility, as you can update the content without changing the QR Code itself.
Mistake: Using a Static QR Code when you’ll need to update the link later.
Solution: Opt for Dynamic QR Codes to save time and resources.
2. Low-Quality QR Code Images
A blurry or pixelated QR Code can frustrate customers who try to scan it. Low-quality images often fail to work properly, especially when printed on small surfaces like business cards or product labels.
A static QR Code can become very dense with too much information, a lot of pixels, rendering it unscannable in a small format.
Mistake: Using a low-resolution QR Code image.
Solution: Generate high-quality QR Codes suitable for print and digital use. Always test the QR Code after resizing it.
3. Poor Placement
Where you place your QR Code matters. If it’s hard to find, too small, or in an inconvenient location, people won’t bother scanning it.
Mistake: Placing QR Codes in areas with poor visibility, such as corners or low-traffic spots.
Solution: Position QR Codes at eye level and in high-traffic areas. Ensure they’re large enough to scan easily, even from a distance.
4. Missing Context or Instructions
Customers need to know what they’re scanning and why. A QR Code without context is unlikely to be used, no matter how well-placed it is.
Mistake: Providing no explanation or call-to-action.
Solution: Add clear instructions, such as “Scan to View Menu” or “Scan for a Special Offer.” This gives users a reason to engage.
5. Not Testing Before Deployment
There’s nothing worse than a QR Code that leads to an error page or doesn’t work at all. Testing ensures your code works on different devices and under various conditions.
Mistake: Assuming the QR Code works without testing.
Solution: Test your QR Code on multiple smartphones, browsers, and scanning apps to ensure functionality.
6. Linking to Non-Mobile-Friendly Content
Most QR Codes are scanned using smartphones, so the destination link must be mobile-optimised. If users land on a page that’s hard to navigate, they’ll leave immediately.
Mistake: Linking to desktop-only websites or poorly designed landing pages.
Solution: Ensure the content you link to is responsive and designed for mobile devices.
7. Ignoring Design Opportunities
While basic black-and-white QR Codes work, they may not align with your brand’s identity. Missing the chance to customise your QR Codes could mean losing an opportunity to stand out.
Mistake: Using plain QR Codes without branding.
Solution: Customise QR Codes with brand colours, logos, and creative designs that still scan effectively. Tools like the ones at QR Codes Australia can help with this.
8. Not Monitoring QR Code Performance
Without tracking how your QR Codes are performing, you won’t know if they’re successful.
Mistake: Using Static QR Codes that don’t provide analytics.
Solution: Use Dynamic QR Codes to track scans, locations, and devices. This data helps refine your marketing strategies.
9. Overloading the Code with Information
QR Codes that encode too much data can be slow to scan and might not work on all devices. This gives you a good idear of sizes.
Mistake: Embedding large amounts of information into the QR Code.
Solution: Use a short URL or link to an external page with detailed content. Dynamic QR Codes are particularly useful for this.
10. Neglecting Accessibility
Not everyone will have immediate access to a smartphone, so providing alternatives is essential.
Mistake: Making the QR Code the only way to access information.
Solution: Include a written URL or other options alongside your QR Code for accessibility.
Final Thoughts re Avoiding 10 Common QR Code Mistakes
Avoiding these common QR Code mistakes will ensure that your business gets the most out of this powerful tool. Whether you’re using them for marketing, customer engagement, or streamlining operations, a little attention to detail goes a long way.
If you’re looking for professionally designed, high-quality QR Codes, visit QR Codes Australia. We specialise in creating Static and Dynamic QR Codes that meet your business needs.
We c an do it for you or we also provide a fully self managed system.
