Using QR Codes for Your Business

A QR code, also known as a quick response code, is a white and black square image that lets people access specific information quickly by scanning it with their device. QR codes are mostly found in printed magazines and newspapers, on product packaging, business flyers, posters and billboards. It was during the pandemic that QR codes were used a lot as contactless check-ins or providing health information.

The QR system was developed in Japan in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary company. They needed a way of tracking the vehicles and parts during the manufacturing process. Nowadays a QR code can store up to 4000 text characters, including URLS and phone numbers. It took until 2002 before the first QR readers were built into mobile phones, and today most smartphones have an in-built QR code. 

QR codes do not collect personally identifiable information, but they can collect data such as how many times the code has been scanned, what the device operating system is and where the code was scanned for the code creator. Nowadays there are two types of QR codes, static (share information such as URLs) and dynamic (redirect the user to somewhere online such as a coupon, a PDF or events page.Be aware though that in the past there has been incidences of QR codes being hacked, so only scan codes from trusted sources and businesses.

Why Would a Business Use a QR Code?

A business could benefit from using a QR code in multiple ways including:

• product information, as not everything can fit on the product packaging, such as benefits, uses, ingredients, product assistance
• direct to a home page or other URL, so the user can then complete your calls to action 
• direct WiFi access 
• marketing, such as on banners and branded clothing
• business cards, providing other details about your business that won't fit on a business card
• food ordering, such as showing a menu that the customer can order online.
• social media accounts offer you the option to customise your account's QR code
• authenticate products or businesses

How to Make a QR Code for Your Business

QR codes are quick, easy and free to make. There are many different QR code generators available online to select from. Only use QR generators that are trustworthy and well known to try to avoid your new codes containing hacked information. Here is a list of popular QR code generators that you can check out further and maybe use:

• QRCode Monkey
• QRStuff
• Flowcode
• Uniqode
• Scanova
• QR Code Generator
• QRTIGER
• Beaconstac
• Qrfy
• Unitag
• QRDroid
• Goqr

QR codes are just one of the marketing tools a business has access to. Check out our articles on influencer marketing, and other marketing ideas in our NZ business blog.