5 QR Code tips

By | October 19, 2011

Dave Delaney Twitter QR CodeA few months ago I had a crazy idea to re-create my Twitter avatar as a QR code. The idea was to see how many people would actually take the time to scan it. I learned a few valuable lessons about QR codes from the experience.

Upon scanning the code, your browser would open to a hidden page on my blog with a secret video message. In a few months the page only received about 200 visits. Worse, the video only had 80 views.

5 QR Code Tips

  1. Always be testing. Be sure your QR code will open in multiple browsers across multiple devices.
  2. Consider taking the person who scans the QR code directly to the video, rather than to a landing page.
  3. If you use a landing page, be sure it’s customized for mobile viewing.
  4. Understand who your target market is. I know that most of my Twitter followers are savvy enough to recognize a QR Code, but does your target market?
  5. NEVER use QR Codes online. This is the big lesson that I learned.

QR Codes belong on paper and packaging, not online. I had many people have trouble scanning the code from their computer or tablet displays. This was the biggest mistake I made.

I’m still happy I did this. It was fun to hear from many of you who were able to scan and see the video. I enjoyed making the secret QR Code video too.

Have you dabbled in QR Codes? What lessons have you learned?

Read Simon Wakeman’s thoughtful post on whether we should be using QR Codes.

Enjoy it? Please share it.

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  • http://www.cobblesoft.com Richard Stevenson

    Dave, nice try, shame it didn’t work better.  I’ve recently added a QR code to my busines card – which simply takes folks to a mobile-optimized page with my full contact information.  Releases space for more important words :)

  • http://www.davemadethat.com Dave Delaney

    Thanks a great idea Richard. Moo.com often offer free cards in
    small quantities.
    If you hand out cards at a conference or event, it would be worth making a customized contact page specific to that event.

    Perhaps including a photo slideshow of your photos from the event. This would increase time on site, plus have your visitor engage with your content more. For example, they may leave comments or share your photos.

  • http://iangordon.me Ian Gordon

    I’ve done a lot with QRs, and your #5 is one of the biggest mistakes people make.  If your audience is online already, JUST LINK! Don’t make people jump through hoops.  Your experiment was different, because like you said, your audience is tech savvy and you wanted to see how many would take the bait.  For marketing though, it’s a no no.

    After that though, I think you did a great job with the landing.  Too often people just send you to the same old main website.  You have to surprise people. Reward them for the effort.  You did that. Your video was great!

  • http://www.davemadethat.com Dave Delaney

    Thanks Ian. You’re absolutely right. I’ve noticed an increasing number of people using QR codes as Twitter avatars or online in general lately. I hope people pay attention to my tips, especially #5.

    I’m glad you enjoyed the video too. :)

  • http://www.adonislenzy.com Adonis Lenzy

    Thanks for the tips…

  • http://www.davemadethat.com Dave Delaney

    My pleasure Adonis. Thanks a million for the comment too. :)

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  • kapgar

    I never understood why people would use QR codes online. Especially since there’s such a strong likelihood it would be read on a mobile device. So how would I scan a code that’s on my device when most QR code readers require camera use? Strange.

  • http://www.davemadethat.com Dave Delaney

    I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

    - Dave

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    Greater Nashville Area

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  • http://www.davemadethat.com Dave Delaney

    I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

    - Dave

    Dave Delaney
    Social Media Coordinator at Griffin Technology
    Greater Nashville Area

    Confirm that you know Dave Delaney: https://www.linkedin.com/e/-mzi5jt-guhp13vq-m/isd/4770053607/vt_KLmgz/?hs=false&tok=2PJHD1F-i6LAY1
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