Although relatively new in the scheme of things, QR codes have been around long enough to have become a significant staple in successful digital marketing strategies. By following certain best practices, your traditional marketing materials can display the QR codes that achieve the ROI you are looking for. With that said, there is always the occasional mishap that can really put a damper on your productivity if done incorrectly.
To avoid falling into any common pitfalls, how can you ensure that your QR codes print correctly and are simple to scan when using them in marketing and business content? Are there any rules or efficient procedures to adhere to while printing QR codes correctly?
As a consumer, you may have found QR codes on various items and material locations, including t-shirts, business cards, electronic gadgets, and periodicals. When businesses print QR codes, they frequently make basic printing errors. Your must-know advice for printing QR Codes correctly to ensure that your clients can effectively and easily scan your Code.
1. Design Carefully
Customizing your QR Codes with colors and logos is a brilliant way to capture consumers’ attention while retaining brand awareness. Keep in mind, however, that while branding is crucial, you should exercise caution not to personalize too much. Since some scanning programs struggle to read complicated designs, your bespoke design should still be easily identifiable to your consumers as a QR Code. As always, be sure to verify that you can read your QR Code with several different devices before printing.
2. Select The Proper Size
Make your design visible, like as a centerpiece or other highlighted feature, so your consumers will see and scan it. QR Codes that are too small frequently go undetected or will not be scannable. Codes should be at least 2 x 2 cm for printing on small to medium-sized items (such as business cards or flyers). If unsure, print the QR Code larger to exercise caution while maintaining results from your end product.For determining just how big works for your material, go from there and practice scanning with your chosen print size.
3. Examine Your Content
Imagine the disappointment on your client’s faces when they scan your code only to discover a broken link or out-of-date information. We routinely witness accidents like this readily preventable one. Be cautious while building your Dynamic Codes to avoid producing a QR Code that you can never change. When done correctly, even after printing and distributing hundreds of copies of your marketing materials, you can still modify the target URL or content using this sort of code at any moment.
4. Use Only Top-Notch Pictures
Avoid printing QR Codes that are pixelated or fuzzy, and make sure they are crisply printed. This step is essential in producing the results your business needs. Quality prints will appear more professional and they scan more accurately. JPG and PNG formats are suitable for small-scale printing, such as business cards and brochures, depending on the size of your QR Code. For large print projects, graphic designers and print companies prefer vector formats like EPS and SVG because one can readily scale them without sacrificing print quality.
5. Actual Issues
Whether printing on paper, glass, metal, or plastic, creativity can go a long way. If a material that reflects too much light distorts the picture or interferes with scanning, it would be best to avoid printing your QR Code on that mateiral. A code can become deformed by uneven, ribbed surfaces, as well as printing within magazine folds. These variables can make it difficult to see the entire picture. Use your best judgment, and test the outcomes before you begin mass production!
6. Provide Easy Access To The Codes
The best-performing advertising channels for your campaign are those that connect with your target demographic. Your clients won’t be able to access your QR Code if it is placed too far away, too high up, or too low on the surface. For optimal accessibility, place QR Codes where people can easily access them. They are visible to the eye from good distances with their very distinctive look, and are more apt to capture the attention of consumers when they are not cluttered.
7. Think About The Scanning Period
On average, it takes 15 seconds to scan a QR Code. This already accounts for the time needed to pull out your smartphone, launch a scanning program, and hold it steadily against the Code while scanning. For instance, vehicles are better suited for QR Codes if they are parked. Even digital billboards and TV advertising need to provide enough time, often changing to the next scene rather quickly. As a general practice, stagnant media sources (posters, publications, displays, etc.) are a safer option for providing potential customers plenty of time to scan your design.
8. Avoid Using Many Codes At Once
Sometimes, it may be necessary to set two QR Codes next to one another. Remember that writing several codes adjacent to one another or even positioning QR Codes next to barcodes might result in the wrong one being mistakenly scanned! If necessary, positioning codes on the opposite ends of the layout can help prevent this problem.
9. Give A Valid Reason To Scan
Why would a client use your QR Code? Give them a clear call to action that lets them know what to anticipate from the scan. More people are engaged by a straightforward “Scan Me!” than by codes without any CTAs. For the most convincing messages, feature a promotion that encourages clients to scan your code with incentive, such as “Scan Now for Bonus MP3!”
10. Remember To ALWAYS TEST
The last step before mass production is to test your QR Code. This can best be done by using several scanning applications to ensure you can read your Code. Test utilizing many devices and various operating systems to go above and beyond (iOS, Android, Windows) when ruling out possible errors. Before printing a significant number of your QR Codes for distribution, always ask your printer for a proof to test scan. Then, your campaign is ready to take off!
Your Online Capital Group Is Here To Help
When it comes to designing marketing materials for your digital marketing campaigns, your Online Capital Group is here to help. Many businesses have achieved success with our interventions for maximizing the value of their digital assets. Give us a call today at (904) 600-3600 to learn more about how we can benefit your business.
