CONSTRUCTION: QR CODE

I decided that I would create a QR code to put on my film poster. This is because it would allow people to scan the QR code and be taken to our website and social media pages where they can find out more information about our film, as well as behind the scenes exclusives. 

How to make a QR code

Step 1: Select a QR code generator 

There are a number of QR code generators available on the internet. Some of the most popular include Kaywa,  QR Stuff , Visualead, GOQR.me. I will be using QR Creator. Things to look for when choosing a QR code generator are whether you can design a code that is unique to your brand, if you can analyse the performance or whether it is compatible with popular and common QR code readers e.g phones and iPads. 

Step 2: Design and linking it up

A number of these QR code generators allow you to create your QR code into a logo for your brand. You can change the colours of the QR code to reflect the theme of your website. I've selected  QR Creator  one of the QR generators mentioned above.  This shows how easy it is to create a QR code for our product and company. 

1. Select the type of content you want your consumer to be sent to when they scan your QR code. For example for a URL you'd do this 

2. Insert the content (URL for this) 

3. View the preview and customise as you choose

With this QR generator I could change the size of my code and the colour scheme of it. 

Step 3: Test the QR code 

You should remember to check if the QR code you have just created will work. You can do this on most phones by opening the camera and scanning the QR code. If the code is correct it will come up saying 'open in browser', by clicking on it  you will be taken to the website or the social media pages which are in the QR code. 

Step 4: Track and analyse performance

This will allow you to see how consumers are interacting with your brand. You want to be able to see how much traffic the QR code is pushing towards your website and social media pages. Monitoring this can help increase the amount of people that will see your production which could make them want to go and see it when it is released. 

QR Code Best Practises: Some Important Do's and Don'ts

After creating your QR code it is now time to talk about some practices which will allow for your QR code to be actually used. 

QR Code Do's 

1) Put QR codes where it is easy to scan and so that consumers have enough time to properly scan the code so that they can access your content. Whilst it is sometimes interesting to see QR codes on TV adverts or on billboards they are not very user friendly locations. You will need to place your QR codes where consumers have enough time to scan the code and where there is enough Wi-Fi and phone service that will allow them to easily access your content. 

2) Do optimise mobile performance. This is because most people will be scanning the code with their phones so where you are sending them should be best suited for mobile phone usage. Which will give them the best possible experience. 

3) Do offer a call-to-action (CTA). This will tell people what they are supposed to do when they open they scan the code. Some people will not know what exactly a QR code does and some will not know want to scan unless they think that there is a good reason to scan. 

QR Code Don'ts

1) Make sure that your code does not require a special scanner. The QR code should be app-agnostic so everyone can scan your QR code without any issues. A lower entry barrier allows for success for both you and the user to occur. 

2) Don't use QR codes just because you can. It is often common for companies to include QR codes as they feel that they can get more online traffic and more attention to their brand. However, sometimes this is not the case as some of the content that companies try and use a QR code for can provide the user with a negative experience. QR codes should be used and designed so that they fit mobile platforms.