Last updated on October 11, 2022 by Josh Koerpel
A QR Code, or ‘quick response code’ is one of the most versatile tools in a marketer’s toolkit. But there are various types of qr code, and they can be used for everything from increasing website traffic to conducting customer research. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 essential types of QR Codes and how you can use them to improve your marketing efforts.
What Are The Best Types Of QR Codes To Use?
QR codes are usually created using a qr code generator, such as qr-codes.com. Typically, the best type of qr code is one with high contrast (for cameras and phones to easily read them) and placed close to the source.
People can be skeptical to scan qr codes without any context, so it is always good practice to clearly identify where the qr code will take you if scanned.
Speaking of how to scan qr codes, you do not need a dedicated qr code scanner or qr code reader to access the power of qr codes. In fact, most people scan them with only their phone and its camera.
The conventional qr code is square, with 3 larger dots in the corners and a large number of smaller dots throughout. These markings are what make qr code technology so versatile, as they can store a large amount of information within the matrix barcode. It’s this large amount of information that makes the qr code work so well.
Best Types Of QR Codes In 2023
1. QR Codes That Link To A Website Page
A QR Code can be linked to a web address in order to direct people to specific websites when they are scanned. This is usually called a ‘url qr code’ and can be a useful way to promote your website and increase traffic.
Additionally, you can use your QR code to track the number of times that people visit your website from different sources. This is incredibly useful information…all with a simple url qr code scan!
By tracking website traffic like this, a single qr code can help you learn more about where your viewers are coming from and improve your marketing efforts accordingly.
Ideas for qr codes that link to a website page:
- Linking a qr code to your ‘About’ page on your personal site
- Placing a qr code on a poster that allows a reader to ‘Learn More’ and visit your homepage
- Using a social media qr code to direct people to your profile
2. QR Codes That Link To A PDF Download
Typically, links directly to a PDF can be difficult to type directly into a browser. This is especially true if you don’t use a link shortener.
This is where QR codes and the qr code model can come in handy. These codes not only help your customer navigate to the PDF quickly, they also help you promote and track the downloads and customer engagement of your PDF.
You can put them on posters, invitations, or social media posts to get people excited about the PDF and track how many people decide to download and read it!
Ideas for qr codes that link to a PDF:
- A qr code on a physical product that links to the instruction manual
- A ‘micro qr code’ on a pamphlet mailer to download an informational report
- A pdf qr code on a physical sign outside your business to download an application
3. QR Codes That Link To An Image Gallery
QR codes can be used in a myriad of ways by artists and photographers. For example, they can direct people to their galleries, provide information about their work, or sell prints or other products.
You can also use a qr code generator and give people access to exclusive content, such as sneak previews of new projects or behind-the-scenes footage.
Ideas for qr codes that link to an image gallery:
- Placing qr code placards next to physical prints in a gallery
- Using a dynamic qr code (as opposed a static qr code – see below) to link to your latest work
- Hand out qr code cards to strangers you have photographed on the street
4. QR Codes That Link To Your Contact Information
QR codes can be used to quickly and easily pass along your contact information to people you meet at networking events. By scanning the QR code with their smartphone, they will be taken to a web page where they can view your contact information and/or get in touch with you.
This is a great way to make sure that potential clients or partners have easy access to your information, and it also makes you stand out from the crowd.
Ideas for qr codes that link to your contact details:
- Place a qr code on your business card for easy website access
- Save the image of a qr code on your phone and allow people to scan and save your information quickly
5. QR Codes That Link To An Address On Google/Apple Maps
QR codes can direct people to a specific location by providing the address of that location. This is especially handy if you want to provide customers with directions to your store or office.
Paired with the directions feature of most modern gps apps, qr codes make finding physical addresses quick and easy.
And don’t forget: QR codes can also be linked to a website, which will provide more information about the destination than just an address!
Ideas for qr codes that link to a map address:
- Place a qr code on your merchandise to show the factory where it was made
- Use a qr code in a restaurant to show other restaurant locations
- Qr codes in a hotel lobby to relieve the responsibility of looking up attractions on a map
6. Bonus Ideas For QR Codes
Another great use for QR codes is to track the success of your marketing campaigns. By including a unique QR code on each piece of marketing collateral, you can track how many people are interacting with your brand. This data can be used to adjust your marketing strategy on the fly and ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
QR codes can be used to create loyalty programs. Customers can scan a QR code to receive discounts or earn points that can be redeemed for rewards. This is a great way to keep customers coming back to your business.
Finally, QR codes can be used as a way to collect customer feedback. By placing a QR code in a high-traffic area, you can encourage customers to take a quick survey about their experience with your product or service. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you improve your business and better serve your customers.
Common QR Code Questions
▶︎ What is the difference between a static and dynamic qr code?
Static QR codes contain a fixed amount of information that can be accessed by scanning the code with a smartphone or other device. This information is ‘hard-coded’ into the qr code itself.
Static QR codes can be used to direct people to websites, provide contact information, or distribute digital content (such as coupons or video), however it is not recommended if there is a possibility the content will change. Instead, consider dynamic qr codes.
Dynamic QR codes are similar to static QR codes, but they allow you to change the underlying data without having to generate a new code. This is useful if you need to update your contact information or if you want to offer different content (such as exclusive discounts) to different groups of people.
Here’s a great article that goes into more detail about the difference between the two.
▶︎ How many types of QR codes are there?
QR codes are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone. QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters and can be used to display text, URLs, contact info, and other types of data.
▶︎ Are any 2 QR codes the same?
Typically, qr codes appear to be similar, but can hold vastly different information.
Final Thought On The Types of QR Codes
Of all the qr code types, there are endless possibilities for how you can use these codes to benefit your business.
From text message qr codes, to product packaging, to using multiple qr codes for different areas of a website, these are just a few of the most essential types of QR code solutions that you should be using.
And remember, all of these types of qr codes and more can be found at qr-codes.com.
So get out there and start scanning!
