Why won’t Anyone Scan my QR Code? This is a thought that haunts many. There are many articles online about why you should incorporate QR codes in your ad campaigns. But what if no one is scanning your QR codes? And why would they? When was the last time you scanned a QR on a package yourself? You’re not alone in the “my QR code is being ignored” club. But how can you fix that?
In this piece, you’ll learn some tricks to attract more scans.
QR codes often go unnoticed because they can appear indistinguishable from each other. Most codes are plain black and white. The problem is that they have become ubiquitous, and you need to change that to get them noticed. Transform them! By adding creative designs, colors, or branding, QR codes can become more visually appealing and engaging, making people want to interact with them.
Here’s to do that:
Do you know what’s worse than a tedious QR code? It's a mysterious one with unclear call-to-action text. Ensure your QR code does not appear as a “sketchy link in a spam email.” Instead, give “must-scan-this-right-now” energy.
Try these attention-grabbing hooks:
Picture this: Why do we put a “Beware of the dogs” sign at our front door and not inside our homes? The same logic applies to QR code placement. Think about where your audience will be when they’re most likely to scan:
4 Game-Changing Strategies to Make Your QR Code Irresistibly Scannable
1. You need to give Your QR Code a Makeover
QR codes often go unnoticed because they can appear indistinguishable from each other. Most codes are plain black and white. The problem is that they have become ubiquitous, and you need to change that to get them noticed. Transform them! By adding creative designs, colors, or branding, QR codes can become more visually appealing and engaging, making people want to interact with them.
Here’s to do that:
- Add colors to your lifeless QR code and keep the contrast high – we want it to be pretty and bright.
- Incorporate your logo in the center.
- Use rounded corners instead of sharp edges, just like the Instagram Logo.
- Add a gradient effect that matches your brand aesthetic.
Pro tip: Make sure your QR code design matches its environment. A QR code on a subway ad needs different styling than one on a wedding invitation! Remember, it’s all about matching the vibes.
2. Make the Value Proposition Crystal Clear
Do you know what’s worse than a tedious QR code? It's a mysterious one with unclear call-to-action text. Ensure your QR code does not appear as a “sketchy link in a spam email.” Instead, give “must-scan-this-right-now” energy.
Try these attention-grabbing hooks:
- Scan for 20% off your next purchase!
- Scan and Unlock exclusive content
- Scan to win a free coffee
- Scan and Take a selfie with our AR filter
- Scan to Join the Secret Menu Club
3. Make sure to put your QR at the right place!
Picture this: Why do we put a “Beware of the dogs” sign at our front door and not inside our homes? The same logic applies to QR code placement. Think about where your audience will be when they’re most likely to scan:
- Place the QR codes at eye level (you don’t want them doing yoga to scan them)
- Ensure there’s good lighting.
- Make them big enough to scan from a comfortable distance
- Add them where people naturally wait (elevator banks, checkout lines, bathroom stalls)
- Consider the scanning environment (moving subway? Maybe not. Coffee shop table? Perfect!)
4. Create FOMO-Inducing Experiences
Nothing motivates humans quite like the fear of missing out. Make your QR code the gateway to exclusive experiences that people can’t resist.
If you’re a marketer reading this piece, you’ll know this trick that brands use – Creating a fake scarcity even though there’s a whole bunch of inventory stocked. For example: “Only a few pieces left”. Use these hooks for this trick:- Time-sensitive offers – “Scan in the next 24 hours for double points!”
- Limited quantity deals – “First 100 scanners get…”
- Location-specific content – “Unlock the secret menu available only at this location.”
- Interactive experiences – “Join our live AR event happening now!”
- Progressive rewards – “Scan 5 times this month for VIP status.”
Pro-tip for QR code users: Test, Track, and Optimize
Here’s where we get a bit nerdy (in an incredible way). Like any good marketing strategy, your QR code campaign needs data. Here are some ways you can actually benefit by using QR Code Developer and collecting crucial data that would help you grow your business:
- Use different codes for different locations/purposes to know where your products are getting purchased more. If sales are not from an online platform, this trick can help you collect demographic data that will help you skyrocket your sales.
- Track scanning patterns such as time of day, location, and conversion rates.
- A/B tests different designs and call-to-action hooks. See which hook gets you more scans by using different QR codes.
- Collect feedback from users who’ve scanned your QR. The customer’s feedback will directly help you grow your business.
