QR Codes for Posters
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can easily be made and printed onto posters
- Codes can greatly increase engagement and provide interested parties with the information they need and want
So you've made the perfect poster! It could be for an event, a product, a brand, or whatever else you may want to promote. Designing a poster is hard work, but it's not done once you finish your designing. You want to make sure that anyone interested can further engage with the poster.
You could provide a URL link on the poster, but those can be hard for a person to enter into their phone, and most would rather avoid doing so all together. However, with a QR code, they can simply scan it with their phone and access the information they need.
In this piece I will go over how you can add a QR code to a poster and the benefits of doing so. I'll also provide some helpful tips for getting the most out of the codes and posters you worked so hard on.
So let's dive right in!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of image that has data encoded within monochrome dots or boxes. They typically appear black and white and almost look like a jumbled up chess board. These codes can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to access a variety of online and digital content.
This can include web addresses, social media pages, videos, file share links, payment information, text documents, surveys, parcel tracking, and much much more.
In the real world, QR codes are nothing but simple 2D images, so they can be placed just about anywhere you could paint a simple picture, like on a sticker, card, or in this case, a poster. QR codes are widely understood by the general public, easy to use and make, and can help to increase user engagement across many different fields.
How can QR codes be used with posters?
QR codes can be placed on posters and used to allow passers by and interested parties to engage with the poster, find out more about it, and engage with the brand quicker.
This can decrease the amount of time between someone seeing your poster and deciding to engage, which will in turn increase the engagement itself, since your audience won't have to wait to get home to look into your brand or type in a link.
QR codes on posters can be made to link to any of the examples listed in the section above, but can also be used for:
• Product catalogs
• Youtube channels
• Contact information
• Additional product information
• Event check in and registration
• Restaurant menus
And more!
How to make a QR code for a poster
First, you should design your poster using your chosen art or image editing program. The most important thing to do now is to make sure that there is ample space for a QR code along with instructions on what to do and what the code will connect to.
Creating your code
To make the code itself, simply follow these steps:
• In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code.
• Select the Website option as your code type.
• Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar.
• Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.
• Click Generate.
• Test your code on multiple devices.
After this, save the code and import it into your art program. Go ahead and paste it into the allotted space. Make sure you test out your code both on the screen and with a test print. Once that's set, you're ready to print!
Benefits of using QR codes
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up. QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it's possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
Monitoring code usage
With the tools available on QRCodeveloper, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts.
With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:
• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans
General tips
Know your audience: If you're certain that most of your intended audience doesn't know how to use QR codes or just don't like them, then don't use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don't place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that's easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can QR codes be added to posters?
Yes. QR codes can be easily attached to posters, since they're only 2D images.
What can my poster QR code link to?
You can link your QR codes to a variety of online and digital content, including URL links, images, text documents, and social media pages.
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
What devices can scan QR codes?
Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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