Rock On! How Garage Bands can use QR Codes
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be used to advertise independent music acts
- Codes are easy to make and understood by the general public
So you've got an awesome garage band. You're all committed and your fans agree that your music is rad! However, simply playing music is only half of the work. You have to network, book shows, figure out schedules, and most importantly, get the word out about your group. You could be the next Beatles, but it doesn't matter if no one knows you exist.
You could hire an agent, but that costs money and often creates more struggles. Alternatively, you can have QR codes work for you and use them to let more people know about you, your group, and your music!
In this piece I will go over how garage and independent bands can benefit from clever QR code use. I will also be providing a step by step guide on how to make your own codes as well as share some tips on how to get the most from your codes.
So let's get the show on the road!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is an encoded image that 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 URL links, social media pages, payment services, map locations, videos, and much more.
These codes are widely understood by the public, are easy to create, and can be customized to fit your band's color scheme or general aesthetic. Once made, they can be attached to things like posters, flyers, cards, merchandise, and just about any form of visual advertisement.
How can garage bands use QR codes?
Independent and garage bands can benefit greatly from clever QR code use. They cost pretty much nothing to make and can be applied to any piece of visual media you can think of, like the ones listed above.
These can be a great tool for advertising, networking, and better connecting with your audience. QR codes can also be used for ticketing services, but this is something that will likely be taken care of by your chosen venue.
For example; you could make a poster for your group and provide a QR code that links to your official Youtube or Spotify channel. This way, anyone interested in the poster can simply scan the code, listen to your music, and find out if they like it. And if they do, then they can subscribe, buy merch, or look into attending one of your live shows.
Indie bands can also use QR codes for:
• Payment
• Contact information
• Experimental ARG like experiences
• Similar artists
• Surveys
• Giveaways and sweepstakes
And more!
How to make a QR code for a URL link
• 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.
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 QR Code developer, 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 QRCode developer 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
Where can I place my QR codes?
You can print your QR codes onto a poster, flyer, card, sign, merchandise, or any other type or print advertisement.
What can I link my QR codes to?
QR codes can be made to link to websites, social media pages, contact information, and just about any piece of digital media.
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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