Checking In with QR Codes
Introduction
QR codes are widely versatile and can be used to make a variety of activities and information easier to access. Since all you need to do is scan the code with the camera app on your phone or other device, you don’t need to copy down or try to remember any long URLs to access websites, PDFs, images, and more.
One of the best uses of QR codes is as an easy way for guests to check into things like hotels, BnBs, and in person events. By creating a QR code for the check in, you can streamline the whole process for both the organizers and the guests, and make yourself and your business look much more professional. In this piece I will go over some of the ways you can use QR codes to aid in the check in process, as well as how to make your own and tips on getting the most out of it.
How can you use QR codes to check in?
While QR codes can be used to distribute all sorts of content and information, the most common use for them is to be used to access url addresses, which is also the best way to set them up for a check in process. Once you set up a dedicated web page for check in, then you can make a code that links to the address. This code can then be scanned by guests to access the page.
Other ways you can use codes
For organizers of events and operators of hotels/Air BNBs, QR codes can also be used in the following ways:
- WiFi login
- Additional information about the event/hotel/AirBNB
- Local restaurants and businesses
- Request form for additional help
- Link to official website
- Access to various streaming services
And more!
How to create a code for check in use
Step 1: Copy the web address for the check in page.
Step 2: On QRCodeveloper, select the Create Code option.
Step 3: Select the Website option from the code type menu.
Step 4: Paste the URL into the bar.
Step 5: Click the pencil icon in the Preview bar to further customize your code. Click Apply when you are done.
Where to place your codes
When deciding on where to place your codes, you should try and find a place where your guests are almost guaranteed to see them. For AirBNBs, a good place would be near the door knob or on the lockbox where they get their key. For hotels, you can place them in the lobby, on the front desk, or even beside the room door to further streamline the process. For events, it would be best to place your codes in the lobby or waiting area, preferably on a large sign or poster that everyone can see.
Monitoring code usage
With the tools available on QR Codeveloper, 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 QR Codeveloper 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.
Additional information on how to monitor code usage and increase code visibility can be found here.
This information can be especially valuable for events and check in as it allows you to know which codes are the most visible and getting the most usage.
Tips
- Only place codes on a flat surface
- Make sure contrast on code is high
- Provide additional information on where the code links to
- Know your audience
- Keep track of analytics
- Test codes on multiple devices to make sure they work
- Don’t get rid of traditional check in entirely, have other options available for the less tech informed and equipped
- Make sure guests can contact you in the case of an error
- Also provide the URL link in case the code becomes damaged or unreadable.
Conclusion
By adding QR codes to the check in process for events and lodging you can make the whole experience easier and more streamlined for both you, any staff, and your guests. Making a code is as easy as copying and pasting a URL link, and more effort is required to customize the code than to actually generate it.
So try out the free tools on QRcodeveloper and see just how easy it is to make and monitor your own QR codes.