7 Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes in Your Printed Materials
QR technology is becoming popular in various industries and by scanning QR codes on custom printed packaging, customers can unlock a wealth of valuable information.
But what if you are using QR codes on printed material packaging in the wrong way? It not only let you waste your marketing efforts and money at the same time but also frustrate your customers when they don’t get valuable information from QR codes.
So, that’s why are going to share with you 7 common mistakes that you should avoid when integrate QR codes in printed materials.
What is QR Code & How It Works?
QR codes are quick response codes that are usually comprised of squares or pixels that smartphones can read.
It initially used in back 90s to scan and track various components but at this time, QR codes have wider applications, from downloading different apps to accessing valuable information about products and sending online payments.
You can see QR codes anywhere, from product packaging to paper menus. So, to integrate QR codes on different product packaging in a better way, you should avoid these mistakes at any cost.
1. Making QR Codes Hard to Scan:
Before incorporating QR codes, some things you should not forget about i.e., size, placement, location and moving targets. You should go for size that is not too small, not too large so QR code can be easily scanned without any issue.
Like size, QR code placement also matters as you have to place QR code in middle, not too low and not too high so people can easily scan QR code without any difficulty. Also, QR code only works in areas where internet connectivity is good so you should ensure this too earlier.
2. Ignoring Design Options:
It is one of the common mistakes that most of the people do while incorporating QR codes on to printed materials. If design options are ignored by you, there are chances that you will not off beat the competition.
If you want encourage customer’s interaction, you need to add your brand logo, frames and colours with clear CTA for better barcode scan. When printing QR code, ensure that pattern is not compromised by placing logo over 3 small circles on outside and the shape is same as when you created code.
3. Forget to Test Code:
This is one of the obvious mistakes that already various brands are doing. When you forget to test code and by chance your QR code is wrong, it not only waste your marketing efforts but also your customers get frustrated.
According to Mashable, QR codes comes with 30% error correction rate and with dynamic QR codes, information can be changed anytime without reprinting another physical code. However, with static code, you cannot change information.
4. Overlook QR Codes Expiration Dates:
This mistake generally occurs when companies select free platforms or make free accounts for generating QR codes for scanning. Usually free or cheap accounts will make scan issues in future like limited number of scans or expirations dates on scans.
So, before choosing QR code generator, marketing teams should be aware with these numbers to avoid any hurdles for customers. Also, ensure that your QR code works properly without creating scanning issues.
5. Forgetting to Update Old Codes:
Updating old QR codes not only ensure that your QR codes are updated but also it is important to linking the most recent information possible. Usually dynamic QR codes can be changed as often as necessary without changing the physical code. Always try to update information and promotions that are no stronger relevant.
6. Not Committing to One QR Code Generator:
When you not committed to one professional QR code generator, you will confuse your marketing teams when using QR codes for different campaigns. It is one of the successful marketing strategies that you keep using one professional QR code generator for different campaigns.
QR codes that are not scanning or working will make your digital marketing campaigns ineffective and disorganized in front of different customers.
7. Printing and Material:
Sometimes all things are in good manner but you are not using suitable printing materials. It means that you are not using those materials that best works for QR code scanning purposes. It is recommended not to use QR codes on glossy and metallic finishes printing materials.
In this way, you have to use those printing materials that make QR code scanning easy for your customers instead they face any difficulty while scanning. Afterwards, you have to test whether your QR codes works or not.
Final Words!
QR codes can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap between print and digital experiences. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your QR codes are effective, user-friendly, and deliver the results you desire. From proper sizing and clear CTAs to selecting the right materials and testing functionality, this blog post guides you to leverage QR codes for a seamless and successful marketing campaign.