QR CODES 3-3-9 = 3 DO’s – 3 DON’Ts & 9 SUGGESTIONS

QR CODES 3-3-9

3 DO's - 3 DON'Ts & 9 BEST-USE SUGGESTIONS

Three DO's

1. DO | create a Call to Action give them a reason to scan your code, tell them what they'll get:

 - view this video on You Tube (create a video about your product)
 - join our mailing list
 - find our nearest location
 - download this info article about
 - enter our drawing
 - like us on Facebook
 - follow us on Twitter

 
2. DO | always Test, Test, Test

Before publishing, test your code on all smartphones (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Win7) with different readers.

There are many popular code readers available. I personally use i-Nigma on my Android (go to www.i-nigma.mobi on your phone to download it free). I've heard that Qrafter for iPhone and iPad is good ( iTunes store).

When printing on a promo item, have the factory test the code after printing a few or get a pre-production sample to test the code yourself, this could save some problems later.

3. DO | use a URL Shortener

A shortener helps to increase the number of scans.

Use a service like bit.ly or their alternative j.mp (one character shorter) . Another is goo.gl. Both offer tracking with their use

Use your own URL shortener like I do, KPQR.US. I then customize for each customer such as KPQR.US/att, KPQR.US/teen.
 

Three DON'Ts

1. DON'T | send them to your normal website

Create a mobile-enabled version of the page you want them to see.

90%+ of scans come from a smartphone, make sure they can read your message.

2. DON'T | make the code too small

The smaller the code the fewer phone that can scan it, phones without auto focus will have a problem.

Try to keep the code size to a minimum of ¾" square.

The amount of data in the code affects scanability, the more data, the larger the code should be.

3. DON'T | reverse colors

A white code on black or other darker color, reversing colors will work with some smartphones but many code readers will not be able to read the code.

If you have to print a code on a dark color shirt, put down a white background square and print the black code on it.

Nine Best-Use Suggestions

1. Use error correction at the M lever, (most code generators have this option) this means that even if up to 15% of the code is blocked or dirty, it can be corrected and still be read.

2. Save your code as a SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) if possible, which is a vectored image XML file, it can be increased or reduced without losing resolution and makes for a better printed code. You can also put colors into the code using Illustrator or CorelDraw. Try out different colors and test, test.

If you'd like to read the rest of this article (7 more Best-Use Suggestions), view it here at

KPQR.US/QR339

 

Ken Kelsey, MAS
248-474-5413
KelseyPromo
XtremePromotions.com 

QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.