A Quick Guide on How to Make a QR Code for Link Sharing

Image Source: Uniqode

In the fast-paced digital age, sharing information quickly and efficiently has become essential to everyone’s daily lives. One of the most popular and effective ways to share links or URLs is through QR Codes. 

QR Codes can typically store various types of information, including URLs, text, and contact information, through digital business cards. With their incredible simplicity and effortless usability, they’ve skyrocketed to fame.

In this piece, you’ll learn how QR Codes work and how to create one for link sharing.

How Do QR Codes Work?

Image Source: Freepik

Much like a barcode at a supermarket, a QR Code is an image that a mobile device camera can swiftly scan. It is composed of black squares and dots that encode specific information. 

When your mobile device scans the code, it decodes the information into a format easily understandable by humans, such as: 

• website links
• up to 4,000 text characters
• contact details

In other words, a QR Code is a convenient way to bridge the gap between physical objects and digital information.

Imagine this: You’re all set to promote your podcast by going big with a bus stop advertisement. However, here’s the icing on the cake — you can supercharge it by including a QR Code on the printed ad. Your potential listeners will be intrigued and ready to dive into your podcast with just a quick scan.

Now that you know how QR Code works, it’s time to learn how to create one for link sharing. Read on to learn more.

How to Make a QR Code for Link Sharing

Regardless of your device, you can use any QR code generator website with a modern web browser. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Choose a reliable QR Code generator.

The first step is to select a reliable QR Code maker. Several websites and apps offer this service, so picking one that suits your needs is essential. 

Look for a reputable, secure generator that provides customizable options for your QR Code. Uniqode is a good example.

Image source: Uniqode

Check these tips on how to choose a reliable QR Code generator:

• Choose a user-friendly generator for quick and easy dynamic QR Code creation.
• Look for customization options and design flexibility, such as colors, logos, shapes, and artistic effects.
• Ensure the generator can handle bulk generation and has a cloud-based infrastructure.
• Opt for real-time updatable QR Codes to save on reprinting costs.
• Seek built-in analytics to measure attendee engagement and campaign success.
• Verify compatibility with various devices and scanning apps.
• Prioritize data privacy and backup measures for event and attendee information.

Step 2: Enter the URL.

Image source: Uniqode

Once you have selected your QR Code generator, the next step is to input the URL you want to share. It can be a website link, a video URL, a social media profile, or any other online destination you wish to direct your audience to.

Step 3: Customize your QR Code.

Image source: Uniqode

With a bucket load of QR Code generators, you’ll be thrilled that they offer customization options galore. You can tweak the look and feel of your QR Codes to perfectly align with your brand’s aesthetics or match your style. You can also add a logo to your QR Code to align it with your brand style.

You can choose colors, add a logo, add frames, change the shape, add patterns, and adjust the design to make it more visually appealing.

Step 4: Generate the QR Code.

With your URL entered and any desired customizations made, click the “Generate” or “Create QR Code” button to create your QR Code. The generator will process the information and create a unique QR Code for your link.

Step 5: Test the QR Code.

Before sharing the QR Code with your intended audience, testing it to ensure it works correctly is crucial. 

Use a QR Code scanner or app on your mobile device or tablet to scan the code and verify that it leads to the correct destination. Before distributing the QR Code, this step helps you catch any errors or issues.

Step 6: Download and save the QR Code.

Image source: Uniqode

Once you have verified that the QR Code works as expected, download and save the image to your mobile device or computer. 

You can download QR Codes in multiple formats, including PNG, JPEG, and SVG. Take your pick based on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re all about stunning visual appeal, PNG and JPEG formats are your best pals, preserving image quality and color brilliance. 

If you’re looking for flexibility and scalability, SVG has your back. It allows you to resize your QR Code without losing clarity. Choose the format that suits you, ensuring your QR Code looks top-notch.

Step 7: Share the QR Code.

Now that your QR Code is ready, it’s time to share it with your intended audience. There are several ways to share QR Codes, such as:

• Print Materials

You incorporate QR Codes into print materials such as business cards, brochures, flyers, and posters. Scanning the code with your mobile device lets people access your link quickly.

• Digital Platforms

Share the QR Code on your website, blog, or social media platforms. Adding it to your digital platforms makes it easily accessible to your online audience. 

At networking events, share your work or portfolio effortlessly using a QR Code or an image gallery QR Code. Instead of asking others to type a long URL, simply embed the QR Code on your business card for easy scanning and viewing.

You can also boost online business with QR Codes on posters, flyers, and brochures in-store. A single scan leads consumers to your website for browsing.

For example, LinkedIn integrated QR Codes into their platform, allowing you to generate and share personalized QR Codes that link to their profiles or business pages.

Image Source: LinkedIn

• Email Marketing

Integrate the QR Code into your email marketing campaigns to provide a convenient way for recipients to access the link you want to share.

For example, Sephora, the beauty retailer, included QR Codes in their emails, allowing customers to scan and access product information, reviews, and exclusive content.

Image Source: Sephora

• Product Packaging

Enable in-store pickup by placing QR Codes on product packaging or receipts, streamlining the online shopping experience.

Engage customers with QR Codes for online contests and giveaways, easily shared on flyers, posters, banners, or billboards.

For example, Nestlé employed QR Codes on specific product packaging to give consumers access to product information, recipes, and nutritional details.

Image Source: Uniqode

• Monitor Marketing Campaigns

Track marketing campaigns effectively with dynamic QR Codes, providing insights on ROI, KPIs, scan locations, OS, and more. Use QR Code analytics and Google Analytics for deeper audience insights.

Bonus Tips for QR Code Usage

QR Codes are an excellent marketing tool. However, you still must learn and follow specific guidelines to ensure the codes are effective. 

Below are the tips you can follow to help your QR Code get more scans and traction from your audience:

1. Appropriate Size for Best Resolution

Ensure that the QR Code is large enough to be easily scanned. Scanning may become problematic if it’s too tiny, leading to a frustrating user experience.

2. Error Correction

Most QR Code generators automatically add error correction to the codes, allowing them to be partially damaged or dirty while still being scannable. However, selecting the appropriate error correction level is essential based on where you display the QR Code.

3. Check Analytics

Some advanced QR Code generators offer analytics, enabling you to track how often the code is scanned. This information can be valuable for evaluating the success of your link-sharing campaigns.

4. Keep URLs Short

For better QR Code readability, use short URLs. Long URLs can make the QR Code denser and more challenging to scan. You should also avoid messy and slow QR Codes with dynamic URLs to QR Codes.

You can customize your URL to a short, recognizable format and personalize it for easy brand recognition and enhanced security.

5. Update QR Codes

If the link you want to share changes or expires, remember to update the QR Code accordingly.

Wrapping Up

QR Codes have remodeled link sharing, making it quick, easy, and smooth. Following the steps outlined in this piece, you can create your QR Code for link sharing and share information with your audience conveniently and efficiently. 

Remember to choose a reliable QR Code generator, test it before distribution, and consider customizing it to make it more appealing and aligned with your brand. 

With the bonus tips in mind, QR Codes can become a powerful tool in your digital marketing arsenal. So, create your QR Code and start sharing links with the world.