How to create QR codes: 3 methods
QR codes aren’t just easy to scan. They’re also easy to create. The codes themselves may look intricate and detailed, and they are. But don’t worry, you won’t be creating the code designs yourself.
There are a few different ways to quickly create QR codes that you can use in your marketing. Below are three of the most common methods:
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers a simple and easy tool to help you share signup forms with QR codes. After you create your signup form on the Mailchimp website or the Mailchimp mobile app, you will be asked by which method you want to share your form. The options include a link, Facebook, Twitter, and QR code.
Choose the QR code option and Mailchimp will generate a code for you. You then select what size you want the code to be: small, medium, or large. After that step, your QR code is ready for you to download. You can then use the code in emails, social posts, flyers, brochures, or just about anything else that will reach your customers.
Google Chrome
Did you know Google Chrome has a built-in QR code generator? That’s just one of the many little-known free features of the Chrome browser.
To use the Chrome QR code tool, go to the web page you want to share. It could be a landing page, business webpage, or form. You should go to the client-facing version of the page, not the internal one you would see on the admin side of your website.
In the menu bar, there should be a “Share” icon to the far right, just before the star icon. Click on that button and a menu will appear with various ways to share the link, including email, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
One of the options will read, “Create QR Code.” Click on that option and a QR code will appear. Hit the “Download” button on that box and the code will download to your images. The code is now ready for use on social posts, flyers, and more. It will always be linked to that specific page, so there is no need to create multiple codes. You can use it however you think is most effective.
QR code generators
The third possible way to create QR codes is to use a third-party website. Simply search “QR code generators” in your browser of choice and you will find thousands of options.
Most of these websites offer a very simple, free service. You paste in the link to your desired destination and the generator creates a unique QR code that you can use in your marketing efforts. You download the code and it’s yours to use.
Some also offer premium versions for a small fee. In these options, you pay once or on a monthly basis. Just like with the free version, you paste in the link to your destination and the generator creates a unique code.
The difference with the premium versions is on the backend. Most offer to report on how many people clicked your link and which channels delivered the most visitors. This kind of reporting could be beneficial if you plan to use a high volume of QR codes and want to use the reporting to influence your marketing strategy.
Share content with QR codes
QR codes are a simple and effective way to drive traffic to your landing pages and website. The biggest benefit of QR codes is their simplicity. Your customers don’t have to type a domain or lengthy website address into a browser. Nor do they have to wait until they get home to access your site via a computer.
Rather, they simply scan the code right there in the moment while your business is top of mind. Within seconds, they’re on your page and able to take action by registering for a service, filling out a form, downloading a coupon, and much more.
QR codes are easy to generate and track. A good rule of thumb is to include a QR code in anything that has a link so your customers can easily reach your site.
You can use backend tracking to see which QR codes generate the most traffic, and then use that data to influence your marketing decisions. You may find that some methods deliver more traffic than others.
Mailchimp can help you generate QR codes and deliver them to thousands of potential customers with just a few clicks. Get started today with Mailchimp’s QR generation code inside of our easy-to-use form builder.