How do I get a QR code for my business?

When you run a small business, it’s important to make yourself as accessible as possible. 

With a custom QR code, you can increase traffic to your business. QR codes are unique barcodes that people can scan with their smartphone cameras to access information instantly.

These codes make it easier for people to find you. You’re just one click away.

But, you might ask, how do I get a QR code for my business? It’s a lot simpler than it seems, and we can break it down. 

This guide covers creating QR codes for small businesses. We’ll cover the five essential steps, including:

• Choosing a generator
• Picking the right content 
• Designing a unique QR code
• Placing and promoting your QR code
• Tracking its effectiveness

It’s quick and easy to get a QR for your business. We’ll cover the essential steps. 

Today, there’s no need to create a QR code manually. QR code generators streamline and automate the process. 

Here are a few popular QR code generators you might use: 

• QR Code Generator – A free and straightforward platform for creating codes with unique design elements, like a frame that says, ‘scan me’. 
• Flowcode – A generator that makes colourful round QR codes compatible with a variety of content. It also has great analytical tools. Get three codes for free or make unlimited codes if you upgrade to pro for £7.50 monthly.
• QR Tiger – A tool that lets you create regular and dynamic (or changing) QR codes. You can create three for free with a 100 scan limit for dynamic codes. The membership starts at £5.30 monthly. 
• QRcode monkey – Another simple generator that organises QR codes by type to customise it for your content. It also lets you design a QR logo. If you’d like more design and analytic options, you can sign up for the professional version. 
• QR Stuff – A free option with no account sign up required. It’s a basic tool with fewer design options, but it has the essentials to create great QR codes.

A QR code generator turns your content into an instantly scannable code. All you need to do is paste the link or upload the file you wish to use. So, the next step is to determine where you want to direct people when they scan. 

Consider your overarching goal for this QR code. Maybe you want to promote your business website, a new product release, or an event.

Here are a few things you could store in your QR code: 

• Your website URL or online store 
• A subscription link 
• Your business email 
• An app download link 
• Social media posts
• Fliers or marketing materials 
• Business documents, such as a menu
• A platform to leave reviews
• A survey 

Since QR codes can link to many things, you may not know where to start. Luckily, you can create more than one. With that said, linking your first one to your website might be a great place to start. 

Typically, a QR code appears as a black and white square. But you can customise yours and add some flair to make it stand out. 

Think about which colours and shapes might work best for your business. For example, you might create a mug-shaped code if you run a coffee shop. You could also incorporate a colour gradient to draw attention.

The design should also match your brand identity, so it’s recognisable and consistent with your marketing. If you stick to purple and white in your branding, you might use these colours in your QR code.

The more interesting and professional-looking your QR code is, the more scans you’ll likely earn from it. 

Once you’ve designed your QR code, you can download it from the generator and start using it. But you’re not done yet. It’s important to place this code strategically to benefit from it. 

Putting your QR code on your marketing content will help you reach your audience. For example, you could put it on: 

• Business cards 
• Flyers, banners, and brochures 
• Product packaging 
• Stickers 
• Business promotional merch 
• Marketing mail 
• Menus 
• Napkins 

Put your QR code anywhere your target audience might find it, and anywhere it’ll increase your accessibility. 

Here are some spots to have your code handy: 

• Markets, fairs, or popup shops
• Marketing events 
• Networking events 
• Promotional campaigns and social media 
• Your shop

Use a tool to measure how many clicks your QR code gets. Most generators will offer an analytics tool that lets you measure its success. Also, try to measure click-throughs, engagement, and sales resulting from the scan. 

With this information, you can see where you get the most scans and how you might adjust your strategy to increase its effectiveness. 

See also: how to measure the success of a marketing campaign.

Now that you know how to get a QR code for your business, you can use it to bolster your marketing. Including this code in your promotional materials will help you get your business out there. 

As you start using QR codes, you may want to optimise your marketing content, so it reaches more people. Next, consider checking out our article on improving your content for better marketing. 

QR codes can lead more people to your business, increasing sales. So, it’s essential to organise your growing finances for success. 

Countingup is the business current account and accounting software in one app. It automates time-consuming bookkeeping admin for thousands of self-employed people across the UK. 

Save yourself hours of accounting admin so you can focus on growing your business. 

Start your three-month free trial today. 

Apply now.