QR Code overload at SXSW, (CC) by Cote on Flickr.
Yes. Use them anyway.
While QR Codes will disappear from popular use at some point, the idea of a link from the offline world to the online world won’t change. Whether the next technology is near field communications (NFC) or something we don’t even see yet, you can and will adapt.
Believe in the idea of the link: Offline experiences can be enhanced by the link to the right online information.
Don’t believe in the specific technology, like the QR Code itself.
So now is a great time to invest in creating the online information. Then no matter how the link is made, you have the information available and ready for users. You can update from QR Codes to NFC, or to what ever comes next.
It makes no sense to hold off on creating the compelling online content for your customers because you’re worried about the way the link will be made in the future.
Want to future-proof your efforts?
- Back up your data, especially if you are buying in to someone’s proprietary QR Code information delivery service. You’ll need that data when you move to the next way of making the link.
- Don’t set your QR codes in stone. Or in concrete, or other permanent media.
Key question to ask yourself: what information would a user or customer appreciate when they interact with this? Put that information online, make a link with a QR code or whatever comes next, and explain to the user what they will get when they follow the link.
Bonus QR Code tips
Things to remember when you use a QR code:
Tell them what to expect. Lonely QR codes with no explanation seldom get scanned. Think about “What’s in it for me?” and explain that right next to the code.
Include a short URL, written out. That makes it usable for people who can’t scan a QR code, but can use mobile internet or wifi, including laptops, original iPads and older phones.
Deliver the user to a mobile-friendly site. If you have to pinch and zoom or scroll both ways, it’s not mobile friendly. Test it on a variety of mobile devices.
Cited in:
Book chapter: Şimşek, E. & Cinnioğlu, H. (İskenderun Technical University) (2023). Use of QR Code in Tourism Enterprises. In the book: Kalemci Tüzün, İ. & Öksüz, M. (eds.), Multifaceted Research in The Field of Tourism II. Özgür Publications.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
I agree with you in the fact that I think they are a fad as well.