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.
New to SmallBizSurvival.com? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Get our updates.
- Want more public attendance at your events? Make sure your signs include this specific phrase - February 18, 2019
- Who’s asking your customer questions? - February 11, 2019
- How restaurants can market each other in small towns - February 4, 2019
- SEO for voice search is different for rural small business - January 28, 2019
- What businesses would work in a small town with empty land - January 21, 2019
- Two 2019 small business trends that are good for small towns - January 14, 2019
- Small towns as testing grounds for future technology - December 31, 2018
- Empty building ideas: Art gallery in the windows - December 24, 2018
- What is holding us back? Why does every project take so long in small towns? - December 3, 2018
- Control your business holiday lights with smart home tools - November 19, 2018
I agree with you in the fact that I think they are a fad as well.