How to make a QR code for your website
A step-by-step guide to creating, testing, and maintaining QR codes for your local business to ensure customers can easily access your digital services.
UpdatedFrequently asked questions
Start with the questions people ask before making a code.
What is the main difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
Static QR codes link to a fixed URL that never changes, while dynamic QR codes link to a managed destination that can be updated without reprinting. For a local business, a static code is ideal if your website address stays the same, but a dynamic code allows you to change the link if you move to a new domain or update your business hours. You can still edit a webpage at a static URL, but if the destination changes, you must create a new code to reflect the new link.
What is the primary alternative to static QR codes for a website?
The primary alternative is dynamic QR codes, which act as a central hub where you can redirect visitors to different pages or services. This approach is essential for businesses that need to update their contact information, pricing, or service offerings without reprinting physical codes. It ensures that every scan leads to the most current information, making it a superior choice for managing multiple locations or changing business details.
What is a common mistake when using QR codes for websites?
A frequent mistake is assuming that a scan proves a sale, order, or booking has occurred. In reality, a scan only shows the user that the code was scanned; it does not confirm the transaction or action taken. You must rely on your own internal systems to track sales, orders, or bookings, as the QR code itself provides no proof of completion or revenue.
Give a concrete example for a local business.
Imagine a coffee shop wants to offer a discount on their new menu item. They create a dynamic QR code linking to a specific page with the discount code. When a customer scans the code, they are redirected to the updated page to see the price and order the item. This method ensures the discount is visible to all customers without needing to print new signs or codes for every visit.
What can and cannot prove when a QR code is scanned?
Scans provide activity data showing when a code was scanned, but they cannot prove completed reviews, sales, orders, or bookings. The system records the event, but the business owner must verify the outcome through their own tracking tools. You cannot trust the scan to confirm a purchase or review; you must manually record these details to ensure accurate reporting and customer satisfaction metrics.
How do you test the final version and maintain the destination?
You must test the final physical or digital version by scanning it with a phone or tablet to confirm it opens the correct page. To maintain the destination, you should regularly review your links to ensure they remain valid and up-to-date. If the destination changes, you must update the code immediately to prevent confusion. This maintenance process ensures your QR codes always lead to the most current information for your customers.
How to set it up
Follow these steps, then scan the finished code yourself.
Choose the customer action and destination
Select the specific action your customers want to take, such as ordering a product or booking an appointment, and determine the exact URL or link for that destination. Verify that the destination is accessible and that the link will redirect to the correct page where the information is displayed.
Create and name the correct kind of QR code
Generate a QR code using a reliable tool and name it clearly to match the destination you selected. Ensure the code is generated as a static or dynamic type based on your business needs, and save it in a secure location where you can easily access it for future use.
Place the QR code with a useful label and scannable presentation
Position the QR code on a high-contrast surface with a clear label that describes what the code leads to. Ensure the code is placed in a way that is easy to see and scan, avoiding clutter or shadows that might make it difficult for customers to locate it.
Test the final physical or digital version
Scan the QR code with a smartphone to confirm it opens the correct page and displays the expected information. Verify that the link works on different devices and that the destination is accessible to all potential customers before relying on it for business.
Review results and maintain the destination
Monitor the scans to track activity and regularly review your links to ensure they remain valid and up-to-date. If the destination changes, update the code immediately to prevent confusion. This ongoing maintenance ensures your QR codes always lead to the most current information for your customers.
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Learn the difference between static and dynamic QR codes