How you should use QR codes: A manifesto

(Usually, I’d write this up for Press Forward. I may cross post later, I just feel like banging this out real quick. And possibly being insulting. Disclaimer: This is my personal blog. Any and all opinions here do not reflect the opinions of my employer. Also, sometimes I get cranky.)

A QR code should point to something the end user needs to access via their phone.

The publication medium is as important as the target. This comes into play in a moment, I promise. 

Read after the jump if you want to see me call someone an idiot.

If your end user is seeing the code via their computer, a QR code to an app is great. Read the review of the app, then pull out your phone, scan the code and download. AWESOME.

If you’re on a computer, a QR code to another website is pointless. Why not just give your end user the link? You’re asking your end user to take an extra step where none is needed. That’s silly. 

Think about your end user. 

And don’t get me started on idiots who post QR codes on mobile sites. Seriously, guys? How is the user supposed to use it? Borrow another phone to scan the QR code off the screen? 

Examples of QR codes:

Good: 

QR code to an app in an ad for Macy’s. Code points to the (mobile friendly) product page. 

QR code on Facebook pointing to an app. (Only useful if the user is reading Facebook from their computer)

QR code in newspaper pointing to a YouTube video or photo gallery 

QR code on a business card pointing to a mobile-friendly resume or website

QR code on a poster at a bar/venue pointing to a mobile-friendly list of upcoming shows

QR code on a flyer/poster pointing to a coupon or promotion code 

BAD: 

QR code posted to Twitter. Really guys? Computer users just need the link, and mobile readers can’t scan it FROM THEIR SCREEN. Silly, silly.

QR code pointing to another website posted on a website. Period. Your homepage, your Facebook, etc. If you want to have a “graphic element,” get a logo. QR codes do not make you look cool. Your end-user is going to be all “WTF?” if you post a code with no explanation, they take the time to pull out their phone and scan the code, and it takes them to a web site they could have easily accessed ON THEIR COMPUTER. 

Not rocket science. I promise. 

Here’s the QR codes to our apps. These will work if you’re reading from your computer. If you’re reading on a mobile device, click the links and download our app. (SEE HOW EASY THAT IS??)

Daily Press for Android (Click the link!)

Daily Press for iPhone (Click the link!)