5 big QR Code marketing mistakes that brands make

Calling out QR Code mistakes is our least favourite thing to do. It's both art and science, which sometimes requires a few revisions to nail the ideal look and feel.

We respect trial and error. We love to see you trying. But we also understand the impact of sharing half-baked campaigns. It does more harm than good.

Mistake #1: Not testing your QR Code

One of the easiest ways to lose customers' trust is to lead them to a sketchy link. Always test your code on multiple phones and apps before sharing it externally. Think of it as spell check for design.

Mistake #2: Prolonging navigation

Get people to their destination quickly. QR Codes are designed for convenience, so the last thing you want to do is send the user on a longer journey than needed. Want to share a website link? Transfer them to the URL immediately, without a redirecting note in between. See 15 types of QR Codes that shoppers love to scan.

Mistake #3: Linking to an unresponsive website

All sites should be mobile-friendly because more internet users browse on their smartphone. Linking to a website that's not mobile responsive could cause visibility issues and even frustration. You don't want those words associated with your brand.

Mistake #4: Placing QR Codes where there’s no signal

Need we say more? When you're linking to an online resource, it helps to ensure that the physical QR Code location is an area with good network coverage. The basement of a parking lot or the top of a mountain are places where you don't want to place your QR Code unless you are linking to an offline resource.

Mistake #5: Offering nothing in return

Imagine scanning a brand's QR Code that hints at something special when scanned, only to discover more product information and no incentive for your scanning effort. That's a fast way to lose existing customers and chase prospects away.

Even the simplest-looking QR Code campaigns can have amazing results when scanners feel rewarded.