From Nestle to Starbucks to Sknn by Kim, brands worldwide use QR codes to make physical and online touchpoints more accessible and engaging. According to the UNO School of Communication, QR code scans are up 300% compared to 2017 data.
Brands can gain substantial benefits from QR codes, but that’ll happen only if your QR codes work seamlessly. If your QR codes have technical issues like scanning problems and incorrect URLs, they can do more harm than good.
Let’s discuss these potential technical issues and how to mitigate them for seamless QR code marketing.
Potential technical issues with QR codes
Technical issues with QR codes are unlikely but not impossible. You may encounter some problems that might affect your QR code campaigns.
Let’s look at some of these issues and how to fix them.
Scannability issues
Scanning problems are hands down the most common issue marketers might face with QR code campaigns.
Now, scanning issues can be due to a few reasons.
For example, if the printed QR code isn’t sharp and clear, it may not scan properly. This problem is more common for QR codes on TV, especially if the TV is low-res.
At their end, marketers can avoid scannability issues by creating and printing sharp, high-resolution QR codes.
Scanning issues can also occur if a QR code is broken or damaged. Though QR codes have up to 30% error correction, scanning issues may arise with a damaged QR code.
Hence, it’s best to replace a damaged QR code to ensure seamless scannability.
Redirect errors
Another potential issue with QR codes can be that users may not reach the desired destination after scanning the QR code.
In most cases, it’s a mistake from the marketer’s end. It’s important to check the URL of a QR code before publishing it. Test the QR code by scanning it from multiple devices to ensure it’s working properly and performing as expected.
Here’s where the importance of creating a dynamic QR code comes into the picture. If you create a dynamic QR code, you can edit its URL without reprinting the QR code. This allows you to fix errors and improve your QR code campaigns.
Server issues and downtime
In rare cases, your QR codes may not function because of downtime or server issues. This issue can occur if your QR code platform is facing server downtime.
Hence, choosing the right QR code platform becomes critical. Marketers must select a QR code platform that ensures maximum uptime and technical superiority.
QRCodeChimp is a cutting-edge QR code platform that guarantees 99.99% uptime, ensuring that server issues don’t come in between your brand and consumers.
Take proactive measures to avoid technical problems in QR code marketing
Technical issues with QR codes are easy to fix. If they occur, you can handle them easily or ask your QR code provider to take care of them. QRCodeChimp‘s world-class support team helps you with all sorts of QR code issues.
That said, precaution is better than cure. Here are some preventive measures to avoid technical problems with your QR codes.
Choose the right QR code platform
Your QR code platform plays a crucial role in the success of your QR code campaign. Choose a reliable QR code solution with a top-notch infrastructure that ensures high uptime and performance.
QRCodeChimp is the perfect QR code solution if uptime, performance, and features are your priority.
Design with scannability in mind
Nowadays, you get a lot of QR code customization options. For instance, QRCodeChimp offers 60+ QR code shapes, 150+ stickers, and various other design options to make your QR codes look spectacular.
While the design of your QR code is important, scannability should remain your priority when designing a QR code. Here are some design precautions to take for maximum scannability.
- Use contrasting foreground and background colors.
- Don’t use inverted colors (light foreground, dark background).
- The logo size shouldn’t be too big.
Print high-quality QR codes
Creating a QR code is only half the job done. You need to print and share it so your users can scan it. Ideally, you should print a QR code of 1 x 1 inch, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI.
Double-check the URL
If you create a QR code for a wrong or incomplete URL, the QR code will be useless. Additionally, it will result in a bad user experience. Therefore, double-check the URL before saving a QR code.
If you create a dynamic QR code, you can change the URL anytime. But you don’t have that option with a static QR code.
Test the QR code before publishing
Always test a QR code from multiple devices before printing it. Sometimes, a QR code may scan on iOS but not Android and vice versa. Similarly, it may scan on newer versions but not on older versions.
Testing your QR code on several devices will give you a complete picture and help you identify issues.
Final thoughts
Like any technology, QR codes can have some technical issues and glitches. The good news is that most of them are effortless to fix. And if you select the right QR code generator platform, you’ll rarely encounter problems with your QR codes.
If you want to run hassle-free QR code campaigns, check out QRCodeChimp. Our cutting-edge platform gives all the features needed to effectively use QR codes for all use cases. Moreover, our support team is always here to help you if you face any problems.
