Three tips for using QR codes:

Placement and size: Place the code where viewers can snap it with a smartphone camera. If the code is placed too high (like on an overhead ceiling banner) it is nearly impossible for passers-by to scan.

Complexity: Use a link shortener to compress the URL to which you are directing visitors. Each of those squiggly lines mean something to a QR code reader – short links let users connect to your content more quickly than long links. See the difference a link shortener makes.

Content: Link to content that makes prospects want to engage with your company – Facebook page with customer-only deals; a video of how your company solves customers’ problems; or email list sign-up for exclusive tips & tricks.

Check out the QR code gallery I’ve captured. Let me know which you think is the most effective use of QR code marketing.

Without link shortener:

With link shortener:

In this case I found the shortened code link was about 1.5 seconds faster than the unshortened link. Customers have come to expect  nearly instant response. Connecting 1.5 seconds faster makes it less likely your customer will bail before they see the whiz bang content you’ve got waiting for them!