To QR Code or Not to QR Code

Posted by Janan Compitello on Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Among the multitude of hot topics and trends buzzing in technology conversations is the notable QR code. Chances are you've heard the term - and nowadays, you may have gotten the request from above to use QR codes for events or fundraising or advocacy efforts. But why do you need one? And how to you get one?

First, the basics: a QR code is a bar code image that can be scanned by a smartphone's camera, using a QR code scanner app that must be downloaded first. When scanned, the code sends the user to visit a website, send a text (SMS) or dial a phone number.

Important note: Many organizations are sending users to web pages. This means that those web pages must be optimized for mobile viewing. If you want to send someone to your Facebook page, make sure it's to your m.facebook.com page. Want to send someone to your website? Optimize it for mobile viewing first!

Why would you use a QR Code?

Think about a QR code in the context of your communications strategy, then you can:

Use it as a tool for linking people to more information from an ad or a campaign message.
Send users to take action on something like an event registration or an advocacy or fundraising campaign.
Send users to your (mobile friendly!) Facebook page to share a post.

Just make sure it makes sense. As with any trend in online communications and technology - just because it's out there, doesn't mean you have to use it or provide it to your members. And, make sure the experience is mobile friendly.

How do you get a QR Code?

Generating the code is something you can do without the help of the IT department or your technology consultant. The "hard part" is integrating it with your communications strategy.

There's the Google way...