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Last Updated: Apr 09, 2025, 04:28 PM

QR Code Best Practices

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the effectiveness of QR codes in your marketing designs while ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience for your audience.

Avoid QR Codes in Social Media Posts

No QR Codes in Social Media Posts: Avoid using QR codes in social media posts, as they are often hard to scan on mobile devices. Instead, provide a direct, clickable link in the post’s caption, bio, or story that leads to the intended destination.

Placement Guidelines in Print Materials

Visibility: Ensure that QR codes are placed prominently, but not in overly cluttered sections of your print materials. The code should be easy to scan without obstruction.

Adequate Size: The QR code should be large enough to be scanned easily, typically no smaller than 1 x 1 inch.

White Space: Leave ample white space around the QR code to avoid confusion and ensure it’s easy to locate.

Direct Link for Print Flyers

Link Shortening: Always shorten URLs for print flyers to make them more readable and memorable. Use a reliable URL shortening service to create simple, concise links.

Clear Destination: Make sure the QR code leads to a mobile-friendly page or a site optimized for easy access on smartphones and tablets.

Web Content: Always make sure the web content is populated on the site where the QR code will send the user before creating the QR code.

Verbiage Next to the QR Code

Clear Call to Action (CTA): Always include a brief, compelling CTA next to the QR code. Use phrases like:

  • "Scan to register!"
  • "Scan for an exclusive offer!"
  • "Scan for more info!"
  • "Unlock your discount—scan now

Make it Brief: Use as few words as possible. We can assume they know that it is a QR code and how to use it, much like we assume they know to use https://www for websites.

Simplicity and Relevance

Keep it Simple: Use straightforward, easy-to-understand language. Ensure the CTA aligns with the user’s action, offering them something valuable or relevant.

Alignment with Design: The QR code should be integrated smoothly into the overall design, ensuring it’s functional but does not disrupt the aesthetic or flow of the printed material.

Mobile Optimization

Mobile-Friendly Pages: Ensure the landing page or destination is optimized for mobile devices. Test the page to guarantee it’s responsive, loads quickly, and provides an excellent user experience.

Avoid Complex Forms: If the destination involves filling out forms, keep them short and easy to complete on mobile devices.

Tracking and Analytics

Track Engagement: Use QR codes that offer tracking capabilities to gather data on how many users are scanning the code, which allows you to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaign.

Security & Transparency

Secure Codes: Only use paid or reputable sources to create QR codes, ensuring the links remain secure and reliable. For example, Adobe Creative Suite, available to all SIU students, faculty and staff at no additional cost, offers a secure QR code generation feature for design projects. Using such trusted tools guarantees the integrity and longevity of your links.

Secure Links: Only link to trusted, secure websites (https://). This ensures the safety of your users and maintains the credibility of your brand.

Clear Branding: If applicable, include the SIU logo next to the QR code for context, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the link.

 


If you have questions regarding the use of the university’s name or logo, contact University Communications and Marketing at 453-3376 or universitycommunications@siu.edu.