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4 QR code tips. WFH online tools and tricks: part 3

May 19, 2020

written by
Barbara O Stephenson

QR code stands for Quick Response code. You can use them to link to your resume, open a map, show a list of ingredients, download a file, see a PDF menu, share music or anything else that has a url. We created our first client QR code in 2010 and for years our old 855 Folsom San Francisco stealth office used a code in the window to direct people to our website.

The great thing is that now QR codes have become accessible to the masses without having to download a special app because it’s automatically built into iPhone and android.  Just point your camera at the code and it will ask to open the page in the phone’s browser.

1. QR codes are not just for business.

Anyone can make a QR code using a QR code generator.  We’re not recommending that one in particular, just showing you that they exist with a simple search. You can link to a deep page in your website, use it to sell your car, send someone directly to your LinkedIn profile on your resume, send your techno-phobic auntie a photo album, or be a street artist and use one to send people to your portfolio or political message.

2. Brand Consistency.

While anyone can create a code, you’ll probably need some design skills to customize them. QR codes can be branded and customized with your colors and even images. We’ve seen some crazy ones out there!

3. Fair warning with Privacy and Security issues.

The biggest issue with QR codes is that they are very hackable. Bad actors can take over your phone or install malware with rogue codes. As we point out, anyone can make one. So only use QR codes you trust – don’t click on codes you see pasted on walls or in your grandma’s emails or telephone pole flyers or on websites you don’t trust.

4. Make it trackable.

Make sure you add a link tracker or create a custom QR code like 300feetout.com/qr so you can redirect that URL to any page you want. And link people to things like your 3FO Friday Spotify Playlist!

In this time of slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves + our shelter-in-place families, not to mention standing in long lines for the grocery store, there is still a need for QR codes. Technology should be used as a tool to help better our lives, not rule them and QR codes can be made for virtually any shortcut needed on a mobile application.