QR codes are having a major revival across all industries, and especially within the website application sector. They provide quick access to targeted content, and they are easy to generate on the backend by the app builder.
Learn how to integrate QR codes into your app to level up your content below, but first, let’s start at the beginning by answering the question: what is a QR code?
What Are QR Codes?
QR stands for “quick response.” Quick response codes are two-dimensional matrix barcodes that are machine-readable and customizable. The coded labels link to any specified piece of content that the owner of the code chooses.
In terms of STQRY apps, QR codes can be used at any stop along a tour or place on site that you’d like to highlight. Users can scan the code with the camera on their mobile device, and a link to your web app will pop up for them to click on and enjoy. With those two quick clicks, they’re using your app and learning more about your attraction digitally.
QR codes have been available for decades, with a history in Asian markets beginning in the 90’s. However, they recently saw a huge uptick in usage with the COVID-19 pandemic when everything went touchless. QR codes now have global familiarity – if you’ve been to a restaurant recently, you might’ve even used one to look at the menu on your phone.
Why Does Your App Need QR Codes?
Your app should be linked to QR codes on site for a few primary reasons. First, the codes make it incredibly easy to access content. With this new modern level of QR code familiarity, most visitors will know the value of QR codes and can easily use them to pull up your app.
Next, with the customizable nature of QR codes, you can connect visitors directly to the content that you want them to see. This is especially true for web apps, where all the content is hosted entirely online. You can link to specific pages, tours, random access content, or whatever you would like your users to see.
(If you have a native app, you can always use the QR code to prompt visitors to download the app throughout the site.)
QR codes can also make your app more interactive and increase usage. Once your user clicks on the link to your app, they’re free to explore everything else your app has to offer (almost like a lead magnet). Make sure that your app flows seamlessly so that the users know the value of the added digital experience in conjunction with the in-person attraction.
You can even get creative with your QR codes by linking them to exclusive content only available with the code. There are plenty of ways to use QR codes to make the visitor experience more immersive to increase app usage rates.
STQRY App QR Code Integration
Luckily, it’s easy to create and integrate QR codes with your STQRY app. Both the web and native app versions of STQRY apps have QR code scanners built in. As visitors are using the app and see a QR code in person, they can scan it directly from the app rather than going to their phone’s camera.
The STQRY platform also features a QR code builder as well, with customizable elements and full service, so you can keep all of your app interactivity projects in one place.
QR Code Customization
But what exactly can you customize within a QR code? They all need to be different in order to link to the nearly infinite pieces of content on the web, but you can also customize your QR codes with different colors and sizes to fit your site perfectly.
You can adjust the error correction levels (how busy the code looks) as well. Once it’s coded to your liking, you can simply save the code as an image file, print it, and place it anywhere on site that you’d like to highlight a piece of app content. Generally, they are best placed directly on signs or next to individual items to draw the most attention.
STQRY CPO, Glen Barnes demos QR codes on the STQRY Builder
Common Challenges To Look Out For
QR codes are virtually a no-brainer when it comes to increasing your app’s adoption rates and making the experience easier and more enjoyable for visitors, but there is one drawback to consider: older mobile devices.
Most modern devices have QR scanners automatically integrated into the phone’s camera, but some older devices need a separate QR code app in order to scan the codes properly. This is unlikely to be an issue unless you have an elderly population regularly visiting your site.
Target Your App Content with QR Codes
Any site can benefit from integrating QR codes into their web or native app experience. This feature adds an easy, innovative, and modern level to your content that your users will appreciate.