What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is an image that acts as a scannable barcode that stores data in a pattern of black and white squares, allowing for quick access to digital information when scanned with a smartphone camera. Developed in the mid 1990's for factories and productions lines, these codes have vastly more storage capacity than traditional barcodes and are used for various purposes, including linking to websites, sharing contact information, displaying product details, and facilitating payments. The usage of QR codes gained increased popularity with the rise of cellphones, then boomed during the Covid outbreak. The QR Code could be used as a substitute to physically printed media like menus, flyers, or postcards, even to accept payment instead of physical money or cards. The simplicity and versatility of these codes ensure they are here to stay for a long time. Here is an example QR Code (Created from Google Chrome) scanning it takes you to the RediSite product page on the Rediker.com website.
When to use a QR Code?
QR codes are specifically better suited for bridging the gap between offline and online media (physical and digital).In other words, in places where the code can be scanned by a digital device (your smart phone). A QR code is far cleaner and more convenient for directing people to a URL via their phones. For example, the above QR code brings people to this URL: https://www.rediker.com/solutions/responsive-school-websites scanning the code is much quicker than giving people the URL or directions to the page. While there are plenty opportunities and places where implementing a QR Code may make sense, directly placing one on your website is not one of those use cases. A QR was designed to be published and or printed where it could be used to bring people to your website, not the other way around. Yes, if you want to provide a quick and convenient way for desktop users to access specific pages or features on their mobile devices, like downloading an app or accessing bonus content, they could be useful. However, we typically recommend that you avoid adding QR codes for the main content and links on your site, as desktop users can already easily click a link. And if your website visitors are already on their cell phones, then clicking a direct link is just an expected method. Ultimately, you are adding an unnecessary step and an annoyance to accessing and navigating to your content in this case.
Examples
For example, you have a big event that is upcoming, and you want people to digitally register for the event. Then posting flyers, postcards, yard signs, etc. with a QR code that would allow people to quickly scan the code on their phones to directly open the registration form or informational page on your website. Another great example of when to use a QR code is in a presentation at an Admissions event. In your presentation you could put up a QR code to be scanned by your audience. Or have it printed on postcards, flyers or signage. That code could direct the visitors to an Admissions page on your website or an inquiry form page. However, if the person is already on your website, giving them the QR code to scan instead of just providing a clickable link, then you are making the process more problematic for people to register from their device.
Creating QR Codes
Rediker and RediSite do not provide a "QR code Generator," and we don't need to, there are countless applications and or websites that offer the creation of these QR codes. For example, even the Google Chrome browser offers the ability to create a QR Code. You can just visit your website go to the page/link you want to share, then in the browser settings just access the "Cast, save, and share" options in Google Chrome to Create a QR Code which can then be copied or downloaded.
Dynamic v. Static Codes
Another aspect to QR codes you should be aware of is that QR codes can either be fixed/static or dynamic. A fixed code is one that cannot be updated (like the one created using Google Chrome), so if you publish it say on a printed flyer, then need to change the link to go somewhere else, you cannot. You would have to get a new QR code and reprint your flyers, so use them carefully (although most website including RediSite do offer a URL redirect option). Most QR codes as generated with free tools are static/fixed. Dynamic codes are ones that can be updated at the source. Dynamic codes are often created and managed by a paid service and would let you change the information including the link that the QR code was generated with.
Using Them with Your RediSite
If you want to create a QR Code that points to a page or section on your RediSite, just create your page first and publish the site. Visit the live site, copy the URL for the page you wish to use, then use a QR Code Generator, like that which is built into Google Chrome. This also works with specific anchored sections of a page.
You can also display a QR code on a RediSite with the many widgets that allow you to display an Image. Just drag and drop the widget on the page, then in the content choose and upload your QR Code. That's it!
We recommend you use QR codes to direct people to your website from other media like print and not place them directly on your website. Using direct links and buttons on the website would be best practice. You could also add the hyperlink to the QR Code image and make it a clickable link on the website as well.