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How to use QR codes for your website

QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years, both in e-commerce and marketing. These two industries have found innovative ways to utilize the code, making it a must-have for any business looking to enhance its customer experience. Before we delve into why you would want to redirect your QR codes, let's first understand how these codes work and their uses in e-commerce and marketing.

In this article, you'll find: 

  1. A brief history of QR codes
  2. The difference between static and dynamic QR codes
  3. Why you'd want to change the URL associated with a QR code
  4. How to create a QR code with redirect.pizza

A brief history of QR Codes and how they work

QR (Quick Response) codes are a type of two-dimensional barcode, first invented in 1994 by Denso Wave - a Toyota subsidiary. The QR codes have since been adopted by businesses worldwide for various purposes. Usually, the QR code has an associated URL attached to it. This is where the user (who scans the QR code) will be directed to. This can be a web page, PDF, video, or any other online resource. Now, let's have a look at their use cases in e-commerce and marketing 

QR codes in marketing

In marketing, businesses use QR codes as part of their advertising campaigns. The code can be placed on anything from billboards to product packaging, allowing customers to quickly access additional information about a product or service. For example, scanning a QR code on a billboard could take you directly to a website where you can learn more about the advertised product or service.

QR codes for e-commerce

In e-commerce, QR codes are used to make transactions more straightforward and faster. For example, customers can scan a code using their smartphones and instantly purchase an item without manually entering any payment details. This feature benefits customers who are on the go or want to avoid going through the hassle of entering their card details manually.

Difference between static and dynamic QR codes

The primary difference between a static QR code and a dynamic one is that the specifications of the code of a dynamic QR code can be edited at any time. This is not the case for static QR codes. Therefore, with a dynamic QR code, you can change the destination URL at any time. To change the destination URL for a static QR code, you’ll need to redirect the URL to the new one. 

Why would you want to change the URL associated with QR codes? 

Changing the URL associated with the QR code will change the URL/page on which the user lands. Changing the URL can only be done with dynamic QR codes. For static QR codes, the URL has to be redirected.

There are several reasons for changing the URL associated with the QR code: 

  1. Broken links: If your original URL has changed or no longer exists, redirecting your QR code ensures users still get directed somewhere relevant.
  2. A/B testing: Redirecting QR codes allow you to test different URLs and see which one performs better. This feature is particularly helpful for marketing campaigns, where businesses can track the performance of their QR code campaigns.
  3. Dynamic content: Redirecting QR codes enables businesses to change the web page or content that users are landing on based on various factors such as location or time of day. This feature allows for a more personalized customer experience.
  4. Affiliate marketing: If you're an affiliate marketer, redirecting QR codes can help you track clicks and sales more effectively.

Redirects for static QR codes - in a nutshell

Redirecting static QR codes is a relatively simple process that can be done using our redirect service. It's essential to ensure that the redirected page is relevant and adds value to the user's experience; otherwise, customers may feel misled and may bounce from the page. We’ll walk you through the simple steps to set up a redirect for your QR code

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Create your own QR code with redirect.pizza

Use our simple QR code generator to create a QR code that you can use for marketing and e-commerce purposes. This will allow you to create your very own dynamic QR code. You can export it to PNG, SVG, or EPS. Do you want to change the destination URL? You can do this at any time by creating a free account. With this account, you’ll also be able to check the analytics of your QR codes, such as the number of hits, and where they originate. 

How to redirect your QR codes using redirect.pizza

Redirecting a QR code essentially comes down to redirecting the URL associated with the QR code. This is how you redirect an URL associated with a QR code using our redirect service: 

  1. 1

    Step 1: Create a redirect.pizza account

    Create a redirect.pizza account. Once you've created the free account, you can access our redirect features. 

    registration page redirect.pizza

  2. 2

    Step 2: Create redirect

    After signing up, click on "create a redirect" to get started. In the create a redirect window, enter the source URL (the original URL associated with the QR code) and the destination URL (the URL that you'd like to redirect to). Learn more in our getting started guide. 

    Create redirect

  3. 3

    Step 3: Adjust DNS settings (if redirecting to a different domain)

    The required DNS change pops up. Go to your domain registrar to make this DNS change for the A record. Alternatively, you can use our Automatic DNS feature to make these changes. It may take up to 24 hours for the DNS changes to propagate. 

  4. 4

    Step 4: Test your redirect and keep track of your analytics

    Type your (old) source URL in the address bar of your browser and click "enter". Are you redirected to the destination URL? Then the redirect is working! You can keep track of your redirect using the Redirect Analytics window. Are you experiencing issues? Check out our redirect troubleshooting guide. 

Conclusion

The ability to redirect QR codes, particularly static ones, provides numerous advantages, including fixing broken links, conducting A/B testing, delivering dynamic content, and improving affiliate marketing efforts. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt their QR code strategies over time without the need to reprint or redistribute physical materials.