Drive Engagement with Free QR Codes
Overview
Free QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that store information such as URLs, text, contact details, or payment information. They can be scanned using a smartphone camera or QR code reader, making them a fast and convenient way for your customers to access digital content. Plus, it’s an efficient way to drive engagement with your target audience.
Here’s why free QR codes are a beneficial marketing tool, where they can be useful, how they work—and how to get one.
QR codes are a powerful marketing tool because they bridge the gap between offline and online engagement. Here are seven additional benefits of using free QR codes.
What Are Free QR Codes Used For?
- Website links—Directing users to web pages
- Payments—Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal
- Authentication—Logging into websites or verifying identities
- Product information—Providing details about a product when scanned
- Marketing—Used in ads, posters, and business cards
- Event tickets & boarding passes—Digital passes for concerts, flights, etc.
These are just a handful of the uses for free QR codes. Really, you can direct a customer or prospect anywhere you think will benefit your business and boost customer experience.
How a QR Code Works
Encoding the Data
First, the data is encoded. In this step, information (like a web address or text) is converted into a binary format. This data is then represented by a grid of black and white squares in a specific pattern. The position of these squares and the patterns in the grid encode the actual data.
QR Code Structure
The structure of the free QR code is also very important. Here are the four main structural components that work together:
- Position markers: The three large squares located in the corners help the scanner recognize the QR code and orient it properly.
- Timing patterns: These help the scanner determine the size of the code and assist in decoding.
- Data cells: The smaller black and white cells represent the encoded data. The arrangement of these cells determines the stored information.
- Quiet zone: The white margin around the code allows the scanner to distinguish it from other content.
Scanning
The next step is scanning. A device, like a smartphone or a specialized QR scanner, uses its camera to capture the free QR code. The scanner software identifies the pattern of black and white squares. This is the first step of customer engagement.
Decoding
Then, the scanner decodes the QR code. Software interprets the encoded binary data and converts it back into a usable format. For example, a usable format could be a URL that you can visit or a message that appears on your screen.
Action
Lastly, the end user enters the action step. Depending on the content, the scanner might open a website, save contact information, add a calendar event, or provide a direct link to a product or service. This is the second step of customer engagement and the ultimate payoff of a QR code—which is why it’s important that whatever you’re delivering be of value to the end user.
This system allows QR codes to be scanned and read quickly, providing instant access to information.
How to Get a Free QR Code
- Sign up for an Umpteen account by providing your first and last name, and email address. Once you create and confirm your password, your account setup will be complete.
- Navigate to the marketing tools page on Umpteen.ai and find “Free QR Codes”.
- Select “Generate QR Codes” and follow the process of creating and downloading your code.
- Once you have your free QR code, start embedding it into your marketing materials, using it online, and driving engagement with your audience.
When you need another, come back and create an unlimited number of free QR codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to set up a QR code?
Once you sign up for an Umpteen account, it will take just a few minutes (no more than 10) to set up a free QR code. If you have all the information at hand, the process is simple and straightforward.
How many free QR codes can I create in my account?
You might want to sit down for this one… You can create an unlimited number of QR codes—at no cost! We believe in providing powerful, high-quality marketing tools for businesses and organizations.
Are they really free?
We get this question a lot, actually. The answer is yes, these codes are completely free to create and download.
Do you offer any other free marketing tools?
Still sitting? Good. In addition to unlimited free QR codes, a number of other marketing tools are available at no cost. Within your Umpteen account, you also can generate free dynamic QR codes. Plus, we offer free email warming, free cold email, and free competitor email tracking. Our goal is to help your business grow. If you feel you can’t do it alone, we also offer fully managed services too.