Is It Okay to Use a Free QR Code Generator?

From pulling up restaurant menus to learning more about the clothes you are considering buying, QR Codes can be found on just about everything these days. There is no denying its popularity and convenience. 

But what exactly is a QR Code, and how can you create QR Code integrations for your next marketing endeavor or campaign?

How to Make a QR Code for a Link

A QR Code, also known as a quick response code, is a scannable code that can be read using a smartphone’s camera. It comprises a combination of black squares and dots, each representing specific information. Scanning a QR Code with your phone's camera deciphers this information into an easily understandable format. 

For instance, QR Codes can be employed to enhance wedding invitations, guiding guests to the wedding website where they can RSVP and access details regarding the venue, hotel accommodations, and the gift registry.

Generating a QR Code is a relatively uncomplicated process, achievable on either a computer or a smartphone. Before initiating the QR Code creation process, it is essential to determine the content you wish to encode within the QR Code. This content can range from website links and numbers to text, images, or even video clips. 

Once you have determined the type of QR Code that aligns best with your objectives, the next step is to identify a suitable QR Code generator. A QR Code generator is an online tool that enables users to craft QR Codes by inputting the desired information and downloading them in various formats.

See below for the basic steps in this process:

1. Go to a free QR Code generator online.
2. Select the URL QR Code solution from the menu.
3. Copy and paste the URL or link into the empty field.
4. Select Static QR or Dynamic QR and then click Generate QR Code.
5. Scan and test the QR Code. Once done, click Download.

Are All QR Code Generators the Same?

There are two categories of QR Code generators: static and dynamic.

A static QR Code is a QR Code that cannot be overwritten after it has been generated. Static QR Codes usually are cost-free and find a lot of use in instances where either the information does not need to be updated, or it is a one-off campaign. You can create different types of static QR Codes, such as a website QR Code in which the codes are on flyers and brochures so that customers can more easily be led to a certain website. A different type of static QR Code is the SMS QR Code, containing your contact number along with a pre-composed text message. When customers scan this QR Code, it directs them to a text message preloaded with your phone number and a readily prepared message poised for sending.

A dynamic QR Code is a QR Code that can be edited even after generating and offers QR scan tracking and analytics. In other words, it's much more advanced in its capabilities. 

For example, if your company’s priority is to track its marketing campaign and measure statistics, each time a dynamic QR Code is scanned, you will be able to track the number of scans, date, location, time of the scan and device it was scanned on. This data helps you measure the success of your marketing campaign so that you can make necessary adjustments to iterate on your content.

Is It OK to Use a Free QR Code Generator?

The answer to this question depends on your marketing use and budget. Free QR Code generators are more suitable for simple, one-off use cases. A free QR Code generator will suffice if your requirements are basic and you do not need extensive customization, analytics, and support. 

Many online tools and mobile apps can create QR Codes for free, allowing businesses to easily incorporate them into their existing marketing materials, product packaging, and signage without straining their budget.

Why Not Use a Free QR Code Generator?

Due to the fact that static QR Codes are permanent and non-trackable, once you create it, you can not edit it. In case you need to edit, you will have to create a new QR Code. In addition, you can not track the scanning activity of a static QR Code that has limited functionality. Basic QR Code generators are available for free because they are being paid for by advertisements that hinder user experience. Free QR Code generators usually allow the creation of static QR Codes only.

Conversely, dynamic QR Codes allow updates to be linked to content even after distribution. This feature is available only through paid QR Code generators such as Lumavate. Lumavate is the best QR Code generator for manufacturers because it offers a variety of benefits that will create an engaging experience for customers. Any business user can utilize this user-friendly platform to create digital product experiences that are connected to QR Codes. This allows marketers and product developers to create QR Code tracking data in the platform, which also offers direct integration to Google Analytics.

Get Started With Lumavate

Lumavate is a Product Experience Management (PXM) platform that provides marketers at manufacturing companies with all the functionality needed to centralize product data, manage their digital assets, and create unique digital product experiences. 

In other words, everything about your business is under one platform, making it much easier to manage it all in one place. See Lumavate in action with your company’s marketing campaign, and schedule a demo today.