Social media is at the peak of its popularity – people desperately need it for interacting, advertising and marketing. On a similar note – yet not as popular, QR codes seem to be extremely helpful in a series of different situations. The main benefit is that they can connect the offline and online owrlds instantly.
Combining the two elements can create a multimillion dollar marketing scheme when used right. Use it wrong and while it will still work, you will not go too far.
When it comes to social media, there are many uses for QR Codes. This is especially true for Facebook. Knowing how to take advantage of each of them will prove helpful in the long run.
Another good news is that most people rely on the Facebook application, so codes will open in their apps when scanned – even more convenient.
We will now look at how to create QR Codes. What could be the main reasons for using a Facebook QR Code?
How to use QR codes for Facebook
There are plenty of benefits associated with this marketing technique and each of them requires special attention for a perfect implementation.
Usually Facebook QR Codes are used by marketers to get likes on their pages. This also works for Twitter, Instagram or any other social media network. At this point, you have two different options. This first option means you would link to your own page. Someone sees your QR code and scans it. This will make your page appear in the browser or Facebook app.
The user will gain access to your page and all the information available on it. This doesn’t mean you will get tons of likes 100% though. The users usually scroll through most content and only interact with what catches their attention. Mediocre content has no room nowadays for attention.
Creating a link to the like action would be the second option. Simply put, you can link the Facebook liking action to your QR code.
Once a user scans this code, your page would load in the app or browser. But the user is instantly prompted to like your content or page. While this method brings in more likes, it is considered to be spam.
Most marketers agree that leaving this decision to the user is a fair idea.
You do not necessarily have to ask for likes. You can use the exact same principles to get followers. Followers apply to pages (people can follow a page and see updates without liking it) or profiles. Sure, when you run a business, you should start a page and not a profile (it is against Facebook’s rules and it looks unprofessional).
Similarly, it’s possible to get people scanning QR Codes to either view a post, share it or like your content. It is all about the link you choose to add to your QR code. From this point of view, you might want to link the post advertising for a competition – regardless of its type. It could be a like and share competition or a real life event – up to you.
The post or image can be about anything. It might be a picture advertising for your special offers. You might as well link to a coupon or discount code. After all, people expect something in return. Many businesses provide incentives for those who scan their codes, so you might as well come up with a reward for scanning your code and doing whatever you asked for.
Even if someone does not use the Facebook application, the link will open into their default browser. But then, in order to do something that you ask for, they must have a Facebook account. Everything you want to do on Facebook requires an account – even seeing a post or an image.
How to make a QR code for Facebook – First method
The first method is the classic one. This means we would generate a QR Code that links to our Facebook page. Since we can link anywhere, this method is way better than Facebook’s own method for many reasons.
You can link to a post or an image, but you can also link to the actual action someone can perform. For example, it’s possible to link to the sharing or like function. This makes people do these actions automatically, they don’t have to decide themself. The downside of this is that it can come off a bit spammy if overused.
To generate a Facebook QR code, you will have to find a QR code generator. You can find many options for free. But then, they say you get what you pay for. What this means is that free services are usually rather basic. You can generate a QR Code without too many options for any customizations.
You can also choose to pay and get a deeper level of personalization – your logo in the middle, the Facebook logo or perhaps a pattern. You can also use colors, but stick to the basic rules for maximum scannability – good contrast, dark foreground and light background. If you fail to do so, some smartphones may not be able to scan your code.
Paid services can allow you to download QR Codes in different formats, like vector formats. This means you don’t have to worry about printing in large sizes. Once the QR Code is generated, feel free to use it anywhere. We can use QR Codes on flyers, magazines, products, shop windows, and etc.
How to make a QR code for Facebook – Second method
Facebook has not commented too much on its own proprietary QR code generator. Instead, marketers and experts had to figure out how it works themselves. Moreover, it was a surprise for many to find out that this feature was available in certain countries only. From this point of view, it may still be under development or perhaps it is only being tested.
All in all, in order to generate your own code via Facebook, you will need to go to the publishing tools for your page. If you can find an option to generate a QR code, consider yourself lucky. The best part is that Facebook allows a series of different designs, patterns and styles. However, you should still double check the code with multiple devices and apps before investing in bulk printing.
There are numerous options when generating a QR code. For example, you can also create a code for the user to automatically like your page when scanned. Some other codes will help the user check in to your location. Another one creates a recommendation for the page, not to mention the possibility to link to offers or to your review page.
Helpful tips and tricks when using a Facebook QR code
Make sure you plan your marketing campaign right and use the code in the right places. For example, it does not make such a good idea to advertise your Facebook QR code over your Facebook page. People are already there, so what is the point? You will find it surprising, but many newbies put it in the cover photo.
Just because it links to a social media profile and not a website, it does not mean that your QR code can be smaller than normal. For instance, if you sell small things, it may not be a good idea to display your code on the packaging. It has to be at least 0.4×0.4 inches for most devices to scan it. Bigger is better though, yet it depends on where you want to place it too.
Although you can link to actions that will be performed automatically (such as liking a page once the code is scanned, this action might feel like spam. Besides, what is the point of advertising to people who are not interested in what you do? While not entirely contraindicated, it seems to be less efficient than leaving all the action to the user.
Use a call to action as well. Regardless of where you place the code, users must know what happens when they scan it. Ask them to like your page, scan to see your special offers or join a competition. If they have no idea what they do, they are less likely to pull their phones out and start scanning.
It is also worth giving something in exchange. Lots of companies already do it, so people are used to scan for a coupon or a discount. No matter what it is, it has to be there for those who made the effort to scan your code.
Finally, stick to one code only. Do not place two or more codes one close to another, even if they link to different things. Get one and use it in your marketing campaign or you will confuse users.
Bottom line
As a short final conclusion, a Facebook QR code can and will work wonders in the long run if used correctly. Make sure you have the right link in place and drop it in high visibility areas. Check it on more devices before advertising for it though.
