This is the final post in our QR code series. If you want to check previous posts on how to plan a QR code marketing campaign, build mobile landing pages, construct QR code ads and more, head here.

In this post I’m focusing on a tedious, but really important part of every professional QR code marketing campaign. I designed this post so you can use it as a 3 part checklist each time before publishing a QR code ad. Following this steps will make sure your QR code campaign gets out as it should and you can appropriately track its performance.

1. Use QR Code Software That Enables You to Change The Link Destination

QR codes are meant to be printed, so you really have to be super careful not to publish a wrong link as it might end up being really expensive for you. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this happen too many times.

Therefore, I would wholeheartedly suggest you to generate your QR codes with a versatile QR code software that enables you to always change the destination URL. Not only that, using this kind of QR code software can also enable you to change the landing page on specific days and actively manage performance and ROI of your campaign. My recommendation is, of course, Splitter.

2. Don’t Use A QR Code That Can’t Be Tracked

You would assume that effectively measuring marketing performance is common sense by now, but too many marketers forget about it when it comes to QR codes. Don’t be one of them. Always generate your QR codes with software that gives you granular real-time analytics about your campaign performance.

Interested in where your customers are scanning your QR codes, on which devices and at what time? Splitter and QR codes finally enable us to get actionable analytics on previously unmeasurable marketing material, such as print ads and posters.

3. ABT: Always Be Testing

Your QR code is all set, you know where you are linking it to and the ad is ready to be shipped to the printer. If you don’t want any unwanted surprises, you should do the final check at this point. Print your ad yourself and try scanning the QR code with different mobile devices and using various scanner apps. (Don’t forget to print the ad in its real size, otherwise the test won’t matter much.)

The most important thing to double check at this point is that your QR code is simple enough. (If you’ve followed our instructions to always use a short URL, it should be.) And also, don’t forget to print it big enough so people can scan it. We’ve covered this more in depth in our previous blog post on tips for publishing a perfect QR code ad.

Measuring your audience, their interactions and getting closer to your business goals through offline campaigns has never been easier. In the world where smartphones are ubiquitous, QR codes are an extremely effective tactic to get smarter about the offline marketing activities. Following the steps that I’ve laid out in this QR code series should make it really simple for you to jump on the QR code bandwagon and avoid some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen in this space.

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Originally posted 2013-07-26 18:16:59.