QR Code Scan Rate: 11 Tactics for Excellent Campaign Results

Achieving a high QR code scan rate during your campaigns is a challenge you shouldn’t take lightly. 

QR codes are indeed easy to generate, but the key to achieving successful QR code marketing lies in the techniques you apply, which are vital for the overall execution of the campaigns.

In this article, we go over the difference between scan rate and scan-through rate and their significance for measuring QR code performance.

We also cover the reasons why people scan QR codes and actionable strategies partnered with the best QR code generator to achieve excellent scan rates for your QR code campaigns.

Let’s dive in.  

Table of Contents

1. QR code scan rate vs. QR code scan-through rate and how to measure them
   • Scan rate
   • Scan-through rate
2. Why people scan QR codes: Understanding consumers’ scanning behaviors
3. Effective ways to improve your QR code scan rates
   • Create an engaging landing page
   • Choose the best QR code generator
   • Use dynamic QR codes
   • Make your QR code stand out
   • Avoid inverting your QR code’s colors
   • Use high-contrast colors
   • Add a short call-to-action (CTA)
   • Test your QR codes
   • Choose the right size for your QR codes
   • Assess the locations where you will be deploying your QR codes
4. More facts about QR code scans you need to know
5. Create eye-catching and effective QR codes with QR TIGER
6. FAQ

QR code scan rate vs. QR code scan-through rate and how to measure them

Since we are moving toward a more digitalized space, being quick on one’s feet to adapt to technological changes is every marketer’s greatest strength. That includes the adoption of QR codes as a means to communicate with our target audience offline and online. 

Quick Response (QR) codes have been gaining popularity in marketing and advertising—with a 323 percent usage growth—because of their ability to add a digital dimension to static collaterals, attracting more people to engage with them. 

Ikea, Pepsi Co., and Nike are only some of the many brands with QR code examples for nailing this mobile-first marketing strategy. 

But how do we know if a QR code marketing effort is being effective? 

Well, it’s not just about how QR codes are read by QR code scanners and the data a QR code generator collects, it lies in the analysis of their scan rates and scan-through rates. 

While they may be related to the interaction with QR codes, they actually connote different things. 

Scan rate

Your QR code’s scan rate is the number of times your code was scanned over a period of time. This metric can tell you exactly how often your QR code is scanned.

Scan-through rate

A scan-through rate refers to the number of scans your QR code received over the number of times it was seen. 

This scan metric is the perfect way to measure the effectiveness of your QR codes since it records the number of people who actually see your code.   

Why people scan QR codes: Understanding consumers’ scanning behaviors

There are several reasons why someone would scan QR codes, especially since they’ve become widespread today.

Satisfy their curiosity

The first and foremost reason is to satisfy their curiosity. QR codes don’t explicitly provide information, forcing people to scan them with their mobile devices. Marketers have already used this effectively in some of the best QR code marketing campaigns worldwide.

Check product information

As the gateway to digital information, QR codes are being used to provide more information on product packaging. For those looking to learn more about the items they wish to purchase, one quick scan is enough to bring them everything they need to know.

It’s worth mentioning that this was the main purpose of QR codes before the world found more ways of using them. In fact, they are so efficient at storing information that the QR code will replace the barcode in 2027.

Give feedback

Providing feedback on goods and services usually requires clicking through more than one button to get to the form. However, businesses and organizations have started using QR codes to make this easier. 

For those seeking to comment on the products and services they’ve received, a quick scan of a QR code is all they need.

Perform cashless payments

This method of using QR codes is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its speed and convenience. With many payment processors integrating them into their applications, the use of 2D barcodes for financial transactions is slowly becoming the norm. 

Now, you may be asking, “Is scanning QR codes safe?” And the answer to that is yes, since QR codes for payments are usually generated right before making a financial transaction. 

However, cashless payments can be made via a printed QR code. Make sure the code is from a trusted source to avoid malicious codes when making payments.

Visit someone’s social media channels

In today’s digital world, it’s become so easy to stay up to date with our favorite brands and influencers. Thanks to QR codes, this becomes even easier. With one scan, interested parties can immediately check out someone’s social media.

If influencers and businesses want their audience to easily find all their channels, they use a link-in-bio QR code from a dynamic QR code generator to direct them to all their links with one code!

Get access to the WiFi

Everyone wants to stay connected online for one reason or another. When not on your wired connections, this is done by connecting to the WiFi network. 

However, many networks can be password-protected. For establishments like cafes and restaurants, people can get these passwords by making a purchase and looking at the receipt. 

Nowadays, WiFi networks can be accessed by scanning a WiFi QR code provided by the establishment. Why should you make a QR code for your WiFi access when passwords can be given out?

Well, a WiFi QR code allows instant access, saving your customers time and energy while leaving a good impression.

Receive contact information

Business cards are a popular way of sharing contact information among professionals. 

Now, they are beginning to use a QR code that contains their contact details when networking with peers. With one scan, the scanning device saves all the ways one can be contacted.

Effective ways to improve your QR code scan rates

A good scan rate is a sign that your QR codes are working as intended. Here are essential tips to ensure that your audience consistently scans your codes:

Create an engaging landing page

Even if it only takes a second, users should feel like the time they took to pull their phones out and scan a QR code was worth it. They should never be turned away from the content within your QR code, nor should they be bored navigating through it.

Creating an engaging landing page is a must to achieve the best QR code response rates. This will encourage your audience to stay longer and scan your future QR codes.

Additionally, your landing page should be optimized for smartphones to make the user experience unproblematic for your audience.

Choose the best QR code generator

As with any project, having the right tool for the job will always get you the best results. When it comes to getting the best scan rates for your QR codes, you will need to use the best QR code platform online. 

Qualities you should look for in a good QR code software include:

• Compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations
• ISO-27001 certification
• QR code scan analytics
• Scalability and flexibility

Use dynamic QR codes

Another way to improve your scan rate is to use dynamic QR codes. This will allow you to track the number of scans your QR code gets. You can also learn which devices your audience uses when scanning and their general locations.

With these metrics, you can optimize future QR code campaigns to get even more scans.

Make your QR code stand out

Your QR codes won’t get scanned if they don’t capture the attention of your intended audience. While you can surround your codes with eye-catching colors and images, you can take this a step further by customizing your QR code itself. 

Make your QR code stand out using a QR code generator with logo integration to customize your code’s colors, shape, pattern, and overall branding. 

Avoid inverting your QR code’s colors

This is a crucial tip to improve your scan rates. Typically, QR codes have black squares with a white background. This makes it easier for devices to read. Despite this, nothing is keeping you from using any color you can think of.

However, it is important to keep in mind that a dark foreground color and light background color significantly improve your QR code’s scannability. For excellent scan rates, you should always follow this combination.

Use high-contrast colors

Even if the best QR code generator allows you to use any color on the spectrum, this doesn’t mean any combination of colors will work best. 

For example, using light shades of colors for your foreground and background colors can make your QR code difficult to scan. The same is true for using darker shades. 

The best colors to use to increase your scan rates are always those that contrast each other.

Add a short call-to-action (CTA)

While most people know what to do when faced with a QR code, it doesn’t hurt to offer them a little encouragement. No matter what your QR code is for, it is more likely to get scanned when it includes a call to action below it. 

Your CTA doesn’t have to be long, either. Even a simple “Scan Me” is enough to improve your scan rates.

Test your QR codes

To avoid asking yourself, “Why isn't my QR code scanning?” test your QR codes before printing and distributing them. 

How do you perform a QR code test in the first place? It’s easy! Simply use your smartphone and scan the code, either with your built-in scanner or a third-party scanner. 

When your QR code can be scanned from any angle and orientation, it’s ready to be shared with your audience.

Choose the right size for your QR codes

While QR codes can be printed on almost any surface, deciding on the most appropriate size before printing is important. This will depend on what you are using the QR codes for and where you will be displaying them.

For example, a QR code on a billboard advertisement along the highway should be big enough to be scanned from a distance. Choosing the perfect size can convince your audience to scan QR code Android style or with an iOS.

Assess the locations where you will be deploying your QR codes

Before deploying your QR codes, you should look into the locations you wish to display them in. You never want to put your QR code in an area with no cell signal or internet connection since this will make your code essentially useless. 

You also shouldn’t have anything blocking your QR codes, nor should you display them in a way that makes them difficult to scan.

More facts about QR code scans you need to know

Here’s more information you shouldn’t miss when talking about the QR code scanning phenomenon around the world:

Average scan rate for QR codes 

Scan rates differ per industry and platform. For example, a Brightline report says that the average scan rate for QR code ads delivered to connected TVs was only 0.011%. 

However, data from Time & Space tells us that products that use QR codes for connected packaging have a 14% scan rate. 

One thing is certain, however. QR code scans are increasing worldwide. According to our studies, global scan rates have grown by 57% across 50 countries.

Percentage of people scanning QR codes

According to a survey by MobileIron, 84 percent of people in the United States and the United Kingdom have scanned a QR code at least once. Additionally, 32% did so in the past week, while 26% scanned one in the past month.

When it comes to scanning QR codes more than once, a report from Scantrust found that 48% of Americans scan QR codes several times a month. What’s more, 22% of them scan QR codes several times a week.

In terms of scan frequency among men and women, a study that looked into the factors influencing the QR code scan rate in Trivandrum City found that 100% of male respondents used QR codes sometimes. 

On the other hand, 57% of women sometimes scan QR codes, while 43% scan them often. The study also found that 29% of QR code scanners are students, while 71% are salaried.

These stats show you why dynamic QR codes are better for your marketing in every way.

Smartphones are the most popular means to scan QR codes

QR codes were originally scanned using specially designed devices dedicated to this task. However, the use of smartphone cameras as QR code scanners began gaining popularity when Sharp released the first mobile phone with a QR scanner app in 2002.

Due to recent updates on both Android and iOS systems, the built-in cameras on devices from these platforms can scan QR codes without the need for third-party apps.  

With almost 89 million smartphone users scanning a QR code in the United States alone, smartphones are considered to be the most used device for QR code scans. 

Create eye-catching and effective QR codes with QR TIGER

Having an excellent scan rate is not just about placing your QR codes on flyers and posters. It’s about attracting the attention of your audience and providing them with an engaging and meaningful experience.

Using our advanced QR code platform, you can achieve all of this and more. With our software’s advanced scan tracking capabilities, you can monitor your QR code scan rate in real time. 

We also offer a robust customization suite for QR codes, allowing you to create unique codes that represent your brand. 

Sign up for our freemium plan and generate up to 3 dynamic QR codes today!

FAQ

What is the accuracy of QR codes?

Because of Reed-Solomon error correction, QR code scans are very accurate. Four error-correction levels determine how much of the code can be damaged before it can’t be read.

•  L (7%)
• M (15%)
• Q (25%)
• H (30%)

Is scanning QR codes safe?

QR codes are generally secure since they can’t be hacked. However, malicious actors are still capable of harming others through other means. 

One example is covering a trusted QR code with one of their own. This QR code can direct users to dangerous websites or automatically download harmful software.

Why isn't my QR code scanning?

There are many reasons why your QR code can’t be scanned. These include:

• A broken link was embedded into your code.
• Your QR code is over-customized.
• Your QR code is damaged beyond what the error correction level allows.