How to create a QR code: the ultimate step-by-step guide 

QR codes have modernized our shopping and research experience. Customers withsmartphones can now initiate actions such as visiting a website, initiating a conversation or phone call, pointing to a location on Google Maps, etc. with a single gesture.

They have made their way into many businesses and are becoming more and more popular as consumers have finally learned how to use them. Today, all SMEs want to learn how to create QR codes to differentiate themselves from the competition and generate sales through contactless solutions.

Anyone with access to the web can easily create a QR code. 

Below you will discover a list of the best QR code generators. But let's start by understanding what QR codes are and how they work.


What is a QR code?

A QR code is a type of code that contains much more information than standard barcodes. It can store up to 4,296 characters, enough for a website address, an email address and more. 

It is a type of code that anyone can scan and read with thecamera of their smartphone. QR code stands for quick response code. "Quick" because consumers can scan it with a smartphone and get instant access to information. 



How do QR codes work?

QR codes may seem "geeky", but you don't need to understand the complex technology behind them. Just know that there are two elements to using QR codes: someone must generate the code, and then the user must scan the code to read it. 

A hair salon or beauty salon that wants to share information with customers or prospects must first generate a two-dimensional code. 

To create one, you will needa QR code generator. This is a software application that helps you create your own unique QR code image.

You can find many generators on the web. Choose one from our list below. Enter the information you want to send in the fields. Press a button.

Here it is! The output is a QR code image file that you can download. You then display the image in your salon reception area, waiting room, a styling station, on your shop window, an email, a Facebook or Instagram post, or elsewhere.


Create a QR code for your hair salon or beauty salon step by step 

The steps to create it are so simple that you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. 


1. Choose your goal

In the first step of creating a QR code, choose your goal. Start with the end in mind. What are your needs? What information do you want to share?

Here are some examples of use cases:

  • Insert a QR code on a brochure leading to Google Map with directions to the location of your hair salon or beauty salon.
  • Use a QR code to take the recipient to your website or the "services map" part of your website.
  • To get reviews, you can also create a support with a QR code that leads directly to the review section of your Facebook page or Google my Business page.
  • Create a QR code that will allow your customers to easily "like" your Facebook page (or subscribe to your Instagram account)



2. Find a QR code generator

The second step to create QR codes is to find a QR code generator.

Code generation applications are easy to use. You enter information in the appropriate field, press a button and you instantly get a QR code in the form of an image. 

Free QR code generators are a good place to start if your needs are simple. If you're planning multiple campaigns or have specific design or feature needs, a paid platform offers more flexibility. 

Here is a list of QR Code generators:


Unitag 

Unitag has an easy to use interface to quickly create a QR code with lifetime code validity. For more information, click here or scan the following code.



QRCode Monkey

Codes generated by QRCode Monkey do not expire and you also get the highest resolutions for printing with svg, eps and pdf formats to download. There is also a premium version called QRCode Studio. Visit QRCode Monkey or scan this code for more information.



QR Code Generator

QR-Code-Generator is one of the first companies to provide the service online. The Pro level allows you to fully customize your dynamic QR code with your logo. You can track "when and where" people scan your codes and export the data to CSV reports. Visit QR Code Generator or scan the following QR code.


QR Stuff

QR Stuff offers codes with over 25 data types, and 23 of them are available in the free level. For more information, click here or scan the following code.


3. Choose the type of your QR code: static or dynamic.

Before creating a QR code, it is important to know the two main types of QR code: static and dynamic.


Static QR Codes

A static QR code is fixed, which means that the data stored in it cannot be changed once the QR code has been generated. It is used to provide permanent information. In case of changes, a new QR code will have to be reissued. You must therefore think carefully, when creating a QR code of this type, about the information you want to store inside.


Dynamic QR Codes

A dynamic QR code is an editable code. This is accomplished via a redirected URL. The content is not stored in the QR code, but in the URL of the website. Unlike a static QR code, the information it points to can be changed


4. Enter the information and test your QR code

The next step is to enter data and personalize your QR code. 

For example, you can be creative, going beyond the traditional black and white QR code. Add your hair salon or beauty salon logo to reinforce your company's reputation

Test your QR code to make sure it works. Testing is especially important for static code. Once you have printed brochures with a static code, for example, you will need to reprint them to correct typos or make a change to outdated or incorrect information.


5. Download your QR code 

Step 5 is to upload the QR code you have created. The best generating platforms allow you tosave QR images in different file formats. And the format you choose should take into account where you plan to use the code. Printing, for example, requires higher quality formats.



If you plan to use QR codes on a web page, a gif, jpeg, jpg, bmp or png format will work. 

And if you plan to print the QR code, you will need a quality that is crisp and clear. This can be in an svg, eps or pdf format. This is important to maintain the integrity of your QR code. A high resolution png file will also work for printing.


Discover contactless appointment booking with Wavy 

Thanks to an NFC sticker, your customers will be able to access the online appointment booking page directly on their smartphone! 

Your customers can book quickly by holding their NFC-enabled phone next to the NFC sticker on the window or door of your salon or beauty salon. This will automatically open your online booking site. 


In a more pragmatic way, you just have toapproach your smartphone to the NFC sticker, to go to your online booking site in one single action and instantly



For more information on the NFC sticker or to order one, please visit this page

If you are not yet a customer of Wavy, we offer you the opportunity to book a free demo with one of our experts. You will learn about the Wavy application, and how our cash register software platform can boost your hair salon, beauty salon or barbershop, while facilitating your digital experience, that of your employees and that of your customers.


Written by
Farah
Interested in beauty and hairstyling, I am Content Manager at Wavy. I am delighted to be able to share my discoveries in this sector with you today.

Also to be consulted