Creating QR Codes
Create your first Qlink (dynamic QR Code & Shortlink) in just minutes. This comprehensive guide covers every step from planning to deployment, ensuring your Qlink is effective and trackable.
Before You Begin
Section titled “Before You Begin”Planning Your Qlink
Section titled “Planning Your Qlink”Ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the goal? (drive traffic, share info, collect leads)
- Who’s your audience? (customers, prospects, team members)
- Where will it be used? (print, digital, physical location)
- How will success be measured? (scans, conversions, engagement)
Choose Your Qlink Type
Section titled “Choose Your Qlink Type”| Type | Best For | Setup Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website URL | Existing websites | 2 minutes | Simple, fast, trackable |
| Landing Page | Custom content | 5-10 minutes | Built-in builder, forms |
| Contact Card | Business cards | 3 minutes | vCard download |
| WiFi Access | Guest networks | 2 minutes | Auto-connect |
Step-by-Step Creation Process
Section titled “Step-by-Step Creation Process”Step 1: Access the Creator
Section titled “Step 1: Access the Creator”- Log in to your Rytinco dashboard
- Click “Create New” (big blue button)
- Choose your Qlink type from the options
Step 2: Configure Your Destination
Section titled “Step 2: Configure Your Destination”For Website Qlinks
Section titled “For Website Qlinks”Basic Information:
- Name: Descriptive name for your dashboard (e.g., “Restaurant Menu - Main St”)
- Description: Optional details about the Qlinks’s purpose
- Destination URL: Where people will go when they scan
- Fallback URL: Optional backup URL if primary destination fails
Advanced Options:
- UTM Parameters: Track in Google Analytics
Step 3: Design Your QR Code
Section titled “Step 3: Design Your QR Code”Quick Design Setup:
- Foreground Color: The dark parts of the QR code
- Background Color: The light parts (usually white)
- Logo Upload: Add your brand logo to the center
- Shape Style: Square, rounded, or circular corners
Step 4: Test and Preview
Section titled “Step 4: Test and Preview”Always Test Before Deployment:
- Preview: See how your Qlink - QR Code will look
- Test Scan: Use your phone to test the QR Code
- Check Destination: Verify it opens the correct content
- Mobile Optimization: Test on different devices
- Error Handling: Test with poor network conditions
Step 5: Download and Deploy
Section titled “Step 5: Download and Deploy”Download Options:
- Format: PNG (most common), SVG (scalable)
Design Essentials
Section titled “Design Essentials”Quick Design Rules
Section titled “Quick Design Rules”Essential Guidelines:
- High contrast: Dark colors on light backgrounds work best
- Minimum size: 2cm x 2cm for reliable scanning
- Logo limit: Keep logos under 20% of QR code area
- Test extensively: Always test on multiple devices
Comprehensive Design Guide: For detailed color combinations, logo integration, sizing guidelines, and advanced customization options, visit our Complete Design Guide.
Advanced Configuration
Section titled “Advanced Configuration”UTM Parameter Setup
Section titled “UTM Parameter Setup”Basic UTM Tracking:
- Campaign Source: Where your Qlink is placed (e.g.,
poster,table-tent) - Campaign Medium: Always use
rytinco - Campaign Name: Your campaign identifier (e.g.,
summer-promotion)
Complete UTM Guide: For detailed UTM parameter setup, Google Analytics integration, and advanced tracking strategies, see our UTM Tracking Guide.
Quality Assurance Checklist
Section titled “Quality Assurance Checklist”Pre-Deployment Testing
Section titled “Pre-Deployment Testing”Test Every Qlink - QR Code & Shortlink:
- iPhone Test: Test with iPhone camera app
- Android Test: Test with Android camera app
- Third-Party Apps: Test with dedicated QR code apps
- Different Lighting: Test in various lighting conditions
- Different Angles: Test scanning from different angles
- Different Distances: Test close-up and far away
- Destination Check: Verify final destination loads correctly
- Mobile Optimization: Check mobile user experience
Common Issues to Check
Section titled “Common Issues to Check”Scanning Problems:
- ❌ Too Small: Qlink - QR Code smaller than 2cm x 2cm
- ❌ Low Contrast: Colors too similar
- ❌ Damaged Print: Poor print quality or damaged surface
- ❌ Logo Too Large: Logo covering too much of the code
- ❌ Poor Lighting: Testing in inadequate lighting
Destination Issues:
- ❌ Wrong URL: Typo in destination URL
- ❌ Broken Link: Destination doesn’t exist
- ❌ Mobile Unfriendly: Destination not mobile-optimized
- ❌ Slow Loading: Destination takes too long to load
- ❌ HTTPS Issues: Mixed content warnings
Launch Strategy
Section titled “Launch Strategy”Soft Launch Testing
Section titled “Soft Launch Testing”Before Full Deployment:
- Create Test QR Code: Make a test version
- Limited Distribution: Share with small group first
- Monitor Analytics: Check for any issues
- Gather Feedback: Ask test users about experience
- Iterate and Improve: Make adjustments based on feedback
Full Deployment
Section titled “Full Deployment”Launch Checklist:
- QR Code Tested: Thoroughly tested on multiple devices
- Print Quality: High-resolution files prepared
- Placement Strategy: Optimal locations identified
- Team Training: Staff knows how to help customers
- Analytics Ready: Tracking properly configured
- Support Plan: Know how to handle issues
Pro Tips
Section titled “Pro Tips”Creating High-Performance QR Codes
Section titled “Creating High-Performance QR Codes”- Keep It Simple: Simple destinations work best
- Mobile First: 70%+ of scans happen on mobile
- Test Everything: Never deploy without testing
- Monitor Performance: Check analytics weekly
- Update Regularly: Take advantage of dynamic capabilities
Common Beginner Mistakes
Section titled “Common Beginner Mistakes”- ❌ Not testing on multiple devices before printing
- ❌ Making QR codes too small for reliable scanning
- ❌ Not planning for mobile optimization of destinations
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”If Your Qlink - QR Code Won’t Scan
Section titled “If Your Qlink - QR Code Won’t Scan”Quick Fixes:
- Check Size: Ensure minimum 2cm x 2cm
- Improve Contrast: Use darker colors on light background
- Clean Surface: Remove any dirt or scratches
- Better Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting
- Different Device: Try scanning with different phone
If Analytics Aren’t Working
Section titled “If Analytics Aren’t Working”Common Solutions:
- Wait 5-10 Minutes: Data takes time to appear
- Check UTM Setup: Verify parameters are correct
- Test Direct Link: Visit the Qlink URL directly
- Clear Browser Cache: Refresh and try again
- Contact Support: We’re here to help!
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Your Qlink is Created! What’s Next?
Customize Design: Learn advanced design techniques Track Performance: Set up analytics dashboard Dynamic Updates: Learn about dynamic vs static Team Collaboration: Invite team members
Congratulations! You’ve created your first Qlink. Now monitor its performance and optimize for even better results.