Free QR code generators use ads to generate revenue. Paid QR code generators are funded by their subscribers directly. Developing and maintaining software tools requires time, labor, and financial resources.
Because of this, people can choose to either use a free QR code generator with ads, or to use a paid account. In this article, we’ll explain why it’s actually better for the company and their audience to use a paid account, and why free QR code generators are a risk, and the ads actually distract users from the QR code’s intent.
Free QR code generators have a hidden scan limit
Imagine your QR code campaign went viral and you’re getting a flood of scans you never expected! Just then, they stop. Crickets. What just happened…
Free QR code generators have a scan limit. Sometimes you know what that is, and sometimes you don’t. Either way, why would you limit your success?
It’s awful for potential customers when they’re about to get a great deal, and then it doesn’t turn out right. It’s like someone pulled the rug out from under them. Don’t expect them to find your website, social media, or some other place to track you down. You lose scans, you lose customers, you lose credibility, and you lose money, period.
Ads are a distraction and attempt to redirect users
Did you ever scan a code, click on a fun article, open an email, etc., only to find a loud, pushy, flashing ad on your screen that is blocking you from doing your original task? That is the best way to turn people off. Throw something in a user’s face like that and watch them run in the other direction. And even if someone clicked said ad, they’re no longer on your site and their chances of coming back to it has decreased.
Security is breached and may lead to QR code phishing
These ads might lead someone to unsafe scripts or malware. Malicious QR codes have become a growing concern. While the technology is fantastic with trusted, paid accounts, it can also be misused, like with anything else on the internet. You should only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Where there are still many skeptical people who only see risk, QR codes aren’t going anywhere and are the best tool for sharing amazing digital content that helps the masses. Therefore, as long as we use them properly, we will reap the benefits.
A lack of professionalism and dangerous sites appearing later
A few of the main problems with using a free QR code generator come from what the creator doesn’t know. They are either uninformed about the future outcome of the code, or the other thing that happens is that people don’t read the fine print. You have to pay attention. Don’t assume the codes will be abandoned by your customers forever. Whatever is attached to your name, you endorse. That’s why it’s so damaging to a brand’s reputation when the outcome goes bad. Here are just a few examples of free QR codes gone wrong.
When your URL expires, and someone else buys it, the QR code will get directed there. That’s more of a website shut down, but you can’t take the URL out of the QR code now because it isn’t dynamic. Therefore, your customers can be directed to your competitors, or even worse, there were cases of sites with lewd conduct that have taken over former URLs.
Marketing teams and designers sometimes rely on free QR code generators or the tools offered by printers when creating business cards or promotional flyers. However, if the QR code expires after a certain period of time or after a certain number of scans, it limits the reach and effectiveness of your marketing campaign.
Free QR code generators often reuse old QR codes. Paid tools do not do this. So when another company takes over your old QR code, you will destroy your brand image if a code that is on your materials leads to unsavory content.
Don’t you love the extras?
Free QR code generators do not offer additional features. Yes, you can use design tools. But what about the analytics, bulk QR code generation, dynamic editability, API access, team support, and white label solutions? Don’t try to take a shortcut only to end up disappointed that the campaign you worked so hard on now isn’t receiving the recognition it’s worth because it can’t be optimized to its full capabilities.
Free QR code generators offer no analytics
Lost sales hurt your campaign more than paying a monthly QR code hosting fee. How would you know how many people are responding? If there’s social media involved, you could track followers. If there are sales involved, you could track revenue. But that’s not enough. For effective QR code marketing, you need to have metrics. QR code tracking is important because if no one is scanning, there are low numbers in one city but not another, or people only scan certain times a day, or on certain days, you need to know that.
Old school marketing does not include analytics. You put up a billboard or ran a TV commercial, and then people did or did not respond, leaving you to question why. Do you really want to go back to antiquated advertising? A QR code on a billboard allows marketers to track how many people responded to that campaign. It’s better to know where your customers responded and where engagement ended to adjust your campaigns. A/B testing over time is the key.
Dynamic QR codes are editable on the backend without reprinting physical codes
Which brings us to our next point: dynamic vs. static QR codes are editable. Static QR codes that come with free QR code generators are not editable. It is way too easy to make mistakes. You have to test QR codes before launching them to make sure all of the information is correct, and your content is mobile-optimized.
The second reason why editability is important is because you need to adjust your campaigns. What if you have a QR code for multiple links and you decide to change the different content out with fresh information over time? You should be able to make updates as many times as you want. Having an outdated code with broken and old links is inconvenient for users.
Another reason to use dynamic QR codes is that you need to be able to adjust your campaigns according to what you find during A/B testing.
You’re missing out on bulk QR code generation
That’s awful for campaigns that need a personalized touch. What if you have an event and everyone who scans QR codes on cups and downloads the app has a chance of winning a free prize? What if you need to serialize a product or include batch information for that lot of products, and there is no way to do it?
Bulk QR code generators are not free. With that level of technology, it has to be paid for. Most accounts that offer it run about $50 per month, and for a campaign that’s going to bring an ROI much higher than that, you have to spend a little to make a little.
If you’re wondering how bulk QR code generation can work for you, please check out our linked articles and explore all the cool options you can use to make personalized campaigns that bring success and offer the audience a unique experience for all types of purposes, events, products, and more.
Did you read the fine lines?
Free QR code generators come at a cost. You just don’t know what that is, and whether or not they disclose that to you, you take a risk. What kinds of risks? Your code may stop working altogether, may redirect to new sites in the future if someone takes over your free account, displays obnoxious, flashing ads robbing you of professionalism, etc. The ROI is so much higher when you spend around $50 on a QR code generator plan that accelerates your business. You can also choose a less expensive plan if you already know what works for you.
