10 Uses of QR Codes for the Church

QR codes are growing in rapidly in usage in large part due to the cultural adoption of smartphones.  QR codes have been around for a long time, but the smartphone makes the codes highly usable.  QR codes are basically links to content.  This content can live on the internet or in the case of text, the content can be imbedded within the code itself.  You can use a QR code to direct people to a variety of content:

• Text
• Hyperlink
• Browser bookmark
• Contact information (like a vcard)
• Calendar event
• Email address
• Phone number
• SMS
• Geo locations and maps

Here are 10 uses for QR codes in the church.

1. Print the QR code on your offering envelope to give people and quick and easy way to give online during the worship service.
2. Add a QR code to your business card and rather than giving someone your card have them scan your code.  It’s a quick way to get your contact info into their phone.
3. Use a QR code as a modern day tract.  Have the code open a video on your website or YouTube.
4. Use a QR code for people to download the “bulletin” digitally.
5. Add a QR code to your direct mail to direct people to a welcome video or landing page on your website.
6. Use a QR code in place of a map on mailings.  When you scan the code it will bring up the map app with directions on your phone.
7. Use a QR code in print material to take people to more information on a website.  This keeps print simple with only the most essential wording.
8. Use a QR code for first time visitors.  You can have the code direct them to a free gift.
9. Use a QR code for calendar events.  Scan the code and the event is downloaded to your calendar app.
10. Use a QR code to get people to update their contact info in the church database.

I’m sure there are dozens more uses for QR codes.  Let us know what you are doing in the comments.  Let us also know if you think QR codes have caught on enough to be used.

There are lots of free QR code generators out there.  Just Google it and you’ll find several.  One I like is Esponce.  It even allows you to put your logo in the code for a custom look.