Creating QR Code to Gain Followers and Fans

by Shannon McDonald of McDonald Mixed Media

This is my first year having a vendor booth and setting up for shows like the SOWA Open Market and Vintage Bazaar. While I was preparing for these shows I spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted my booth to look and how I wanted to share my information. Business cards are of course wonderful but I got the idea of the QR code from my coworker and photographer Nick Schietromo. I had seen these little black and white boxes but didn't know what they were used for and how they worked. He explained how easy it was and I thought what a better way to have people directly access my information. You simply scan the code with your smartphone and BOOM they can become a fan or follow you instantly! What is better than that? 

What exactly is a QR Code?

It is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, 

typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone.

Why use them?

It is an easy way for people to quickly follow you on social media. Once they have the app all they have to do it scan the square and it will bring them directly to your Etsy Store, Facebook Fan Page or Instagram. I created a list that I framed and bring with me to craft shows. 

It is easy for people to scan it and find you. 

STEP ONE

Download a QR Barcode Scanner to your smartphone. There are plenty of FREE options available for download thru Google Play if you are an Android user or Itunes if using an Iphone. 

This way you can test out your cost before displaying them anywhere. 

I simply searched for "QR SCANNER"

STEP TWO

Create the QR codes. I have produced QR codes for my Etsy Store, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and my website. All you have to do is copy the link into QRstuff.com and the website will create your code for download. You can Google "QR Code Generator" and there are so many options. 

This site allows you to download, print and email your codes. Simply copy and paste the desired link in.  I downloaded the codes so I could place them all in a Word document. 

STEP THREE 

Create your Word document and start to adding the codes. Online I found some open use social media icons which I added. They matched the color scheme in my logo. 

STEP FOUR

Print it out and frame it! 

I bring this with me to every show that I do. People use it! Trust me.