You’re Doing It Wrong: 7 Terrible Ways People Use QR Codes

qr codes
Adobestock #391670581

Share

3. QR to Dead Ends

QR codes have the massive potential to deepen engagement, lead to further connection, and facilitate more ministry. But if the QR code you create leads to just one little thing and then hits stop, you’ve missed out on the potential. The QR code you make can go to any webpage, even a super crazy long one. Instead of limiting it to yourchurchwebsite.com and hoping people can navigate from there to their destination, take them all the way to the content you want them to have and make sure that content also leads to other content. Like this. Or this. Think of the QR code like an entrance ramp to the highway, the beginning of a journey of digital engagement. It’s the start of a road that can take you to many destinations. Don’t limit the road trip to a cul-de-sac!

4. QR on Road-Side Signs

Again, they can function if you put them on the sign out front or a temporary yard sign. But in my experience, you shouldn’t do it. I’ll admit: I’m guilty of this (and learned the hard way). I printed one on an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper to hang in the window once. Spoiler: it didn’t work out. The problem with using QR codes on road-side signs is that they’re too small. People aren’t close to road-side signs to scan them. So the code would be too little for the smartphone to process. Again, the camera has to be able to see the code. You don’t want drivers swerving off the road or crashing into your bushes just so they can scan your QR code. The trustees wouldn’t like that.

5. QR Without an Accompanying Web Address

Some people don’t have (or like to use) smartphones. Even if they have one, they might not know how to use the QR code. To them, it’s just a black and white square of mystery. As I mentioned above, include a phrase like “Scan this code to [insert goal here: learn more, etc.] or go to www.mychurchisbetterthanyours.com.”

6. QR in a Non-Tech or Low-Tech Environment

Though you may enjoy the latest technologies, you’ll do well to remember that not everyone else has attained your level of tech-savy. Use the right tools for the job. If your congregation or target audience is still using flip phones or dial up, this might be your queue to consider low-tech forms of communication. QR codes simply wouldn’t reach their potential in such an environment. We need to communicate in ways that people can understand and receive.

7. QR on Every Stinking Thing

Like many new technologies, QR codes are exciting and full of potential. But don’t let the novelty lead you to overdo it. Start with one or two. See how well they work toward your goals. Are people using them? Is it helpful? Then gradually consider adding more. The slap-one-on-every-surface approach is a bit overboard. (I wouldn’t put them on a shirt either, but mostly because it seems lame). Pace yourself.

There you have it, seven no-nos when it comes to QR codes. Need a few good ideas? Consider using a QR code to offer a digital bulletin / weekly announcements (put a copy of your bulletin announcements on your website; then point the QR code there). Add a QR to your flyers, bulletin boards, or business cards. I’ve heard of some people putting QR codes around their church building to create a virtual tour (though I’m not exactly sure why they don’t just have a friendly human to offer the tour to new guests). If you write your own curriculum, you could include a QR code to additional resources like supplemental videos. Once when a church met for worship at the local park, since they didn’t have a video projector, they put song lyrics on their website so people could use their smartphones to follow along. The possibilities are endless. Do you have more ideas? I’d love to hear them. Seriously, tell me how you’re using them. Maybe I’ll steal (I mean use) your ideas.

There are infinite ways to use QR codes to enhance your ministry and engage with people. However you choose to use them, be sure to prioritize people over tools, faithfulness over the fads, and mission over mere activity. This is a great tool. A free tool. It would be silly to misuse or omit it altogether. Happy QRing!

Continue Reading...

Steve Baney
Steve Baney is a Nazarene missiologist with over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Computer Science from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a Master of Divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Missiology from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. Dr. Baney has published work globally in print and online, including the best-selling book “Shaping Worship: 70 Devotions for Worship Leaders and Teams.” Outside of work, he enjoys drinking strong coffee and walking with his wife, two kids, and monster dog. Learn more at pastorstevebaney.com

Read more

Latest Articles