A LinkedIn QR code is a small piece of growth hacking that you can implement in any campaign.
They’re relatively easy to create, and you can even use them for tracking and monitoring.
Think of them like the free CDs that you used to get to make books more interesting. Now the QR code has replaced the CD as a way to expand a prospect’s horizons.
In this guide, we want to show you how you can use LinkedIn QR codes to take your prospect acquisition to the next level and take your static physical marketing tools and give them a modern twist.
What is a LinkedIn QR Code
A LinkedIn QR code is a QR code that leads your prospects immediately to your LinkedIn profile.
Its use is steadily growing in business stationery and as a way for potential prospects, employers, or connections to find you online quickly.
However, LinkedIn QR codes don’t only have to contain your LinkedIn information.
You can send a user with your QR code to a landing page with a link to your profile and other socials, or use the QR code in a contact card.
There are a number of possibilities that you can play around with.
The Benefits of QR Codes
It Helps Expand Your Reach
A QR code is an easy way for people to connect with you, so you should expect the number of your connections to increase when you start using them.
Plus, they’re universal, most smartphones can read QR codes so there aren’t a lot of problems.
All you have to do is generate one QR code, and you’re good to go.
They Can Easily Turn Your Physical Media Into Online Connections
If you make a living connecting with people, then you regularly carry business cards on your person.
But, there’s a problem with print media.
They might contain the links to your online profiles or website, but they’re not exactly digital.
There is still the additional step of typing down the link that you have or Googling who you are for your prospects to connect with you.
This causes problems because it lengthens the chain between the receipt of your stationery to the connection online. There is the risk of misspellings and it increases the time it takes for them to see you online.
Using a QR code makes it easier for people to accurately connect with you once they pull out their phone to scan your code, they can then immediately jump to your page.
They’re Interesting
Marketing and growth hacking are always about creating little things that can pique the interest of your prospects, and there’s nothing more mysterious than a QR code.
The fact that it has to be decoded is already a treat in itself because it arouses curiosity.
Now that’s something that you want.
Curiosity gets people interested in what you have to offer.
You Can Track Who’s Used Your Code
Remember our saying?
“You can’t growth hack if you don’t track”?
Well, it works with QR codes as well, there are a lot of paid apps that allow you to track who’s been using your QR codes.
You can even set up your very own UTM parameters for a specialized landing page where you can onboard people who’ve used your QR codes.
This works in the same way as shortened URL links that give you a jump-off point where you can monitor your prospect.
Tracking is great because it allows you to create campaigns that convert and help you test what works.
Learn how to create LinkedIn URLs in our easy guide here!
How to Create a LinkedIn QR Code
So, now that we’ve tackled the importance of having a LinkedIn QR code, it’s time to start creating them.
Now, as we mentioned earlier, a QR code can contain a wealth of information. We’ll show you three methods using two apps where you can create basic LinkedIn QR codes or full-on QR code landing pages for all your socials.
Method 1: Creating a basic LinkedIn QR Code
QRCode Monkey is one site where you can generate free QR codes for any need that you have.
We like it because it requires no sign-ups or commitments if you want to generate a code with a quick link like your LinkedIn QR code.
All you have to do is jump on the website and enter the link to your profile.
In the next section, you can set colors that you want to use for the QR code itself and the background.
However, this is just an optional step, you can just opt to “Download PNG” right now and get your logo.
If you’re looking at giving your QR code a little more zing, then you can check out the rest of the steps.
You can add a logo image to the middle of your QR code. There’s the option to upload custom images or just choose from one of their logos available.
From there you can add additional tweaks to the overall design of your LinkedIn QR code, such as the frame and whatnot.
Finally, once you get to the bottom of your option, you can download it as a PNG. An ad popup showed up, but just don’t do anything and wait for it to go away once the code has been downloaded.
You should now have your new LinkedIn QR code ready to go in your downloads folder.
These guys also offer a paid version with statistics and options to bulk create QR codes. You also get access to a lot of design options.
Method 2: Creating a Social Landing Page Using an App
QR Code Generator is just like QRCode Monkey, but it allows you to create a landing page for all your social accounts.
All you have to do is to create an account on the platform. They give you a 14-day trial.
Once you’ve created an account, it will take you to the dashboard where you can click on “Create QR Code” on the upper right hand corner.
Choose “Social Media” as your QR code type and click “Next”.
Give your QR code a name and choose your theme.
You can now choose a template or upload your own image for the landing page.
We advise that you pick your own welcome screen image. It gives you room to personalize.
They cap it off with a couple of options for you to change out the look of your QR code, just like other QR code generators.
However, if you want something even more powerful, check out the third method, which basically skips all of these steps and allows you to host your link yourself.
Method 3: Creating a Landing Page on Your Website for Your QR Code
Our other favorite method is creating a landing page on your website with your LinkedIn profile link and other socials and including an intake form while you’re at it.
All you have to do is create a page on your website, then take the link and turn it into a QR code and you’re good to go.
This isn’t exactly a LinkedIn QR code, but it’s a more advanced way to implement a social landing page using QR.
Where Can I Use My LinkedIn QR Codes?
LinkedIn QR codes are an engaging way to show people your link on the fly, and they’re really helpful with company stationery.
One place you should have them is on your business cards.
It gives your business cards a more technological feel.
While you’re at it you can take it a step further and include it in other company stationery. You can put it in your brochures, flyers, and other promotional materials.
If you’re looking for a job or submitting a resume, you can include a LinkedIn QR code in your bio. This helps show potential employers your knack for technology and is a great selling point, especially for marketing-related fields.
Takeaways
QR codes are the physical equivalent of the “read more” link on an article online.
They allow you to pack so much information into a tiny piece of space and help drive engagements to your web materials.
But, you know what we love about them the most?
They’re user-friendly.
The easier it is for a prospect to reach you, the higher your conversion probability.
If you want to maximize conversions, you should be thinking about ways to make people’s lives easier in your funnel.
This is why QR codes are so versatile, and you only have to make them once.
Before we end, if you haven’t connected with me on LinkedIn, here’s my LinkedIn QR code.
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