How to make a QR code for your booking page (for your van, flyers and shop window)

To make a QR code for your booking page, copy your booking link, paste it into a QR code generator and download the code as a large image file. Then print it with a short line that says what it does, such as "Scan to book", and your booking address written out underneath. Test it with a couple of different phones before you print a whole batch.

What do you need?

Two things: the link to your online booking page, and a QR code generator. Many generators are free, and some design tools and website builders have one built in. Use the full address of your booking page, the one customers land on when they pick a time, not your home page.

Static or dynamic: which kind of code?

Generators usually offer two kinds:

• A static code holds your booking link itself. It keeps working for as long as that link works, and it doesn't depend on the generator after you've downloaded it.
• A dynamic code holds a short link that belongs to the generator, which then sends people on to your page. You can change where it points later, and some services count scans. But the code only works while that service keeps the short link running, and some charge a subscription for it.

For a booking link that won't change, a static code is the simpler choice. If you pick a dynamic one, check what happens to codes you've printed if you stop paying.

Where should you put it?

Put the code where people already look at your business and have a moment to take their phone out:

• On the van, on the back doors or the side, where people parked nearby or walking past can scan it.
• On flyers and business cards you leave after a job or hand out.
• In a shop window or at reception, for people walking by when you're closed.
• On a receipt, invoice or thank-you card, with "Book your next visit".
• On a small sign at the job, if you work at customers' homes and neighbours tend to ask.

How do you make it easy to scan?

A few things decide whether a code scans first time:

• Dark code on a light background. Plain black on white is safest. Light codes on dark backgrounds and low-contrast brand colours can fail on some phones and scanner apps.
• Leave a blank border around it. Don't let text, lines or a picture run right up to the edge of the code.
• Make it big enough for the distance. A code on a business card is scanned from a hand's length away; one on a van door from a few steps away. Print a test and scan it from where people will actually stand.
• Keep it flat and away from glare. Curves, folds and shiny vinyl can stop a code from scanning. Try it in daylight and under a street light.
• Download a large file (PNG at high resolution, or SVG if your printer accepts it) so the code stays sharp when it's printed bigger.

Why should you say what the code does?

People are right to be careful with QR codes. The US Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers hide harmful links in QR codes and advises people to look at the link before they open it.

So make yours easy to trust. Put your business name and logo next to the code, say what happens when someone scans it ("Scan to see free times and book"), and write the booking address underneath. People who'd rather not scan can type it, and people who do scan can see they've landed on the page you promised.

Testing before you print

1. Scan the code with an iPhone and an Android phone, if you can borrow one.
2. Check it opens your booking page, not a generator's page or an old link.
3. Make a test booking from start to finish on the phone, then cancel it. Your booking tool may email you about it too.
4. Print one copy at the real size and scan it from the real distance before you order 500.

Using a QR code with Okayset

Okayset doesn't make QR codes itself, so use any generator you like. You'll find your booking page link on the Overview page of your dashboard once your booking page is published (see getting started). Copy the link from there rather than typing it, so the code holds the exact address customers book on.

Customers who scan it don't need an account or an app. They see your services and prices, pick a free time and get an email straight away, and the server checks every booking against your calendar so nobody can take a time that's already gone. You can try the sample booking page on your phone to see what they'll get.

Okayset doesn't show which code or flyer a booking came from. If you want to know whether the van brings in work, ask new customers how they found you with a booking question. Booking questions are free during the private beta and part of the paid plans after it.