There is no denying the popularity and convenience of using QR codes. Therefore, it does not hurt to learn how to generate a QR code and how you can encourage your customers to scan them when they come across your content.

What is a QR code?

The QR code, short for ” quick response ” code, is a square-shaped black and white symbol that people can scan with a “smart” mobile phone to get more information about a product, among other things.

These squares can include links, coupons, activity details, and other information that users may want to take with them for later reference. The QR code usually looks like the following photo:

You will often find QR codes in email, signs, billboards, and even commercials, where you can quickly scan the code on the screen using your phone.

How to generate a QR code

The process to create a QR code is quite simple. We tell you here how to start.

Step 1: select a program to generate QR code

There are many programs out there. The best ones give you plenty of options for compatibility with most QR code reading apps for mobile devices.

The best programs are as follows:

• Kaywa
• GOQR.me
• Free Shopify QR Code Generator
• Visualize
• The-qrcode-generator.com
• qr-code-generator.com

When choosing a program to generate a QR code, you should consider whether performance can be tracked and analyzed and whether it allows you to design a code that is unique to your brand.

Some programs, for example, display logos and other icons within the code that immediately tell people what information they will get from scanning it.

Step 2: choose the type of content to promote

Let’s select one of the programs to generate QR code and take a tour together. For example, qr-code-generator.com is one of the favourite QR code creation programs above.

First, select what type of content you want your QR code to show the person after they scan it. You can choose between one of the 10 types available in this program. For our purposes, we will promote a URL that directs users to our store.

Step 3: Enter your information in the form that appears

Once you select the type of content that you are promoting with this QR code, a field or form will appear in the program where you can enter the information that corresponds to your campaign.

If you want your code to contain contact information, for example, you will see in the program a set of fields where you can enter your email address, subject line and associated message.

To save a link to your business, you will simply enter the URL in the field that appears in the program to generate a QR code.

Step 4: consider downloading a dynamic QR code

There is an option below in the program to generate a QR code but “dynamic”. One major catch is that you can’t edit the data it contains once you print it out. But with a dynamic one, you can edit this data.

With a free membership to a program like qr-code-generator.com, you can print a dynamic QR code, scan it and open an editable form where you can modify the data that your visitors will receive.

Step 5. Customize it

When it’s time to generate the QR code, you can customize the design of the codes for your brand.

Do you want your code to look like your logo? Do you want it to reflect the design scheme of your website? You must bear in mind that not all programs offer this design option.

Of course, you can further customize your QR code: adjust colours, add a logo, create social media options, and more.

However, you should be aware that some customizations may make it difficult for QR code scanning applications to correctly read the code. It is a good idea to create the code in two versions: a simple version and another with your preferred layout.

Step 6: test the QR code to make sure it scans

Since a custom code can make it difficult to “read” some mobile applications, don’t forget to check if your QR code reads correctly and be sure to test with more than one reader.

A good place to start is the free QR Code Reader tool, which automatically takes you to what it “reads.” Apple’s Passbook also offers a built-in QR code reader in iOS 7, so you should try to make sure your code can be read there as well.

Step 7: share and distribute the QR code

A QR code will not be able to do its homework unless it is visible. So be sure to come up with a distribution plan to share it.

This could include displaying it on social media, in print ads, on clothing, or in physical locations where people will pick up their phones to scan.

In addition to sharing the code, you can also add instructions to your promotions that show less tech-savvy people how to scan it. This way, it’s okay if consumers want to scan the code, but don’t know how to do it.

Step 8: Track and analyze performance

As with any marketing campaign, you should keep track of any campaign that uses a QR code to see if it is actually working.

How much traffic is coming from each specific code? People scan your code, but don’t redeem your offer once they hit the landing page? Or are they not required to scan your QR code?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you troubleshoot and adjust your codes when generating poor-performing QR codes to more closely reflect the ones that work well.

It is a good idea to include a tracking code in your web address so that you can better measure performance. This is very important if you use closed-loop marketing analytics and are used to more detailed reports on your campaigns.

QR codes vs. barcodes

Does the increased activity of generating QR codes mean that traditional barcodes are a thing of the past? Of course not.

Traditional barcodes are a common means for companies to identify consumer packaged goods and manage their product inventory.

However, there are differences between barcodes and the QR code, in their uses and in their characteristics. For example, we share the following three important differences:

Has a different shape

Bar codes are typically rectangular in shape, requiring scanning devices to read the bar code data horizontally. The QR code is usually square in shape and displays your data vertically or horizontally.

Contains more data

Due to the square shape obtained after generating the QR code, it can contain much more data than a barcode. The QR code can contain many more encrypted characters than are available in a barcode.

Has different data

The QR code is often used differently than barcodes. Barcodes include key product information for those at the point of sale. For example, the price and the name of the manufacturer.

QR code provides intangible information, such as location data and addresses on the website of promotions and product landing pages.

How does the QR code work?

The QR code was adopted by marketing for its storage capacity. It also provides additional information to consumers.

The consumer can pull out their mobile device, download a free QR code scanning app, and “scan” the code to gain access to additional information.

So if you wanted to create, for example, a bus stop ad that promotes your business, you could generate a QR code that shows on that print ad that takes people directly to your website when they scan it with their phones.

How to use QR code (and how not to)

Some of the best practices will help increase the likelihood that your QR code will be used.

Show your QR code where it’s convenient for people to scan

Post QR codes where scanning is easy and there is enough time for the consumer to actually scan the code.

Although you can see QR codes on billboards on the street and on television, they are not exactly the easiest placements to use. Consider places and media where consumers have time to scan the code and ideally a Wi-Fi connection as well.

Optimize your QR landing page for mobile devices

Optimize the page you send people to for mobile devices. Consumers will be on their cell phones when they scan the QR code, so they should be referred to a page with a positive mobile experience.

I included a call to action for people to scan your QR code

I offered a call to action with the code, that is, tell people what they are supposed to do when they see the code and what they will receive if they do.

Not everyone knows exactly what a QR code is, and those who do will not be motivated to scan it unless they are sure that there is something worthwhile on the other side.

Don’t limit your QR code to a mobile scanner

Your QR code must be independent of the application so that anyone can scan your code with any reader.

A lower barrier to entry increases the chances of success for you and the user.

Use your QR code to make life easier for someone

Don’t use a QR code just to use one. If you have content that makes sense to deliver to a mobile user, and you have an appropriate channel to do so, your QR code is more likely to deliver results.

If you’re still not convinced that QR codes are the right move, or just want some additional ways to connect the offline world with the online world, consider adding a short, memorable URL as well that people can easily type in their files. mobile phones.

Technology has made many aspects of life easier, especially those that have to do with payments, purchases and money transfers. Due to the existence of platforms that make this type of operation more comfortable, many people want to know how to create a PayPal account.

Step by step to create a PayPal account

Creating a PayPal account and starting to use the platform is really very simple:

• All the user has to do is enter the platform’s website and select the option “Create an account“.
• You will then need to register with PayPal with a form, where you will need to place your personal data.
• At that time, you must accept the terms of use and click the “Accept and create account” button to continue with the procedure.

Choose payment method

Next, the option to pay with a bank account or with a credit or debit card will appear.

At this time, the user must choose the option that suits him best, and always bear in mind that he can change it at any time that he changes his mind.

Enter the data

Once the user has chosen the payment method that suits him best, he must fill in the data that PayPal requests. Either to associate the bank account or a credit or debit card that you have.

This will be the only time that the user will have to enter their data on the PayPal website and then they will be able to buy, sell or receive money through the internet without revealing the data they entered.

After creating a PayPal account and having entered all the data, the user will be able to send money without revealing the information of the account or card where the money came from.

Following the step of entering the data, a window will appear to confirm the use of PayPal in the selected bank account.

When you click “Accept“, a PayPal notice will appear explaining the process to validate your PayPal account.

It is worth mentioning that if a bank account has been placed, PayPal will make small transfers to the bank account and, once the statement has been verified, the user must enter the exact amount to confirm that they are the account holder.

In the event that, in the process of creating an account in PayPal, the user has linked his debit or credit card to the platform, he will be able to start buying immediately.

Of course, to finalize the credit or debit card linking process, the user must enter the precise data of the card, as in any platform.

When finished, you must press the continue button. This will end the process of creating a PayPal account. There is only one more step left, which is to verify the PayPal account.

Verify account

To verify the account, the user will have to wait a few days.

Once you have made the PayPal platform transfers in your account, you must enter the amount of each of them, as mentioned above, in the explanation on how to create a PayPal account.

To enter the amounts of the transfers made by the platform, the user will have to log in to their PayPal account and select the option “Confirm bank account“.

Once you have clicked on the link to confirm it, you will be able to enter the amounts that PayPal has deposited into your account and thus complete the account verification process.

After clicking the “Submit” button, a confirmation screen will appear. When this screen is seen, the person will know that their account is verified and can start using it for whatever they want.

While it is simple, it is important to know the process to create an account. Knowing the step by step helps a lot, especially for those people who are just starting out in the technological world and do not know how to create an account with PayPal or another online payment platform.

Ready, you can start buying or transferring money

Once your PayPal account is created and verified, the user can start paying on the web pages that offer the option to purchase through this system.

In addition to eBay, which has already been mentioned, there are hundreds of websites that use this payment platform, precisely because it is secure.

To pay with PayPal on the associated website a window will open to log in and confirm the order. All you have to do is click accept and the purchase is complete.

What is the use of creating a PayPal account?

PayPal is an American company in the electronic commerce sector. Its system allows users to make payments and transfers over the internet, from their cell phone or computer, without sharing financial information with the recipient.

The only requirement is that both have an email address and only with that information can the money be received or sent.

It is a fast and secure system to send and receive money, which operates in most countries of the world and allows money transfers between users who have an account created, so for many people it is necessary to create an account of PayPal.

PayPal behaves as an electronic alternative to traditional payment methods – checks and money orders, which in Argentina have taxes that often discourage their use.

Process transactions for individuals, online buyers and sellers, auction sites, and other business uses. Most of the customers who use PayPal come from eBay, the US online shopping and sales site. It is worth mentioning that PayPal bought the company in October 2002.

PayPal is a secure means to make payments and money transfers, as it has a 128-bit SSL encryption technology to protect all confidential information, so all those who want their transactions to seek to create a PayPal account.

After making the operation, the recipient does not receive financial data such as the card or bank account number or personal information, so it is ideal for those who do not want to reveal a lot of data in a transaction of these characteristics.

In addition, PayPal offers protection programs, which allow the buyer to request a total or partial refund of the money they paid or transferred.

The return, according to what is stated on the official website, is up to US $ 2,500 (or the equivalent in another currency) and covers the following problems: “Item not received” or “Item very different from the one described.”

It is worth mentioning that within these assumptions and the refund of the money the price of the item is included and, in addition, the shipping costs that have been paid. In this sense, it should be considered that this type of protection is only valid for certain purchases that do not include, for example, intangible items, services, vehicles, among other categories.

To summarize, then, and to know why and how to create a PayPal account, the platform can be used to :

• Pay for purchases made over the internet
• Collect sales made over the internet
• Send and receive money between family, friends or individuals, something like a transfer

How does a PayPal account work?

The PayPal platform offers free money transfers and payments, in the same way as Mercado Pago or other virtual wallets.

The recipient can be any person or company, whether or not they have a PayPal account: the only requirement they must meet is to have an email that identifies with the account.

After creating the account, when you are going to pay you can choose the following options :

• With credit or debit card
• PayPal account balance
• Bank account

PayPal sends the money instantly, without sharing financial information with the recipient.

The recipient receives the PayPal message about the funds and will have to create a PayPal account (if they do not have one) to be able to withdraw them or transfer them to their own bank account.

How to buy in India with a PayPal account?

To start using PayPal in India, the user must associate a payment method to the PayPal account, such as a credit card, which allows him to even make international payments.

It is worth mentioning that PayPal offers the possibility of associating several cards to the same account and choosing which of them you want to use to pay.

To do this, the user must:

• Create a PayPal account and associate it with a payment method to your Wallet (for which you must know how to create a PayPal account)
• Look for the PayPal button when paying online
• Login with email and password to complete the payment

Associating several forms of payment to the PayPal account is used to buy with PayPal and send payments with this platform, for which they have to associate a credit card or transfer funds from the bank account to the PayPal account. It is important to bear in mind that associating new forms of payment is completely free.

Advantages of buying with a PayPal account

Buying with Paypal offers some advantages, like other virtual wallets, which makes it different from bank accounts and even from online banking applications that most banks offer.

Some of the windows to buy with PayPal are the following:

• Buyer protection for 180 days
• Possibility of making international purchases
• Security: 24/7 monitoring to prevent fraud and advanced encryption to protect financial information when making an online purchase
• Refund service
• Paypal.Me: allows the user to create a personalized link with which they can receive payments (such as a payment button)
• Possibility of paying without a credit card: Paypal has partnered with banks and services that allow transferring funds from the local bank account to the Paypal account

What cards does the PayPal platform accept?

The cards associated with the PayPal account must have a verification number or security code to use it through the platform.

Among the main international credit cards accepted by PayPal are the following:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American express
• Discover
• Diners club
• JCB
• Teacher
• Giropay
• Eurocheque

By associating the PayPal account with a payment method, they will no longer have to enter it again, since it is saved in the PayPal account. In this way, they will be able to pay with the email and password, since it will be the master key for payments in an easy, direct and secure way.

Many times we create pdf files that we don’t want anyone to be able to edit, copy, or even print. But how to achieve this if you want to allow users to open it without problem? You just have to protect it against copying, editing and printing, which fortunately is very easy. You could do it with original Adobe software, but it is also possible to use free and open-source software. How do you do it? we tell you how to protect a pdf file.

Steps to follow:

1. One of the best options to protect a pdf is to do it with OpenOffice, the free version of Microsoft’s Office suite. You can download it for free at http://www.openoffice.org/download/index.html. Choose your version, download and install it following the instructions.

2. Open OpenOffice. Go to File> Open and open the file you want to protect. It may already be in PDF format or it may still be a text file.

3. Click File> Export PDF … A PDF Options window will open. Go to the ” Security ” tab.

4. You will see that at the bottom of the “Security” tab there are several options to limit the permissions of the PDF, but that you cannot change them. To do this, you must first establish a password. Click on ” Set passwords “.

5. The first password is so that only people with the key can open the file. The second, the one that interests us, so that only people who know that code can make changes. Enter a password, confirm it, and click “OK.”

6. Now you can edit and configure the permissions. Put them to your liking and click “Export”.

7. Enter the file name you want for the protected PDF and click “Save.” You already finished! Now if you want you can open the PDF to check that if you want to copy, edit or print it asks for a password. And if you want to know how to unprotect a PDF, in this article we will explain it to you.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to protect a pdf file, we recommend that you enter our How-To category.