QR Code

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The benefits of QR Codes are continuing to show

In recent years, the QR code has become an increasingly popular way for charities to accept donations. QR codes are simple to use, fast, and secure, making them a great option for organisations looking to streamline their fundraising efforts.

FundraisingForce have written previous articles about the lifespan of the QR code.

Benefits of the QR code

  1. Convenient for donors
    • QR codes make it easy for donors to contribute to a charity
    • Donors simply need to scan the code with their smartphone, which takes them directly to the donation page
    • This eliminates the need for donors to manually enter a website address or search for the organization online
  2. Increased donations
    • The convenience of QR codes can lead to an increase in the number of donations received by a charity
    • Because the process is so simple and quick, more people are likely to take the time to make a contribution
  3. Improved donor experience
    • QR codes provide a seamless and efficient experience for donors
    • This helps to build trust and a positive relationship between the charity and its supporters
  4. Increased exposure
    • QR codes can be used in a variety of ways to increase exposure for a charity
    • For example, they can be printed on brochures, posters, in advertisements or on T-shirts to make it easy for people to make a donation on the spot
    • This helps to reach more potential donors and raise more funds for the cause
  5. Enhanced security
    • QR codes provide a secure method for processing donations
    • The information entered by the donor is encrypted, making it difficult for fraudsters to access sensitive information
    • This helps to ensure that the charity and its supporters are protected from theft or fraud

Last week, I received a newsletter from a member of the NSW Parliament. In the newsletter, the MP was discussing outcomes achieved for those of us who live in his electorate. That, alone, is not a surprise. What was surprising is the way he communicated the outcomes and how he asked or invited us to visit web pages behind various QR codes to learn more or to sign a petition. The newsletter contained 12 “wins” and a majority of the outcomes contained a QR code to find more details.

In conclusion, QR codes offer a variety of benefits for charities looking to streamline their fundraising efforts and increase the number of donations they receive. By making the donation process more convenient, secure, and efficient, QR codes are helping to build stronger relationships between charities and their supporters and increase exposure for the cause. If you’re interested in using QR codes for your charity, there are a number of tools and services available to help you get started.

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QR codes are here to stay

QR Code

In 2021, I wrote a blog post about QR codes having nine lives. Now, the simple fact is QR codes are here to stay!

Over the past two to three years, we have seen an abundant use of the QR code. Simply put, we survived COVID due to the QR code and the QR code survived because of COVID.

It used to be a rare occasion when a charity would include a QR code as a convenient way for the donor to give a donation. Now, nearly every charity generates an appeal-specific QR code and prints the code on the appeal response device. Over the past few weeks, all but one direct mail piece received from an Australian charity has included a response mechanism that included a QR code. My heart sank when I opened the one appeal lacking the code.

Musts from iConnectx

iConnectx, a US technology provider, wrote a blog that is a nice summary of the use of QR codes and the how-tos. In the blog post, iConnectx suggests things to think through when creating one:

  • ensure that your website can be accessed on mobile and tablets. Remember QR codes are designed to be used on smart devices such as phones and not on desktops
  • generate a QR code with the help of a QR code generator. There are several free options available online for generating QR codes. You can also consider paid or subscription versions for greater flexibility. Paid versions offer customisation with your organisation’s brand colours, logo, etc.
  • integrate data analytics into the code
  • link the QR code to web pages designed for mobile browsing. Make sure the QR code is linked to the Donate Now or specific appeal page
  • donors can scan the QR Code from their smartphones. They will be directed to a mobile web browser to view the link in the QR code. Alternatively, they can be sent an SMS or a prompt to dial a number

QR codes can be used in a variety of creative ways. Do not use QR code technology just because it is the “in thing” to do. Ensure QR codes have a purpose within your organisation. More than anything, ensure QR codes have a real benefit to your donor.