How to Boost App Downloads With QR Codes

Apr 28, 2021
scan qr code to download app
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A QR code for app download is a powerful tool to increase your number of downloads and should be part of your app marketing strategy because it's convenient and sparks curiosity in the consumer. Your target audience can scan the QR code to download the app quickly instead of searching for it in the app store, as it removes a step of discovery, making the process go smoothly. An app download QR code is also a great way to promote the app on what would have been a one-dimensional advertisement. An advertisement with a QR code to download an app takes the audience one step further. 

If you are interested in knowing how an app download QR code will boost the amount of your downloads, keep reading! We'll give you 7 ideas to increase your numbers fast. We'll also provide a how-to guide with a video tutorial from our YouTube channel below!

1. Advertise with the QR code to download app

Print the QR code to download the app in places that will encourage people to scan. Print in magazines, on billboards, on bus stops, trade show banners, in lobbies of offices, on websites, social media, and anywhere people will be waiting that caters to the audience you want are great places to start. 

In 2019, Chick-fil-A increased their app downloads by 14%, just by offering an app download QR code. 

app store QR code chick-fil-a facebook advertisement
Image source: Chick-fil-A Facebook

2. Place app download QR codes on products

Print the QR code directly on your products so people can scan the app for something value-added. The popular fitness company Techogym added their app store QR code to training equipment so people can track their fitness metrics and goals with their Mywellness app.

technogym app store qr code on equipment
Image sources: Technogym and Mywellness App

3. Print app download QR codes on materials

Printing app store QR codes on flyers or business cards provides customers with a clear call to action to download the app, and makes it possible within one click. Brochures are also a great place to print app download QR codes because the customer can receive more information and interact with the app whereas they cannot interact with a brochure. 

4. Add a QR code for app download to business communications

Print your QR codes on letters, emails, and web banners so people know that an app is an option and they can scan a QR code, it makes searching for it in the app store obsolete. 

5. Add a QR code for app download to shop locations

Put an app store QR code in your shop windows for easy m-commerce shopping, to make appointments, check inventory and sizes, order deliveries, and anything else you use your app for. This is helpful when customers don't have time to stand in line and want to order products for later pickup or delivery when the shop is closed so they can have 24/7 access.

QR codes for apps in shop windows pink display

6. Put app download QR codes on merchandise

There are numerous ways companies can promote their apps with QR codes on merchandise. At festivals and trade shows when companies give out free merchandise, people are sure to scan a code on free stuff. 

A great example would be putting a QR code on a free mug or promotional product after someone opens a new account at a bank. Putting an app download QR code on a mug won't only encourage the customer, but those around them in their office or home who see it will get curious. Forbes reports that in America 76% of people banked via mobile app in 2021. Banking clients will also appreciate the security and ease of using the QR code to find the app and remove the process of searching for it. 

7. Add an app download QR code to a website

Many companies now add app download QR codes to their websites to promote the use of their products and services by mobile phone. This pop-up below comes up on the Canva site after creating your first design on the desktop website. This will inspire people to use Canva not only on the computer but on their mobile phones which is even more convenient for automatic uploads to sites like Instagram that are normally used through mobile apps and not the computer.

qr code for canva app pop-up
Image source: Canva

Kodak offers an app download QR code that their affiliates can put on their websites to share their app that allows customers to take pictures straight from their social media sites and upload them to the app for printing at Kodak kiosks without having to stand in line.

Image source: The Camera Centre

How to create a QR code for an app

  1. Log in to your Supercode account.
  2. Click, "+ Create a new code".
  3. Select dynamic URL code.
Create a new QR code
Image source: Supercode QR Code Generator
  1. Insert the link and allocate the QR code to the appropriate folder.
  2. Modify the design in three steps: choose the colors for the code, select the frame and add a logo.
Modify design on Supercode
Image source: Supercode QR Code Generator
  1. Once you are happy with the design, click “Next” to save the code on your dashboard. 
  2. Test the QR code to ensure it works as intended. If not, feel free to edit the code by clicking on “modify design” or “modify content”.
Edit QR codes on Supercode dashboard
Image source: Supercode QR Code Generator
  1. Download and print the QR code. 

Video tutorial: How to make a URL QR code for an app

Check out our video tutorial below on how to make a URL QR code that can be used to boost app downloads or for any other URL uses. If you like our video and want to learn how to make any type of QR code, subscribe to our YouTube channel for free QR code creation tutorials.

Tips for designing a QR code for app download campaign

When creating a code to promote your app, follow these tips for designing an engaging QR code that will effectively boost the number of downloads: 

  1. Make it eye-catching. Include your brand identity elements so it’s easily recognizable by users. 
  2. Include a clear message and a CTA. Something like “Scan QR code to download app” would work great. 
  3. Consider adding a logo so that people see straight away which app they are about to download.
  4. If you are creating several QR codes for different devices, it is also recommended to include logos for the Apple Store and the Google Play store on the code, or a message identifying which store the code will take the user. 
App QR code for Apple Store and Google Play
Image source: Supercode QR Code Generator

How to track app download QR codes 

It's important to track QR codes for apps because you want to see what works and what doesn't in your campaign. It is sure to bring more downloads if you place Apple and Google Play QR codes on advertisements and tracking the QR code in the Supercode analytics dashboard will show you in real-time exactly how many scans you are receiving. Furthermore, if you know which codes work best in regards to design and placement, you will know how to create similar types for future campaigns based on the scan analytics. Analytics are one of the reasons that QR code marketing has been so scalable and successful.

QR Code Analytics Dashboard on Supercode
Image source: Supercode QR Code Generator

To conclude

Apps are a fantastic way to get the best online experience through mobile phones and having a QR code to download an app significantly increases the awareness about it, as well as the number of downloads and overall users. 

Supercode's QR code generator will help you design beautiful QR codes for apps in minutes to attract customers and make it more convenient for them to download.

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