Quick response codes (QR codes), those two-dimensional black-and-white squares you scan with your smartphone, are a powerful marketing tool for your ministry.
Think of a QR code as a paper-based hyperlink that connects the physical world with the online world. The ability to connect printed materials and the mobile web adds a whole new dimension to your outreach efforts.
You can create a QR code from any number of free online tools. Just do a Google search for “create QR codes” and follow the instructions.
QR codes enhance your connectivity
Use QR codes to enhance connectivity and to inspire immediate action within your congregation or community:
- Place a QR code in your Sunday bulletin next to upcoming events or other items for which there is in-depth information available on your church website.
- Post the weekly bulletin in PDF format on the church website and place a QR code in high-traffic areas so members can bypass the print version entirely if they choose.
- Add a section to your Sunday bulletin for sermon notes and use a QR code to link to the audio (podcast), video, blog post or online content.
- Incorporate a QR code on your church sign linking to your church’s homepage, allowing passers-by to gather information about your place of worship.
- Include a QR code in your fundraising direct mail pieces to direct people to your online giving page or giving app, if you have one, and allow them to donate to your church directly from their mobile device.
- Put a QR code on a sign outside the door of your child and teen religious education classrooms linking students to additional resources to explore and supplement their weekly lessons.
- Include a QR code on any invitation to church activities or events.
- Place a QR code on the back of staff business cards. Link to the church homepage or to a profile page for each staff person.
- Include a QR code in your outreach materials (yard signs, fliers, posters, etc.) that links to a web page, a video, or some other form of media.
- Incorporate a QR code into any promotional items (T-shirts, key chains, calendars, etc.) your church offers or sells in its marketplace to intrigue others and spark communication.
Now is the time to take advantage of smartphone and QR code technology. QR codes are a simple yet powerful tool to revolutionize communication and enhance connections within your community.
