In this article, we’ll teach you all about the WhatsApp QR code, how to create them and use them effectively. Read on if you’ve been looking for an efficient way to share contact details with your customers.
What Is a WhatsApp QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be easily scanned by smart devices to decipher its contents. Common uses for QR codes include sharing website URLs, linking to app download pages, and facilitating digital transactions. Let's look at how WhatsApp uses QR codes.
When using WhatsApp on the web or desktop app, it needs to identify the account accessing the device. Since there’s no typical username and password for WhatsApp accounts, a QR code login system is used for authentication.
WhatsApp QR codes also streamline the contact sharing and group chat invitation process down to pointing and scanning. This makes it the quickest way to start a conversation with businesses.
Benefits of WhatsApp QR Codes for Your Business
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, which means you’re already halfway to getting customers to talk to you. With QR codes being sharable on almost any medium, it’s easy to get your business’ details out there. Higher visibility leads to more potential engagement.
When customers are the ones making the first step to contact you, they’ll also be more responsive — don’t forget to reply to them!
How to Generate WhatsApp QR Codes
There are two kinds of shareable QR codes WhatsApp can generate — one for contact details and the other for group chat invitations. Here’s how you generate the different codes on the WhatsApp Business App.
WhatsApp QR Code for Sharing WhatsApp Business Details
To generate a QR code that you can easily share with your contacts, follow these instructions.
1. Tap the three vertical dots at the top right, go to Business Tools.
2. Tap Short link and View QR code.
3. Share this code in person, or tap the Share Code to share it through another app.
With this QR code, customers can connect to your brand instantly.
WhatsApp QR Code for Group Chat Invitations
If you’ve got a group chat that you want your customers to join, you can quickly invite them without having to add them first.
1. Open the group chat you wish to share, then tap the three vertical dots at the top right.
2. Tap Group info, then Invite via link and QR code.
3. Share this code in person or tap the Share icon to share it through another app.
Anybody will be able to join the group chat by scanning the QR code on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp QR Code Generator on respond.io
There aren’t any out-of-the-box tools available to generate QR codes for those using WhatsApp Business API. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives out there including respond.io’s WhatsApp QR code generator.
Generating a WhatsApp QR code on respond.io is a straightforward process with minimal steps involved. To get started, navigate to Settings > Growth Widgets. Then, select QR Code and click Create Widget.
Under QR code type, select the channel which you would like to generate the QR code for, in this case, WhatsApp. Then, select the account you’d like to use. This is a handy feature if you have multiple WhatsApp accounts connected to respond.io.
A WhatsApp QR code will be displayed. Finally, click the Generate Widget button at the top right to create your QR code. You can also click Download to save an image file of the QR code.
Now that you’ve got a QR code for your business, read on for some tips on how to use them effectively.
Where to Use WhatsApp Business QR Code
Use the versatility of WhatsApp QR codes' placements to your advantage. Display them at your storefront for passersby to contact you at their leisure. Print the codes on receipts and packaging for customers to give feedback.
QR code placements are not limited to physical products such as posters — they can also be used in your email signature, on digital signages and even on your website landing pages. QR codes on business cards also make networking a breeze.
All in all, WhatsApp QR codes are a powerful feature and provide many benefits. By easing communication, customers are likelier to engage with businesses. Now that you’ve learned how to create your own WhatsApp QR codes, go on and get your QR codes out there!
Further Reading
If you found this article useful, here are some additional articles on getting the most out of WhatsApp for your business:
- 3 Ways to Get Customers To Message You Over WhatsApp
- WhatsApp Business Web: A How-To Guide
- WhatsApp Business App: The Ultimate Guide
