How to create your own QR code

Free or paid QR code generators? 

QR codes provide a fast route to mobile payments which has allowed charities to offer a quick and touch-free alternative to cash donations. Connect QR codes to charity content, digital trails and competitions and they also become powerful marketing tools.  

The benefits are exciting but it’s important to do your research before you get started. Which is why you’re here – right?  

Free QR code generators online 

While in theory you can use free QR code generators online, you’d be doing yourself a disservice in terms of quality, flexibility, and most importantly safety.  

A lot of QR code generators have popped up in the past few years, but the “free” ones could invite unnecessary risk into your business, and you won’t be able to control what happens.  

The contractual obligations that typically come with a paid service generates a level of protection, security and reliability. Without them, you’re putting your charity’s brand and reputation into the hands of a third-party site which could be unreliable or malicious.  

Risks include:  

• The site going down permanently, without warning 
• Little to no customer service when you need them 
• Little to no control over your QR codes and where they link to (serious malware concerns) 
• Your data and content could be stollen (phishing)  
• Limited analytics for you to learn from 

Out with the negativity and in with the solution!  

Your best and most sustainable option is to invest in a secure and flexible platform where you can log in and be in control of everything, including the management of your QR codes and the landing pages they link to.  

With Good Thyngs we allow you to  

• Use templates to create branded landing pages  
• View real-time analytics and download reports  
• Collect and receive donations straight away  
• Process Gift Aid and get HMRC ready reports 
• Update the landing pages your QR codes link to at any time 

And if you’re not confident with the management, that’s okay. We have an expert team who will always be on hand when you need us.  

Why landing pages are better than redirects 

Another restriction of online QR code generators is that they only create redirects for you. Redirecting to your website is okay if your website is mobile-friendly but landing pages give you so much more control over conversions (the outcome you want from donors), data, and the content you display.  

Try it yourself!  

Discover the charity experiences you could link to using Good Thyngs. Explore a donation page (payments will not be taken), scratch to win, fun selfie filter and collect all three stamps by clicking on the collectable buttons.  

Already viewing this post on a phone or tablet. Click here: thyg.uk/AQU57207 

Get your QR codes with Good Thyngs 

With Good Thyngs Core you can start your QR code journey the secure way. Customise as many donation pages as you need, connect our platform to your payment provider and start collecting cashless donations right away.