How to Generate a Custom QR Code to Open an App

Published on November 01, 2022

QR Code to App for Touchless Commerce

In How to Generate a Custom QR Code to Open an App today's digital age, QR codes have been given a new lease on life, particularly in the realm of mobile apps. With consumers constantly on their phones, QR codes and mobile apps make for the ultimate power couple. The key to a successful QR strategy for your app is to avoid sending users to a login page for a mobile website. Instead, think about the possibility of a single, seamless scan using your brand's domain that opens your app to a specific screen or sends users to the right app store if the app isn't already installed. We'll show you how!

This post will guide you through the process of creating a dynamic QR code that will elevate your app's user experience to new heights.

Learn more about how the strategic implementation of QR codes in your marketing campaign can be a great way to increase sales, boost app engagement, and/or drive app installs:

Youtube Video

QR Code Scanning and Mobile App Deep Linking

The magic behind QR codes that open apps to specific screens is called 'app deep linking'! But beware, if you use a free QR code generator, your code will simply redirect your audience to a website login. But don't worry, with deep linking platforms like URLgenius, creating QR codes to open any mobile app is a breeze! URLgenius is a cloud-based solution that doesn't require installation or technical development, unlike app deep linking platforms that are made for app developers. The QR code will open the Android or iOS app depending on the device that scans it.

For instance, check out this QR code example for the Coca-Cola Instagram profile. It was created with URLgenius by simply entering the Instagram profile link for Coca-Cola into the box on the homepage. When scanned, this QR code will open the Instagram mobile app if it's installed, or direct the user to the Instagram website if the app is not installed.

QR codes offer a convenient and effortless way for your visitors to access specific screens or features within your app, be it social apps like Instagram or even your brand's own app. They can be used online, offline, on television, or anywhere your audience is likely to engage with your brand. So, let's get started and revolutionize the way your audience interacts with your brand!

Opening App With QR Codes and Fallback Destinations

When planning the perfect QR code scanning experience, it's essential to consider where to redirect users if the app is not installed. While the answer may be evident for an app like Instagram, it's important to consider the goals of your campaign when creating a QR code for your brand's app. If your objective is to boost app installs, redirecting users to the appropriate app store is a smart move. On the other hand, if app downloads are not a priority, you may want to redirect users to a web URL.

Marketers have the power to control this setting with platforms like URLgenius. By simply opening the settings page for the link, you can easily change the fallback destination by platform and device. And the best part? URLgenius QR codes are dynamic, meaning you can make changes to the fallback setting at any time, even after the QR code has been printed and distributed. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your QR code strategy as your campaign goals evolve.

In addition, you can append measurement tags to the link behind your QR code in a way that won't disrupt the scanning experience or make your QR code too dense. Now let's go through the steps to make your app QR code!

Step-by-Step: Custom QR Codes to Open Apps

In the following example, we will create a QR code that opens the Amazon app to a specific product details page. This particular example could be helpful for any Amazon Seller that is promoting products in the Amazon marketplace but the concepts and the steps are the same for any app including your brand's app.

Navigate to your target page on the Amazon website and copy the root product link from the address bar of your web browser.
If you're in the Amazon Attribution program include your measurement tags on the link.
Otherwise, you only need the root product link—not the navigation tags.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/Coca-Cola-Soda-Soft-Drink-Pack/dp/B000T9SZIG
Paste the link into the box on the URLgenius home page.
When pasting the link, notice the Amazon app icon is highlighted.
This tells you that URLgenius understands the link type you pasted.
If you're creating a QR code to your brand's app and you don't see your app's icon highlighted that just means your app has not been added to the URLgenius composer
In that case, start by entering one of your app store links into the composer and fill out each field or contact us for help
Notice the field that lets you customize the end of the link so you can align it with your campaign and find it later in your list of links.
Click the “Compose URL” button which takes you to the settings page which contains the QR code where you can customize and download it.
At the top of the settings page, you'll see the link that will be used to open your app
To create a more branded experience, it is recommended that you use your brand's domain for all your QR code links
Check out the settings in your account for more information
To download and customize your QR code click 'QR Design Studio'
The URLgenius QR Design Studio lets you change all aspects of your code including colors, shapes, and backgrounds.
Changes must be made cautiously because design elements affect the ability to scan the code. Contact us for guidance!

App QR Code Analytics

URLgenius will track scans separately from clicks, which is helpful when you're using the QR code as well as the link in a multi-channel campaign. Tracking scans is a great way to enhance your first-party data over time as you increase your understanding of how your customers and prospects like to engage with your app. Contact us to discuss your reporting requirements.

The following chart shows the volume of app opens by platform and device. The app open rate tells you what percentage of people who scanned had the app installed for iOS and Android.

This next chart shows scans by city and separately by language preference. These anonymous insights help you figure out where and how to focus your campaign, both in terms of geography and language.

Check your spending during the month at any time by clicking 'Settings' or 'Activity' from the menu. Just be aware that there is a one-hour delay in reporting.

URLgenius Is Your Dynamic QR Code Generator for Apps

At URLgenius, we make generating dynamic Enterprise QR codes for apps easy, but using them correctly and extracting all their potential value takes expertise, the right technology, and the right strategy. We're here to help you every step of the way!

There is a lot that can go wrong in the process. Even something as simple as logo design or UTM parameters can interfere with the scanning process. We can guide you and your team every step of the way. We'll make sure to get the design, density, size, and placement perfect for your print ad and other channels in relation to scanning distance— plus we'll consult with you on your analytics strategy to ensure you're measuring results as effectively as possible.

Want to master the art of QR codes? Look no further! Our free QR Experience Playbook and QR Strategy Guide have got you covered with everything you need to know to get your QR codes just right. From mastering density and scanning distance to branding and customizing your codes, these resources will help you avoid common mistakes and take your QR game to the next level.

If you found this content helpful, check out some of our latest how-to posts for QR code app marketing:

Get Started for Free

No credit card required