Creating and Managing QR Codes in Squarespace
TL;DR:
- QR codes can be created for any individual layout page on Squarespace
- QR codes direct users to specific web pages just by scanning them with a smartphone
- Download your QR codes as .png files for easy printing and distribution
- Remember to update QR codes if you change the linked page's URL slug to avoid broken links
QR codes are a handy way to bridge the gap between your physical marketing materials and your website. Whether you're creating a menu, donation page, or sign-up form, QR codes give people quick access to your content without typing in URLs.
Here's how to create and manage them in Squarespace.
Creating a QR Code
The process is built right into Squarespace's page settings, so you don't need any third-party tools.
- Navigate to the pages panel in your Squarespace dashboard
- Select the page settings of the layout page you want to link to the QR code
- In the 'General' tab, confirm the URL slug. Any changes after QR creation will render the code invalid
- Enable the QR code feature by toggling it on
- Click on 'Download QR code' to get a .png file of your QR code
Important: Always finalise your URL slug before creating a QR code. If you change it later, your QR code will stop working.
Updating Your QR Code
If you modify the URL of your page after creating the QR code:
- Return to the page settings where the original QR code was created
- Make necessary changes to the URL slug and click on 'Create new code'
- Download the updated QR code
- Replace all previous marketing materials with the new QR code to maintain link accuracy
Managing Broken QR Codes
When a QR code link breaks due to a URL update, you have three options:
- Revert the URL slug to its original form if possible
- Create and distribute a new QR code if returning to the old slug isn't feasible
- Set up URL redirects to guide users from the old link to the new page (this requires some technical know-how)
The first option is usually the simplest if you haven't already distributed materials with the old URL.
FAQs
Can I create a QR code for a collection page on Squarespace?
No, QR codes can only be generated for individual layout pages, not collection pages.
What should I do if a QR code stops working?
You can either revert to the original page URL, update the QR code, or establish URL redirects.
Can I track how many times my QR codes are scanned?
Squarespace currently doesn't offer analytics for QR code scans.
Jargon Buster
QR Code: A digital barcode scanned using a smartphone camera to access linked web content directly.
URL Slug: The part of the URL that explains the page's content, which is crucial for QR codes.
.PNG File: A format for saving images that supports transparency, used here for downloading QR codes.
Wrap-up
Creating QR codes in Squarespace is straightforward and can boost engagement with your digital content. The key is planning ahead and finalising your page URLs before generating the codes. This saves you from having to reprint materials or confuse visitors with broken links.
QR codes work particularly well for menus, event pages, donation forms, and contact information. Just remember to test them before you go to print.
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