Using QR Codes for Podcast Promotion

As a podcaster, you know how important it is to get the word out about your show. And a creative way to do that is by using QR codes. I'm Jordan host of Podcasting Q&A, where we answer your questions about how to start, grow and monetize your podcast. This week's question is from Claire.

Hi, my name is Claire, and Kate and I present our podcast called From the Horsebox. And we just purchased a QR code and we'd love some tips on how to make the most of it, other than putting it on all our flyers. Thank you.

This is a fun question, Claire. QR codes are a great way to promote your podcast because they're easy for people to scan and they can be placed almost anywhere. For those who are thinking, "What on earth is a QR code?", a QR code, or a quick response code, is a square shaped pixelated barcode that can be scanned by using the camera of a smartphone or other mobile device. When scanned, the QR code will direct the user to whatever it links to, whether that be a website, a YouTube video, restaurant menu, or anywhere online. For your podcast, you'll probably want a QR code that links somewhere with information about the podcast where to subscribe, social media profiles and contact info. How can you use QR codes to promote your podcast? One of the more common ways to do it is to put one on a flyer just like Claire and Kate have done and post it wherever you can in places like community boards or coffee shops. The same can be done by placing a QR code on a billboard LED sign or working it into a tradeshow display or event sponsorship banner. Another popular place to put QR codes is on business cards. I've seen many podcasters at conferences do this and people they meet can scan the QR code and directly subscribe to the podcast or save contact info to their phone. There are many places online where you can order a single card with your QR code on it made of plastic, metal or wood that can be scanned over and over again. If you're feeling really creative, you can even put QR codes on merch or apparel. For example, get a shirt printed with your podcast artwork, and a QR code on the sleeve, an engraved QR code keychain, or get a car decal for the back of your vehicle. There are people who have gone to more extreme lengths in displaying QR codes, such as painting them into murals, stitching them into quilts, or getting one tattooed on their body (which I really don't recommend). The point is when it comes to placing your QR codes, the most important thing is to make sure they are visible and easy to scan. Other than that the possibilities are pretty much endless. I hope this episode of Podcasting Q&A has been helpful to you. If you have a question you'd like us to answer on a future episode, go to podinbox.com/buzzsprout or click the link in the show notes to leave us an audio message. And as always keep podcasting!