You've probably seen QR Codes around. At restaurants we scan them to open a menu or scan them in a store to check out the latest deal.
Oftentimes these QR codes lead to a webpage- but did you know a QR code can be scanned to easily create a text message?
What is an SMS QR code?
An SMS QR Code looks just like any other QR code. Someone simply opens up their camera on their phone and points it at the QR code to scan.
Instead of opening up a website, an SMS QR code opens up a new text message. This text message can be pre-filled with your phone number AND a pre-filled message. That way all they have to do is tap send to send the correct message to the correct phone number.
See how it works by scanning this QR code from the Gloo Customer Success Team!
If you click send, you can get in touch with the Gloo Customer Success team via text!
How do I set up an SMS QR code?
Creating custom QR codes for your text initiatives is easier than ever using the QR code maker built into Gloo Workspace! You can easily find it on the left side of your screen under your Communications menu.
As an example, let's walk through creating a QR code for new guests to scan upon visiting your church. If you haven't already done this, you'll want to set up our templated New Visitor Follow-Up Workflow in your account.
Navigate to your Communications menu and scroll down to the QR Code Generator on the left side under Tools.
Enter one of the keywords associated with the New Visitor Follow-Up Workflow (visitor, visitors). If you need a reminder of what keywords are currently set up in your account, you can view them all below.
The code will automatically adjust as you type in your keyword so that each code is unique to the keyword. Click Download to download an image file of your QR code.
Now whenever someone scans this code, it will open their phone's texting app and automatically fill in your Gloo phone number and the correct keyword, so that all they have to do is tap send!
Place your QR code on print materials, signs, or slides that will be projected along with your call to action. See this slide as an example!
Note: For the example, we set the QR code to text in a specific keyword. However, you don't have to use a keyword- you can set the QR code to pre-fill any message you'd like!
When should I use an SMS QR code?
You can use an SMS QR code whenever you'd like to people to text in to an initiative in order to simplify the process of them texting in. Feel free to create as many unique QR codes as you'd like!
Have a church wide devotional series or another initiative you're encouraging people to opt into?
Create an SMS QR code that populates the keyword associated with it and put it up on the screen during the in person announcement.
Want to gather prayer requests?
Create an SMS QR code that populates "Pray for..." and place these on flyers to be shared around.
Using texting to follow up new guests or new believers?
Create an SMS QR code that populates the keyword you'd like them to text in and print it on signs to be placed around your church or printed in the bulletin.