If there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic taught everyone, it was how to use QR codes. By adding cheap, simple signage incorporating QR codes we more than doubled both our cash donations and volunteer sign ups.
We have always had posters promoting our work on the notice boards at the entrances to the Majura Pines. These posters have included QR codes. However they had limited effect.
These smaller, simpler signs have been many times more successful. They only contain the minimum information required. For us, that is these are volunteer built trails, our name and logo (because branding is important), how to follow our social media accounts and the QR codes. The “volunteer” code directs to an email sign up page on our website where you are added to our mailing list, which is used to publicise trail building days. The “donate” QR code goes to a PayPal donation page linked to our account.
These signs are placed on the trail sign posts at the spots where riders naturally stop and rest eg the tops of climbs. They are not on every sign post in the forest; just at a few key locations.
Email Sign Ups
We have a dedicated email sign up page on our website. However, if you don’t have that service – you might not even have a website – there are other options. If you use a mailing service, such as Mailchimp, they will provide an email sign up page. They probably have an integrated QR code generator to link to that page as well. At the simplest level, you can create a QR code that includes your email address. There are many free online tools to do this.
Donations
We use PayPal to receive our donations, which is easy to set up and reasonably easy for donors but we do pay a few % in fees. You must first create PayPal business account. This is free to do but you made need to supply some information about your organisation.
Then, when logged in to PayPal, create a new Donation page by following the instructions under the Pay & Get Paid menu. Once finished there are options to share a link or create a QR code. You can also copy the HTML code to add a PayPal Donate button to your website.
If you are unable to create a PayPal business you could use the Trailforks Karma page for your Region, making sure you set up your club as the Local Trail Association for that region. For example, this is the Majura Pines Karma page. You will still need a PayPal account to receive the money from TrailForks, but it doesn’t need to be a business account.
Designing Your Signs
Unless you have a keen graphic designer on your committee, we highly recommend using Canva to help you. It is free, very easy to use and somehow makes everything look better.
Decide what size you want your signs to be. This might be determined by your print options (see below). Then create a new design in Canva. You will probably have to use a custom size. Upload, or simply drag and drop, your logo and QR codes. If you only have links, there is a QR code generator app built in to Canva. Text and other elements, such as social media icons, are all in the libraries. There are loads of tutorials on the Canva website and online where you can learn more.
When you are happy with your design, download it from the Share menu.
Getting Your Signs Printed
Our signs are printed on stickers and applied directly to the plastic posts. This is not the most durable option but is cheap and easy. QR codes can change and we might want to update any of the details.
By using a quality, waterproof, UV resistant sticker and by cleaning the post thoroughly before application means they are all still in place and still look good 2 years later. Our stickers were printed with Australian company StickerRoo. They are great for small print runs. We got 10 stickers, 10cm x 15cm, for only $2.60 each.