Waffle House Commits QR Code Faux Pas

I have to give
Waffle House credit for getting on board with QR codes. But I have to groan at its execution.

Waffle House put a QR code in its Facebook photo album a few days ago. The problem is, very few of its followers knew what the heck it was. Some thought it was a new waffle shape. I hope those people were kidding.

Whenever you use a QR code, let your audience know what it is and that when you scan it with your smartphone’s QR code reader, you will be directed to a mobile site. Also, tell the audience what the URL is that the code should direct to. That way if the scan fails, or the audience doesn’t have a smartphone, they still have a chance to see what the offer is.

Whoever uploaded the QR code to the Waffle House Facebook page could have easily included the what, why and how as the photo caption.

I wasted 2 minutes and a bit of batter power because I scanned it and was directed to a registration form for the “Waffle House Regulars” club. I’m already a member (Hey, if I’m on the road and there’s a Waffle House, I’m there!).

Waffle House is not alone. When working on an article this week about daily deal sites, I found out Optimo Sunglasses made the same faux pas on its Facebook page.

I’m sure Waffle House and Optimo Sunglasses are not alone.