Using QR codes for tours and individual locations

3 min read
Table of Contents

QR codes are a useful way of promoting your VoiceMap tours because they link the physical and digital – in fact they're so useful that we've built them into Mapmaker.

To generate and download them, go to your tour's Distribution tab. Once you've done that, they can be added to print and digital signage.

You can create three types of QR codes in Mapmaker:

  • QR codes that link to a tour's overview
  • QR codes that link to a publisher profile
  • QR codes that link to a specific location on a tour

All three types behave slightly differently and are intended for different use cases.

QR codes that link to a specific location are especially useful for free tours because listeners can play the audio for that location immediately, in their browser, without installing the VoiceMap app or creating a VoiceMap account.

QR codes in the Distribution tab

When listeners scan a QR code that links to your tour, two things can happen:

  • If they have the VoiceMap app installed, it will open the tour directly in the app
  • If they don't have the app, it will open the tour's web page at voicemap.me, where they can preview the tour, read the description, and purchase it

This is the most common type of QR code and is ideal for general promotion — on flyers, posters, business cards, or at tourism information points.

Publisher profile QR codes

These link to your publisher profile on VoiceMap, showing all your published tours. This is useful if you have multiple tours and want to direct people to your full catalogue rather than a specific tour.

Location QR codes are the most powerful type because they link directly to a specific location on your tour. When scanned:

  • The listener can immediately hear the audio for that location in their browser
  • They don't need to install the app or create an account
  • This works especially well for free tours

This makes location QR codes perfect for on-site signage at specific points of interest. Imagine a QR code on a plaque next to a historic building that immediately plays your narration about that building.

Tips for using QR codes

  • Size matters — make sure the QR code is large enough to scan easily. At least 2cm x 2cm for close-up scanning, larger for signs that will be scanned from a distance.
  • Test before printing — always scan your QR codes with different phones to make sure they work correctly.
  • Add context — include a brief call to action near the QR code, like "Scan to hear the story of this building" or "Scan for a self-guided audio tour."
  • Consider placement — put QR codes where people naturally stop and have time to scan, not where they're rushing past.