Short links and QR codes have a number of advantages and disadvantages in use depending on the situation. Short links are used in social networks, e-mails, when you need to easily share a link and not clutter up space. Short links are easier to remember and look good, especially if there are certain restrictions on the number of characters. Most services for shortening long links also provide convenient analytics for marketing purposes, for example, the geography of users who clicked on the link. Also, some services for shortening links provide the ability to edit the final link without changing the main one.
Among the disadvantages of short links is that they are often used by scammers and the user does not immediately see which site he is going to. It is also worth noting that link shortening services can stop working, and then your short link will disappear and stop working. Therefore, you should choose only stable services for shortening long links.
QR codes are convenient to scan if you have a phone. It is fast and safe, because before opening, you can preview in a web browser. QR codes can be customized to your brand, using your company colors and logos. Analytics functionality is also available to track and analyze conversions, as in shortened links.
QR codes are not always convenient, especially when the user does not have a phone with an installed scanning application. A QR code can only be scanned if it is printed, and there is no option to enter it manually. Fraudsters also often use QR code technology to deceive users, so you should be careful when scanning and check the final information.
What to choose, a QR code or a shortened link? If you need to share a link on a social network or via email, it is better to use a shortened link. If on printed materials, for example, on a menu or on a billboard, then a QR code is better. But the best universal option is to combine a QR code and a shortened link, that is, place a QR, and next to it a short link for the convenience of the user. Then, in any case, your client will be able to click on the link in a more convenient way for him and share this link with others. First, create a shortened link using a shortener, and then generate a QR code from it for convenient scanning. Combining the two methods increases convenience and audience reach.