Quick Guide: How to send customers a sign-up link

We look at the differences between a URL, QR code and when it is best to use the WalliCards generated URL for customer sign ups.

In our previous blog post, we looked at how you can utilize QR codes to have your customers receive push notifications, and stamp cards or any offers you create, directly in their Android or iPhone Wallet. As convenient as a QR code can be, there are also use cases where a regular web-based link (also known as a URL) is preferred, as this basically can be accessed on any device with a browser. In this article, we will explain how you find your own URLs, that customers can use to sign up for their member or loyalty card in a few easy steps. We will also provide som tips and tricks on when and how to use the link for your customers.

To issue digital cards to your customers, they will have to submit basic information to a web-based form, which basically consists of contact details (name, number and e-mail), and what device they are using (Android or iPhone).

The card can be either a member card or a stamp card (you can choose either one or both, depending on what plan you sign up for). Once the details are successfully captured, their card will automatically be created and stored in their digital wallet.

How to find your WalliCards card link

Log into your WalliCards administration page, which can be accessed directly from the home page and the top right-hand corner. If you are already signed in, you should be good to go by using the same browser as per your last session. This depends on what browser you are using, and work differently between Chrome and Safari, for example. If you are not signed in, enter your e-mail address, and you will receive a new magic link in your inbox of the e-mail address used to create your WalliCards-account.

After that, follow these steps:

1. Once signed in, click on Cards, the last option on your left sidebar menu.

2. Click on the card you wish to fetch your URL for. This can be either a membership card or a loyalty card.

3. At the top of your card design tool, you will find three tabs: Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Customer Form. Click on Customer Form.

4. At the very top, you will find the URL attached to this particular card, and simply by clicking the URL, it will be copied (you will see a green check mark and the prompt “Link copied to clipboard!”

5. You can now paste the link anywhere, into an e-mail, a direct message on Facebook, or store it in a document, for example.

Click CTRL + V on Windows (CMD+ V for Mac users) or right-click on your mouse and choose the option to paste.

PRO TIP 1:

Double-check that your card is online before sending the link to your customers.

Advantages to using a URL vs QR codes

The WalliCards QR codes are super easy to use, but sometimes, a link can be more user-friendly as it is clickable, can save time, and seems more trusted, as a customer can see the destination simply by checking the name of the link. For instance, if you are messaging new customers via SMS, WhatsApp, or in direct messages on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, it makes a lot of sense to send the URL instead of a QR code. As most people use their phone when messaging, they can sign up by clicking the link from within their mobile unit, instead of having to use the device to scan their own screen.

If you would like to sign customers up for digital cards via newsletter, the link could also be a valuable way to quickly engage your customers into filling out the short form. No need to take the phone out of their pocket if they are reading the e-mail on a computer, or a mobile browser for that matter.

PRO TIP 2: Use linktr.ee on Social Media

The link can also be added to your Social Media Profile for easy access. A popular way to utilize multiple links (your website, other social media, digital wallet cards, as examples) is to use a service such as linktr.ee.

PRO TIP 3: Use a URL-shortener

If you don’t like what the link looks like, you can use a URL-shortener, which essentially does what it sounds like: It masks your link into a much shorter format, and the best thing is that you only take a minute to create, and you only have to do it once. One of the most popular tools for this is TinyURL, where you can shorten your link directly from their webpage.

Here are a few scenarios and situations when a URL might be better than a QR code:

User trust and transparency

URLs often have an edge over QR codes when it comes to trust from new clients, because they are directly visible and can clearly display the destination. A user can quickly recognize familiar domains, which inspires confidence and reassures them about the link's legitimacy.

While QR codes can link to safe destinations, the lack of visible context requires users to trust the source of the code entirely.

However both URL shorteners or branded QR codes with recognizable elements can enhance trust, but the transparency of URLs still makes them a more straightforward choice in contexts where reassurance is key.

Accessibility across all devices

Not all devices or apps can scan QR codes easily, whereas a URL can be accessed on virtually any device with a web browser. Sharing links via email, SMS, or social media where a clickable URL is more practical.

Remote or digital sharing

URLs can be shared over digital platforms where a QR code might not be visible or scannable (e.g., during online meetings or on a website). Sharing a link in a Zoom chat, embedding a link in a PDF, or sharing on social media posts works much better than using a QR code, as this entails a few extra steps for users to get to the sign-up form.

Ease of memorization and manual entries

A short and simple URL (e.g., example.com) can be remembered or typed out manually, whereas a QR code cannot, as it must be scanned for it to work.

Content-specific situations

Some environments may not be conducive to scanning QR codes, like dimly lit areas or when users are viewing a screen without easy access to their mobile camera. Directions or resources are provided during virtual conferences or when typing the link is more convenient.

Conclusion

In summary, URLs are better for digital sharing, memorization, or when trust and transparency are crucial. They are also the only option when users might not have access to a QR code scanner.

QR codes, on the other hand, excel in physical spaces (posters, menus, a print-out, by your reception area etc.) where quick scanning is easier and provides a seamless experience.