QR codes are all around us, from a menu code at your favorite restaurant to an ad at your bus stop. Designing a QR code has become increasingly important as their use grows. According to the State of QR Codes 2025 report, 59% of consumers scan QR codes daily, showcasing their growing role in bridging physical and digital experiences.

They are minimalist yet versatile codes used for marketing businesses and brands, helping

strengthen the connection between consumers’ physical and digital spaces.

With this in mind, you’ll definitely want to start incorporating QR code marketing into your own marketing strategy to provide customers with the latest and most relevant information about your product or service. While the first step in QR code marketing is to create your own code with a QR code generator, this article will explore practical ways to enhance your next campaign using QR codes.

What are QR codes?

Invented in 1994 by a Japanese automotive company to allow quick component scanning during manufacturing, QR codes are a type of barcode that allow users to experience a touchless informational or monetary transaction.

QR codes work by encoding data into a grid of black and white squares. Scanners interpret the pattern of squares to extract the encoded information, such as a web link or text. The device can then access or process the information by scanning the QR code.

QR codes can be scanned and understood by any type of smartphone device, providing businesses with a fast and direct way to guide users to take immediate action. This is why marketers are incorporating these encrypted square shaped codes into more marketing ideas and advertising strategies than ever.

7 ways to use QR codes in marketing 

There are many reasons to use QR codes as a marketing tool. You can connect instantly with customers, collect first-hand data and perform market segmentation thereafter, as well as add QR codes to any advertising campaign, from marketing emails to billboards.

Take the example of Coinbase, the cryptocurrency app, which ran a successful Super Bowl commercial with just a bouncing QR code on a black screen. Viewers were given a full 60-seconds to scan the code, sending them to redeem $15 worth of free bitcoin for signing up via the link. Coinbase took a chance on QR code marketing and reached a turning point in ad history. A reported 20 million people visited the company’s landing page in a single minute.

Here are other ways and benefits of using QR codes for your business:

1. Increase web traffic 

2. Promote your app 

3. Convert more sales 

4. Locating your business 

5. Get product reviews 

6. Create a buzz with limited-time offers 

7. Simplify event check-ins 

01. Increase web traffic 

Creating a website is essential to any marketing strategy for your business. Once you have it, you can drive customers there through a QR code placed on a flyer, ad, email or packaging — just to name a few. When customers scan the code, they’ll be taken directly to your web page. You can do the same for a landing page. 

Before setting up your QR code plan, think about which page of your website you want to direct people to and what you want them to do once they are there. This will help you create a QR code campaign that meets your goals. Finally, you can use a QR code generator to create customized QR code ideas that fit your marketing needs. 

Example: A café could include a QR code on coffee cup sleeves that links to their menu or loyalty program. 

02. Promote your app 

You’ve created an app for your business, such as a Wix app to manage and grow your operations. But to fully promote it, you need to make it easy for customers to find and download. Stamp every flyer, marketing email, poster and piece of promotional content with a QR code, so that customers can go straight to the app store and download it on the spot. 

Example: A fitness studio could include a QR code that links to their app on their class schedule flyers, making it easy for clients to book and pay for classes. 

03. Convert more sales 

A QR code coupon is a virtual coupon delivered via the scanned code. Offering incentives is a proven way to encourage customers to try your products or services. Once you’ve created your QR code coupon, you can test it out by running limited-time offers or deals that attract new customers and reward loyal ones. 

Example: An online clothing store could include a QR code on their thank-you cards that links to an exclusive discount for their next purchase. A bakery could post a QR code on their storefront that offers a discount during their anniversary week. 

04. Locating your business 

For brick-and-mortar shops, QR codes can help customers find your location on the map. Simply add your QR code to your website, social media pages and promotional content like posters and flyers. Users can scan the code and be directed to Google Maps or another navigation app to find your physical address. 

Example: A local bookstore could include a QR code on their social media bio, directing customers to Google Maps for easy navigation to their store. 

05. Get product reviews 

QR codes can help generate more customer reviews. Add a QR code to your business cards, website or business email signature to encourage engagement. You can choose the type of review that benefits your business most. For instance, a rating QR code allows customers to quickly add a rating (e.g., 1 to 10) and you’ll get the results emailed to you.

Alternatively, feedback QR codes provide detailed insights. Use Google Forms to create a survey and plug the URL into the QR code generator. Customers who scan the QR code will be taken directly to your questionnaire. 

Example: A restaurant could place a QR code on receipts inviting customers to leave a review on Google or Yelp. 

06. Create a buzz with limited-time offers 

QR codes are a powerful way to promote exclusive deals while creating urgency. By linking a QR code to a time-sensitive offer, you can encourage faster decision-making and drive immediate action from customers. 

Example: Imagine a pop-up shop using QR codes on their promotional posters or flyers that link directly to a flash sale page. The sale could only be available during the event, motivating customers to act quickly to snag the deal.

07. Simplify event check-ins 

QR codes can significantly streamline event check-ins, making the process faster, smoother and more efficient for both organizers and attendees. By replacing traditional methods like physical tickets or sign-in sheets, QR codes save time, reduce hassle and ensure accurate tracking. 

Example: A concert venue could include a QR code in ticket confirmation emails, allowing attendees to scan it at the entrance for quick and hassle-free access.

Why are QR codes popular for marketing?

QR codes simplify the way businesses and customers interact. With just one scan, companies can share exclusive content, create interactive experiences or even close a sale. 

Several trends have boosted QR code popularity, including improvements in smartphone camera tech and a growing preference for contactless interactivity. Businesses see QR codes as powerful tools to connect customers to what they need most—exactly when they need it. 

Quick benefits of using QR codes:

• Frictionless access to content or tools 

• Cost-effective analyzing of campaign results 

• Enhanced engagement across media

Real-life QR code marketing success stories

Big-name brands have mastered the art of incorporating QR codes. Take a page from their book and learn how to craft campaigns that captivate audiences. 

Taco Bell x Doritos Locos Tacos 

Taco Bell added dynamic QR codes to taco holsters, linking customers to rotating content such as weekly sweepstakes, games and recipes. This strategy kept customers scanning—and returning. 

Netflix’s pop-up “Gilmore Girls” coffee shops 

To promote the Gilmore Girls revival, Netflix added QR Snapcodes to pop-up cafes styled as Luke's Diner. Fans could scan and unlock a Snapchat filter in line with the show’s theme, creating a buzz both online and off. 

Heinz’s sustainability campaign 

Heinz turned QR codes into opportunities for social impact. Scanning one pledges sustainability efforts, while inspiring customers to share green initiatives.

Why QR codes are gaining popularity now

With billions of people gaining access to high speed internet and smartphones, according to data, QR codes are ubiquitous in many parts of the world. Alongside Apple’s iOS 11 update, which enabled iPhones to recognize and scan QR codes, Android smartphone makers are doing the same. Hence, nearly every type of smartphone holder has steadily welcomed QR codes into their daily lives.

This may explain why QR codes are being quickly adopted by more types of businesses over time. Business owners understand that by integrating a QR code for mobile payments or purchase orders, they can greatly enhance a customer’s shopping experience. Not only do people prioritize touchless transactions, they also want to get to information faster. QR codes bridge that gap between digital and physical spaces, proving more relevant in the past year.

What are the different parts of a QR code

A QR code (Quick Response code) comprises several key components that enable it to store and convey information efficiently. These components include:

• Finder patterns: These are the square patterns located at three corners of the QR code, helping scanners detect and orient the code correctly.

• Alignment patterns: These are smaller square patterns inside the QR code that help scanners adjust focus and alignment for clearer reading, especially in larger QR codes.

• Timing patterns: These are alternating black and white lines surrounding the QR code's data area. This provides timing information to the scanner to determine the size and shape of the modules (black and white squares) within the code.

• Quiet zone: This is the margin of white space surrounding the QR code, ensuring it remains distinct and scannable even when placed against backgrounds or in environments with visual clutter.

• Data modules: These are the black and white squares forming the actual encoded data within the QR code. The arrangement and pattern of these modules represent the information stored, whether it's a web link, text, contact details or other data types.

• Format information: This section stores details about the QR code's error correction level, mask pattern and other formatting parameters, enabling scanners to decode the data accurately.

• Version information: In larger QR codes, this section provides additional details about the QR code's version, defining its size and capacity for storing data.

Types of QR codes

QR codes for digital payments

In recent years, QR codes have played a crucial role in revolutionizing the digital wallet industry. Some of the world’s top payment apps, including China’s Alipay and PayPal, use QR codes to stay competitive amid a global shift to go cashless and meet the evolving needs of a tech savvy target audience.

Making payments via QR codes is very quick compared to other modes of payment. At a store or online, a user scans the QR code on their phone, thereby launching a payment screen. Once they confirm the payment, it only takes a few seconds until the purchasing process is complete.

QR codes for shopping

QR codes have also found fanfare in many restaurant ordering systems and retail marketing. In the United States, half of full-service restaurant operators now offer QR code menus, according to the National Restaurant Association, as reported by The New York Times.

On the retail side of business, QR codes are paving the way for brands to create new entry points to their target market. One subtle and effective example of QR code marketing can be found in most sneakers. Here, take a moment to inspect the tongue of your Adidas and read the stitched tag inside. You might find a QR code printed on it. That’s because the American shoe manufacturer, in conjunction with Spotify, has developed a successful small business marketing strategy for the release of the Boost HD line. That QR code links directly to a custom-made playlist based on where you are geographically, ensuring you stay connected to these brands on the move.

Are QR codes safe to use?

QR codes themselves are generally safe to use, but like any technology, they can be exploited if the proper precautions aren't taken. QR codes can contain various types of data, such as website URLs, text, contact information or even executable code. The safety of them depends on what they link to and how they are used.

One risk is malicious QR codes that link to phishing websites or malware. Scanning these codes can compromise your device's security or lead to identity theft. It's essential to verify the source and destination of QR codes before scanning them, especially if they're from unknown or suspicious sources.

QR codes safety best practices

• Use a reputable QR code scanner app that includes security features to detect malicious codes.

• Avoid scanning QR codes from untrusted sources or locations, especially those found in public places or on random websites.

• Check the URL before visiting a website linked by a QR code to ensure it's legitimate and secure (using HTTPS).

• Regularly update your device's operating system and security software to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Be cautious of QR codes received via email, text messages or social media, as they could be used in phishing attacks.

QR codes FAQ

What are some best practices for designing custom QR codes?

When designing custom QR codes, ensure the code remains scannable by maintaining sufficient contrast between the background design and the QR code itself. Avoid overly intricate designs that could interfere with functionality, and always test the QR code to confirm it works correctly.

Can QR codes include a logo or branding?

Yes, QR codes can be customized to include a logo or branding. However, it’s essential to keep the logo centered and not interfere with the key elements of the code required for scanning.

What resolution should I use when generating a QR code for printing?

For printed materials, QR codes should be high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) to ensure they remain clear and functional, regardless of the printing size.

How can I track the performance of a QR code? 

You can use QR code generators that offer analytics features. These tools provide data on scan frequency, locations and types of devices being used.

Are there limitations to the amount of information a QR code can store?

Yes, QR codes have storage limits depending on the type and size of the code. For large data, use a URL shortener or direct users to online resources, rather than embedding too much data directly in the code.