How to Effectively Use a QR Code on Print: Pro Tips

Did you know that adding a QR code on print can transform your static marketing material into an interactive one to increase engagement? 

With everything going digital, businesses that rely on traditional marketing are using QR codes to turn unmoving print ads into more engaging sources of information by linking them to interactive content. 

Learn through this article how to effectively use QR codes as part of your offline promotional strategy and create quality ones using the Free QR Code Generator. 

QR codes: A digital twist to traditional marketing

With the growing popularity of the internet and smartphones, it is unsurprising to see businesses adopting digital tools for their print ads. Among these are QR codes. 

Nowadays, you can spot QR code signage anywhere—in shopping centers, streets, and areas with high foot traffic.

These highly versatile digital tools allow you to store various forms of information, such as links to websites, product details, contact information, promotions, or multimedia content.

You can easily place QR codes in print materials such as posters, flyers, brochures, and product packaging. 

Users can instantly access additional information about the product, service, or promotion that the print material advertises when they scan the code using their smartphones.

Such integration of QR codes into materials such as print magazine ads and displays helps extend the reach of offline marketing campaigns without significantly increasing production costs.

Tips for using QR codes on print ads

Using QR codes on print materials requires strategies to maximize its effectiveness in facilitating user engagement. Here are some of the best practices you should take note of: 

Link to relevant content 

Direct QR codes to valuable and relevant digital content, particularly on information that aligns with the context of the print material.

You can link them to multimedia content like videos or animations to enhance comprehension and engagement, providing users with a richer and more interactive experience. 

By providing users with comprehensive and relevant information, you can encourage them to engage with the campaign, increasing the effectiveness of your promotional efforts.

Appropriate QR code size for print

When using QR codes on print materials, it is important to follow the QR code guide when creating one to maintain a sufficient size. 

If the code is too small, it may become challenging for users to scan, potentially leading to scanning errors or frustration. 

However, the QR code size should also not overpower or detract from the aesthetics of the print material. 

Balancing size with other design elements ensures the code blends harmoniously without dominating the layout.

Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

It is essential to indicate the QR code’s purpose and the benefits users will derive from scanning it. 

Accompany the QR code on print with clear and compelling Call-to-Actions (CTAs) to prompt users to scan them. Well-crafted instructions entice users to engage, increasing user interaction.

Proper placement

Don’t just put the QR code anywhere on your print ads. Position QR codes in print materials to ensure easy visibility and accessibility without clutter. 

Placing codes where they’re most likely to capture attention encourages users to engage with additional digital content, leading to higher conversion rates. 

Scan testing

Before the QR code printing process, make sure to do a scan test using various devices and scanners to ensure functionality and accuracy. 

By running a scan test, you can verify that it leads to the right content and loads seamlessly across different platforms and devices.

Consider the location and environment

When posting your print materials with QR codes, make sure to place them in high-traffic areas or where eyes naturally gravitate. Place them at a height and angle that facilitates easy scanning. 

QR codes should also remain legible and scannable throughout their intended usage period without degradation. Place them in areas with a good environment to maintain their legibility and scannability.

How do I make a QR code to print?: A guide

Creating a QR code for prints is simple. But to make a quality one, you need a reliable QR code software with advanced features that is safe and free to use. 

Follow this guide below to learn how to make one using our QR code maker:

1. Open the Free QR Code Generator on your browser. 

2. Select a QR code solution that fits your needs.

3. Input the required information. 

4. Generate the QR code. 

5. Customize the QR code to match your branding. Change the color, add a logo, and attach a compelling Call-to-Action (CTA).

6. Run a scan test on the QR code to see if it’s working. 

7. Download the QR code in SVG format for a high-quality image. You can significantly resize it without losing its quality, making it ideal for prints.

Print materials to place your QR codes

Eager to begin your marketing journey with QR codes but don’t know where to put them? Worry no more. 

Here is a list of popular print ad materials you can use for your offline marketing campaigns:

Posters and flyers

Offer viewers immediate access to additional content by adding a QR code on poster for an event, product, or service. 

Doing so expands the limited space by providing a gateway to interactive content without ruining the poster’s or flyer’s aesthetics.

Business cards

Add an extra to the ordinary—place a vCard QR code on your physical business cards and conveniently share your contact information with your clients and partners. 

When recipients scan the QR code, they can quickly save details or access additional professional information digitally, enabling swift information exchange and relationship building. 

Billboards

You can add a QR code on large outdoor signage like billboards to create an impactful offline marketing campaign. 

Integrating QR codes on billboard advertising allows advertisers to convey a more comprehensive message that they can’t fit within the billboard’s limited space.

From viewing a static billboard, passing pedestrians and drivers can access dynamic digital content on their smartphones or devices, providing users an interactive experience. 

Brochures

Integrating a QR code on brochure enhances user engagement by allowing users to access supplementary content or specific landing pages instantly. 

In a scan, users can acquire the information that you couldn’t fit within the brochure’s limited space.

Also, when you link a flyers and brochures QR code to multimedia content, you can provide users with an interactive experience, enhancing engagement and understanding of your product or service. 

Packagings

Using a product packaging QR code allows you to provide consumers access to additional product information beyond what’s feasible to include on the packaging itself.

You can also link this QR code to promotional offers, loyalty programs, or exclusive content, encouraging repeat purchases and fostering brand loyalty.

With this, you’ll have a cleaner and visually appealing packaging design since you don’t need to clutter your packaging with extensive text to provide all this information.

Magazines

Provide an interactive experience to readers as they flip the pages by attaching a magazine QR code on print magazines. 

By linking the QR code to videos, interviews, or interactive features, readers can engage with dynamic multimedia content, enhancing the overall reading experience.

You can also direct readers to promotional campaigns, product launches, or advertising content, offering marketers a direct channel to engage and target specific reader segments.

Display ads

You can combine print and digital advertising for your products and services using a displays and ads QR code.

By embedding the QR code into a static display ad, viewers can seamlessly transition from print advertisement to interactive digital content.

This generates interest among customers since they can access more information about the product or service, leading to increased brand awareness and sales. 

Benefits of using a QR code on poster and ads

Integrating QR codes into posters and advertisements is revolutionizing traditional static content by fostering interactive engagement.

To further convince you to start adding QR codes to your print advertisements, here are the key advantages you can gain when you use these digital tools:

Versatility

QR codes are known for their versatility, as you can easily place them on various types of materials, including prints. You can also resize them to fit your ad material while maintaining scannability.

Cost-effective marketing tool

Other than its versatility, a QR code on print materials can extend the reach of marketing campaigns without significantly increasing production costs. 

Many QR code software online allows you to create one for free. 

Quick access to information

You can enable quick information-sharing by integrating QR codes into your offline marketing materials. 

Users can access digital content by simply scanning the code with a smartphone, eliminating the need to manually type in URLs or search for more information about the product or service. 

Better experience and engagement

The addition of QR codes to traditional marketing strategies allows print materials to become interactive, encouraging more user engagement and interaction with the brand or content.

For example, by scanning a QR code on a product’s packaging, users can swiftly access additional information, such as product specifications, usage guidelines, and customer reviews, helping them with their purchase decisions.

Valuable insights

Using a dynamic QR code on print advertising allows marketers to gather data on user engagement, demographics, and geographic locations. 

The ability of QR codes to track scan metrics—such as the number of scans, scan locations, time of scans, and user demographics—provides these valuable insights.

By analyzing these data, they can understand user behavior and measure marketing campaigns’ effectiveness, helping them refine their strategies. 

Static vs. dynamic: Best QR code type to use for prints

The choice between static and dynamic QR codes is an important decision to make for businesses seeking to optimize their offline marketing strategies.

Which of the two is better to use for print ads? Let’s differentiate them and discuss their pros and cons: 

Static QR code

This type of QR code allows you to store fixed information in it, making it a reliable digital tool for scenarios where the data needs to remain consistent. You can easily create one using a free QR code generator. 

You can use a static QR code to convert the URL of your website, social media page, or location into a QR code. 

Since it stores information permanently, you cannot change or update the content once you generate the code. You will have to create a new QR code and reprint your promotional materials. 

Dynamic QR code

Unlike its static counterpart, a dynamic QR code is more advanced, allowing you to store and update the information in real-time without the need to create a new one. 

Dynamic QR codes also provide comprehensive analytics that is valuable for refining marketing strategies and understanding consumer behavior.

This makes them ideal for dynamic marketing campaigns, promotions, or situations requiring frequent content changes. 

Dynamic QR codes require a subscription for their usage, but they are good investments since you can use them in the long run. 

Fortunately, there is the freemium offer of the Free QR Code Generator, in which you can create up to three dynamic QR codes without any charges.

Maximize brand engagement with a QR code on print

From static print ads, you can now create interactive experiences for consumers with the help of QR codes. 

These versatile tools bridge the gap between physical and digital marketing by letting you store various forms of information in a compact square. This makes connecting with the target audiences easier for businesses and marketers.

Check out the Free QR Code Generator today and create QR codes for your print advertisements to facilitate a dynamic and engaging experience for consumers. 

FAQ

Will a QR code work if printed on paper?

Definitely! Smartphones and scanner apps can read QR codes regardless of your printing material.

Just make sure that you print the QR code clearly and retain its structural integrity. Maintaining at least a minimum size of 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) is advisable for QR code size for print. 

Also, test the QR code to ensure its functionality before printing it onto any physical surface.