The Ultimate Guide To QR Code Advertising and Promotion

Businesses can use QR code advertising to drive traffic to their website, promote special offers, and even facilitate contactless payments. 

Marketers can add QR codes to various online mediums, including social media ads and email campaigns making them a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes.

Additionally, QR codes are trackable, allowing businesses to gather data on the number of scans to the user’s device and location, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Marketers consider using the free QR code generator to provide an easy and efficient way for businesses to connect with customers and drive conversions in the online space. 

Their increasing popularity in online advertising and promotions is a testament to their effectiveness as a marketing tool.

QR code advertisement best use cases

There are many ways that businesses use QR codes in their online advertising and promotions. Here are a few QR code advertising examples:

Social media ads

Coupon QR code

Many businesses use QR codes in their social media ads to drive traffic to their website or a specific landing page. 

For example, a clothing retailer might use a Facebook QR code to redirect users to a sale page on their website.

Email campaigns

Businesses can include QR codes in email marketing campaigns to direct customers to a specific landing page or offer. 

A restaurant might use a QR code in a promotional email to redirect customers to a page where they can view the menu and make a reservation.

Websites

Place a website QR code on brochures or posters to direct customers to a specific page or offer. 

For example, a hotel might use a QR code to direct customers to a page where they can book a room.

Contactless payments

Learning how to use QR code for contactless payments is beneficial for most merchants. Stores might use a QR code in an email or website that customers can scan to pay for an order.

Online Ordering and delivery

Restaurants and other food delivery businesses use QR codes to allow customers to place an order and pay for it using QR codes.

Virtual tours and in-person events

Create virtual tours of museums, galleries, and other venues using QR codes. Organizers can use them to promote in-person events and provide information about the event schedule and location.

These are just a few examples of how businesses use QR codes in their online advertising and promotions. 

As smartphones continue to increase and QR code technology becomes more widely available, we will see even more creative uses of QR codes in the future.

QR code types: which is better for your business?

There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic QR codes. Each of these code vary in features and functionality:

Static QR codes

Static QR codes are the most basic type of QR code. They are not customizable and editable and are only commonly used to redirect users to a specific website or webpage. 

These codes are best suited for small businesses or individuals who want to promote a website, a product or service, an event, or a social media profile that requires no alteration or constant update.

If you decided to edit the embedded data in a static QR code, you will have to regenerate a new one and totally discard the old one, as it does not have an edit feature.

Dynamic QR codes

Dynamic QR codeDynamic QR codes are best for campaigns where the information stored in the code may change over time. 

It can include things like special offers, promotions, or even menu items in a restaurant. 

They allow you to change the information stored in the code without creating a new one. 

These codes are best for businesses that want to direct customers to a specific landing page or offer that may change over time.

Apart from that, the dynamic QR code also has a tracking feature that lets you monitor the scan analytics of your QR code, such as the number of scans, time and date of scanning, and the devices used to scan the code.

You can also ad a password and expiry to your QR code if it's in a dynamic form, making it very flexible for advertising.

Best practices for using QR codes

Here are some tips for creating effective code campaigns, including design and placement considerations:

Choose a QR code generator

Use a reputable QR code generator like the Free QR code generator that allows you to track the number of scans. The right software will enable you to measure the success of your campaigns. 

Keep it simple

Keep the design of your QR code simple and easy to scan. Avoid using too many colors or patterns that make scanning difficult.

Make it large

Make sure your QR code is large enough to be easily scanned. A rule of thumb is to make the code at least 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) in size.

Use a call-to-action

Add a call-to-action (CTA) near the QR code to encourage people to scan it. For example, “Scan to learn more” or “Scan to get a discount.”

Test the QR code

Do a test scan on the QR code to ensure it’s working correctly and redirecting to the correct URL.

Use colors that stand out

Choose color that contrast with the background and stand out. This strategy will help your code to be more noticeable and make it more likely that people will scan it.

Place it in a strategic location

Place the QR code in a location where it’s easy to see and scan, for example, on billboards, flyers, brochures, or business cards.

Track and Analyze

Use QR code tracking and analytics tools to track how many people scanned your code, where they came from, what device they used, and how long they stayed on your website.

Use contextually appropriate QR code

Only use QR codes relevant to the context in which they appear. For example, a QR code on a menu would be more effective if it links to an ordering page.

Make it mobile-friendly

Ensure that the landing page or the website that the QR code redirects to is mobile-friendly, as most users will scan the code using their smartphones.

Following these tips, you can create an effective QR code campaign to help you achieve your marketing goals. 

Remember to test your code, track the results, and continually optimize your campaign for better performance.

Start your QR code advertising journey today

QR codes have proven to be an effective tool for businesses to connect with customers and drive conversions in the online space. 

Dynamic QR codes, in particular, offer a level of versatility and convenience that sets them apart from static codes.

They are ideal for businesses that want to promote special offers, promotions, or even menu items in a restaurant. 

They also provide valuable customer behavior and preferences insights through tracking and analytics, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their campaigns for better performance.

In an ever-evolving digital world, dynamic QR codes give businesses the flexibility to adapt and change their campaigns to meet the needs of their customers. 

Visit the free QR code generator and create a customized QR code today.