How to Use QR Codes for Your Marketing

Looking to generate a free QR code online for your next marketing campaign? QR codes have experienced a spectacular renaissance, especially since the pandemic. With over 90% of smartphones capable of scanning them natively, they have become an essential marketing tool for connecting the physical world to the digital.

Whether you want to create a QR code for URL, vCard, or WiFi, the possibilities are endless: interactive business cards, restaurant menus, advertising posters, product packaging… Each scan can be tracked, allowing you to measure your campaign ROI precisely.

Our QR code generator allows you to create custom QR codes for free and download them as PNG in high resolution. In this article, discover how to use them effectively to maximize the impact of your marketing campaigns.

Why Are QR Codes So Effective?

Massive Smartphone Adoption

Over 90% of adults own a smartphone capable of scanning a QR code natively through the camera. Gone are the days of dedicated apps!

The Bridge Between Physical and Digital

A QR code transforms any physical medium into a gateway to your digital universe:

• Poster → Order page
• Business card → LinkedIn profile
• Packaging → Video tutorial
• Restaurant → Interactive menu

Measurability

Unlike traditional media, every scan can be tracked, allowing you to precisely measure the ROI of your campaigns.

Where to Use QR Codes?

Print Media

Events

• Exhibition booths: Lead collection via form
• Conferences: Slides and additional resources
• Restaurants: Digital menu (now standard)
• Museums: Detailed information about artworks

Digital-to-Physical

Even online, QR codes have their place:

• In emails to download a mobile app
• On social media for contests
• In presentations for links

Best Practices for Effective QR Codes

1. Minimum Size: The 2 cm Rule

A QR code must be at least 2x2 cm to be easily scannable. But the optimal size depends on the scanning distance:

General rule: The QR code should represent at least 1/10th of the scanning distance.

2. Error Correction Level

Our QR code generator offers 4 error correction levels:

Use a high level (Q or H) if:

• The QR code will be printed on textured surfaces
• You want to integrate a logo in the center
• The medium risks being damaged

3. Optimal Contrast

The scanner needs sufficient contrast to detect the code:

Do:

• Light background + dark modules (classic)
• Minimum contrast of 40%
• Test on multiple devices

Avoid:

• Background and modules of similar colors
• Inverted QR codes (dark background) without testing
• Gradients in the code

4. Optimized URLs

The shorter the URL, the simpler and easier to scan the QR code:

❌ https://www.example.com/products/category/summer-2025/item-12345?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=summer
✅ https://ex.co/summer25

Tips:

• Use URL shorteners
• Create redirects on your domain (yoursite.com/qr1)
• Use short domains for tracking

5. Clear Call-to-Action

Never display a QR code alone! Always add:

• An indication of the action: “Scan to order”
• The benefit: “Full menu” or “10% discount”
• Optionally the URL for those who prefer to type

Types of Content for Your QR Codes

Our generator supports several formats:

Simple URL

The most common. Redirects to a web page.

vCard

Perfect for business cards. Adds your contact details directly to the address book:

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:Smith;John
TEL:+33612345678
EMAIL:john@example.com
END:VCARD

WiFi

Automatically connects to a WiFi network:

• Ideal for reception areas
• Avoids sharing the password aloud

SMS / Email

Pre-fills a message for immediate action.

Geolocation

Opens directions to your point of sale in the maps application.

Fatal Errors to Avoid

1. QR Codes That Don’t Work

Always test your QR code before printing:

• On multiple devices (iPhone, Android)
• From different distances
• In different lighting conditions

2. Broken or Temporary Links

Imagine 10,000 flyers distributed with a dead link. Prefer:

• Permanent URLs with configurable redirects
• A tracking system that allows changing the destination

3. Non-Mobile Optimized Pages

The user scans from their phone. If the target page is not responsive, you lose 80% of your conversions.

4. Lack of Tracking

Without analytics, it’s impossible to measure effectiveness. Use:

• UTM parameters (?utm_source=flyer)
• Shorteners with statistics
• Dedicated pages per campaign

5. Too Much Information

The more data the QR code contains, the more complex it is to scan. Prefer a short link to a complete page rather than encoding all the content.

Creative Usage Ideas

Proximity Marketing

• Restaurant: QR code on the bill to leave a Google review
• Store: Code on the price tag to product reviews
• Real estate: “For sale” sign to virtual tour

Loyalty

• Digital loyalty card: One QR code = one stamp
• Contests: Scan to participate
• Exclusive discounts: Hidden promo codes

B2B

• Professional exhibition: Badge to LinkedIn profile
• Presentation: Slides and additional resources
• Technical documentation: Link to online docs

Measuring the Success of Your QR Codes

KPIs to Track

1. Number of scans: Engagement volume
2. Conversion rate: Scans → Desired action
3. Scan time/day: Optimize timing
4. Location: Identify best placements
5. Device: Adapt the experience

Tracking Tools

• Google Analytics with UTM
• Bitly or other shorteners with stats
• Dedicated solutions (QR Code Generator Pro, etc.)

Complementary Tools

To optimize your QR code campaigns:

• QR Code Generator: Create your custom codes for free
• Word Counter: Check the length of your URLs
• Image Resizer: Optimize your visuals for the web
• SEO Analyzer: Ensure your landing pages are optimized

Conclusion

QR codes are much more than just a technological gadget. When used correctly, they become a powerful marketing tool capable of precisely measuring the ROI of your offline campaigns.

The key to success: a visible, functional QR code with a clear call-to-action and a mobile-optimized landing page.

Create your first QR code now with our free generator!