10 Smart Ways to Advertise Products and Service Using QR Codes
Sally Wright
Feb 17, 2025
QR codes give businesses a simple way to connect offline advertising with digital experiences. A customer can scan a code on a flyer, product package, poster, or even a T-shirt and instantly reach a website, promotion, video, form, or other online content.
This makes QR codes useful for businesses that want to make traditional advertising more interactive without adding extra steps for customers.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 practical ways to use QR codes to advertise products and services, along with tips for making each campaign more effective.
TL;DR
- QR codes can connect print advertising and physical products to digital content.
- Use them to promote products, discounts, videos, events, social media, and more.
- QR codes work well on packaging, flyers, posters, merchandise, and real estate signs.
- A clear call to action gives customers a reason to scan.
- Dynamic QR codes can be updated without replacing the printed code.
- Custom designs can help QR codes fit your brand and marketing materials.
- QR Codes Unlimited lets businesses create and customize QR codes for different campaigns.
1. Add QR Codes to Print Advertising
Flyers, posters, brochures, business cards, and other printed materials can only provide so much information. A QR code gives customers a quick way to access more details without overcrowding the design.
For example, a restaurant can place a PDF QR code on a flyer that opens its online menu or a special discount. A service business could direct customers to a booking page, while a retailer could send shoppers directly to a product collection.
The key is to make the destination relevant to the advertisement. Add a simple call to action such as “Scan to Get 10% Off” or “Scan to View Our Menu” so customers know what to expect.
2. Put QR Codes on Product Packaging
Product packaging is another useful place for QR code advertising. Instead of limiting the package to basic product information, businesses can use a QR code to create a more interactive experience.
A skincare company, for instance, could link to a video showing how to use a product. A food brand could provide recipes, ingredient information, or serving suggestions. A technology company could link customers to setup instructions or product support.
QR codes can also lead customers to related products, seasonal promotions, or an online store, giving packaging a second purpose after the initial purchase.
3. Use QR Codes to Grow Social Media Engagement
Getting customers to search for a business on social media can add unnecessary friction. A QR code can take them directly to the company's profile or a social media campaign.
Businesses can place QR codes on signs, promotional cards, event displays, or packaging. A QR code could lead to an Instagram profile, Facebook page, or a social media campaign where customers can follow the brand, view new content, or participate in a promotion.
For a stronger campaign, give people a reason to engage. A QR code could lead to an exclusive social media giveaway, product announcement, or limited-time promotion.
4. Make Payments and Ordering More Convenient
QR codes can also support advertising while making everyday transactions easier. Restaurants, retailers, and service businesses can use them to direct customers to digital menus, ordering pages, payment options, or other online services.
For example, a restaurant can place a QR code on tables that opens its digital menu. Another code on a receipt could send customers to a feedback form or loyalty program.
This approach turns an ordinary customer touchpoint into another opportunity to promote a product, service, or special offer.
5. Promote Events and Digital Tickets
QR codes are useful for promoting conferences, concerts, festivals, workshops, and other events. A code printed on a poster or flyer can take potential attendees directly to the registration or ticketing page.
Once someone has purchased a ticket, QR codes can also make check-in easier by providing access to a digital ticket or confirmation page.
Businesses can use the same approach for smaller events. A local fitness studio could promote a free class, for example, while a retailer could advertise an in-store product launch.
When using QR codes for event advertising, make the destination mobile-friendly and keep the registration process as simple as possible.
6. Add QR Codes to Promotional Merchandise
T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, stickers, and other promotional products can continue advertising a business long after an event or campaign ends.
Adding a QR code gives these physical items a digital component. A clothing brand could link to its latest collection, while a service company could direct people to its website or contact page.
The QR code should be large enough to scan comfortably and placed somewhere that remains visible. A short call to action can also make the purpose clear, such as “Scan to Shop” or “See What's New.”
7. Build QR Codes Into Loyalty Programs
QR codes can make loyalty programs easier to access and use. Instead of relying entirely on physical cards, businesses can give customers a QR code that connects them to a digital rewards experience.
A coffee shop, for example, could use QR codes to help customers access a loyalty page, special promotion, or rewards account. Retail businesses can use similar campaigns to promote exclusive discounts to returning customers.
QR codes can also help connect loyalty programs with other marketing efforts, such as seasonal promotions and new product launches.
8. Promote Real Estate Listings and Virtual Tours
Real estate advertising is another area where QR codes can provide additional information without filling a sign or brochure with text.
A real estate agent can place a QR code on a For Sale sign that leads to a property listing, photo gallery, virtual tour, or inquiry form. Someone viewing the property from outside can scan the code and immediately learn more.
QR codes can also be printed on brochures and property cards. This allows agents to provide detailed information digitally while keeping physical marketing materials clean and easy to read.
9. Give Customers Access to Exclusive Digital Content
QR codes can be used to turn a physical product or advertisement into a gateway to exclusive content.
Businesses can link QR codes to eBooks, videos, tutorials, downloadable guides, webinars, digital catalogs, or other resources. This works particularly well when the content provides additional value related to the product or service.
For example, a fitness brand could print a QR code on its packaging that provides access to workout videos. A home improvement company could link a brochure to a step-by-step project guide.
This type of campaign gives customers a clear reason to scan while helping businesses provide more information without adding it all to the printed material.
10. Collect Surveys, Reviews, and Customer Feedback
QR codes can make it easier for customers to provide feedback after interacting with a business.
A restaurant could print a QR code on a receipt that leads to a customer survey. A hotel could place one in a room to collect feedback about the guest experience. A service provider could add a QR code to an invoice that directs customers to a review page.
The shorter and more straightforward the process, the more likely customers are to complete it. Avoid sending people to a generic homepage when the goal is to collect feedback. Link directly to the survey, review page, or form instead.
Tips for Using QR Codes in Advertising
A QR code alone doesn't guarantee engagement. Customers need to understand why they should scan it.
Always include a clear call to action and make sure the destination works well on mobile devices. Test the QR code before printing, particularly when using it across thousands of flyers, packages, or other materials.
Size and placement also matter. Avoid placing a QR code where it can be easily blocked, distorted, or damaged. Leave enough space around the code so smartphone cameras can recognize it.
For campaigns where the destination may change, consider using a dynamic QR code. This allows businesses to update where the code leads without having to reprint the physical marketing material.
Create a QR Code for Your Marketing Campaign
With QR Codes Unlimited, businesses can create QR codes for websites, PDFs, images, contact information, apps, and other digital destinations. QR codes can also be customized with colors, logos, and calls to action to better match different marketing materials.
Whether you're promoting a product on packaging, advertising a service on a flyer, or directing customers to a special offer, the right QR code can turn a physical marketing asset into a direct connection with your digital content.
You can create a QR code for free with QR Codes Unlimited and start adding interactive experiences to your next marketing campaign.
Conclusion
QR codes can make traditional advertising more useful by giving customers an immediate way to access digital content. From print ads and product packaging to merchandise, events, real estate listings, and customer feedback, businesses have many opportunities to incorporate QR codes into their marketing.
The most effective campaigns focus on the customer experience. Give people a clear reason to scan, send them to relevant content, and make the process easy from start to finish. With thoughtful placement and the right destination, a simple QR code can become a useful part of a broader advertising strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do QR codes work in marketing?
QR codes store information that can be accessed by scanning them with a smartphone. In marketing, they can send customers to websites, product pages, videos, promotions, forms, social media profiles, and other digital content.
2. Are QR codes expensive to use for business?
QR codes don't have to be expensive. QR Codes Unlimited allows businesses to create QR codes for free, while the main costs may come from printing or displaying the codes on marketing materials.
3. Can QR codes be customized for a brand?
Yes. QR codes can be customized with colors, logos, and other design elements. However, customization should not make the code difficult to scan. Always test a customized QR code before using it in a campaign.
4. Do customers need a special app to scan QR codes?
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly through their built-in camera. Customers generally don't need to install a separate QR code scanning app.
5. Where should businesses put QR codes?
QR codes can be placed on flyers, posters, packaging, menus, receipts, business cards, merchandise, event materials, real estate signs, and other customer-facing materials. Place them somewhere visible and accessible, and include a clear call to action explaining what customers will get when they scan.
