How to use QR Codes for your business - the right way

Small Business HelpMarketingBrand CollateralGraphic Design

Sep 18

QR Codes: Smart Shortcut👍 or Just Annoying👎?

Some people like them, some don’t - where do you stand, or do you care 😆? I think QR codes can be a great tool—when used well. Some good/bad examples:

Menus: I’m not a big fan of viewing a menu on my phone when I’m sitting at a restaurant. But I appreciate it when having to order at the register, where my eyesight doesn’t allow me to see the overhead boards too well- if there is a scan code while waiting in the line, I can quickly view the menu up close on my phone.

Signage: I recently used a QR code on signage at a museum to purchase entrance tickets to a special exhibit, the code taking me right to the website sale page. But on a billboard, or outdoor sign where you have to scan while driving - nope. I did suggest that a client put a QR code that linked to their camp registration website page on their yard signs and school banner, because the signs were placed in an area with a lot of neighborhood foot traffic, and this saves someone from having to jot down and type in a website url - just scan and save on your phone instead.

Business cards: At networking events or trade shows where face-to-face interactions are important, having a QR code on the back of your card, that links to your website or special offer, is a helpful tool. Your QR can link to a contact vcard that the recipient can automatically save in their phone contacts, instead of having to manually enter your info.

Flyers, or other print materials like postcards, brochures, books, and mailers can strategically direct readers by including a QR code. But if this flyer is intended for social media, such as posting on Facebook, a QR code is pretty useless, especially if they are viewing on their phone and can’t point their camera at it to scan the code. Opt for a live link instead.

Powerpoints: when giving live presentations, QR codes are a great way to save viewers some effort from having to copy down information or urls. I’ve recently seen this a bunch at college visits, where they include links to FAQs or important deadline dates on their websites.

Tickets: Who misses having to print out tickets to events? Just save it in your phone wallet app, whip out your phone and let them scan the code.

Some helpful tips when creating QR codes for your business:

✅ Make It Mobile-Friendly – Since people scan QR codes with their phones, ensure the link leads to a mobile-optimized page.

✅ Tell People What to Expect – A simple call to action like "Scan to see our menu" or "Get your discount code"increases engagement.

✅ Use High-Contrast Colors – Dark code on a light background scans best. Avoid light colors or overly intricate designs that might not be readable.

✅ Test Before Printing – Always scan your QR code on multiple devices to make sure it works properly before using it in marketing materials.

✅ Keep the URL Short – A shorter URL makes a cleaner QR code with fewer dots, making it easier to scan. Use a URL shortener if needed.

When using QR codes yourself:

📌 Add It to Your Browser Bookmarks – Most QR scanners open links in your browser. Just tap the bookmark icon to save it.

📲 Use “Read Later” Apps – Apps like Pocket or your browser’s built-in reading list (Safari, Chrome, Edge) let you save the page to revisit later.

📩 Copy & Save the Link – After scanning, copy the link and paste it into a note, email, or messaging app for easy access later.

⭐ Open in Another App – If it’s a product or event, see if there’s an option to open it in an app like Amazon, Calendar, or Maps to store the info where you’ll need it.

A little extra step makes sure you don’t lose the info before you need it!