How to Use QR Codes for Business: A Practical Guide

QR codes bridge physical and digital. They turn printed materials into interactive experiences, transform products into information hubs, and make real-world actions as easy as pointing a phone. Here's how businesses actually use them.

Marketing and Advertising

Print-to-Digital Connection

The fundamental marketing use case: make printed materials measurable and flexible.

Business cards: Link to your LinkedIn, portfolio, or scheduling page. Update your info without reprinting. Use our Business Card Designer to create cards with embedded QR codes.

Brochures and flyers: Track which campaigns generate scans. A/B test destinations without changing print materials.

Billboards and posters: Turn passive viewing into active engagement. Measure offline advertising effectiveness.

Product packaging: Connect customers to usage videos, recipes, warranty registration, or loyalty programs.

Campaign Tracking

Dynamic QR codes let you see exactly what's working:

• Scan counts: How many people engaged?
• Location data: Which physical locations drive the most scans?
• Device breakdown: Mobile vs. tablet, iOS vs. Android
• Time patterns: When do people scan?

This data helps optimize placement, timing, and content. You can't track a URL printed on paper—but you can track a QR code that redirects to that URL.

Multi-Channel Integration

Create a unified campaign across physical and digital:

1. Print materials with QR codes linking to campaign landing pages
2. Same landing pages linked in email and social
3. Measure attribution: which channel (print, email, social) drove conversions?

Without QR codes, print is a black box. With them, it's another measurable channel.

Retail and E-Commerce

Product Information

Customers want details before buying. QR codes deliver without staff intervention:

In-store displays: Link to reviews, specifications, comparison tools Shelf tags: Connect to detailed nutrition info, sourcing, sustainability credentials Apparel tags: Size guides, care instructions, styling suggestions

Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS)

QR codes streamline pickup:

1. Customer shows order confirmation QR code
2. Staff scans to verify and mark as picked up
3. No typing order numbers, no searching systems

Mobile Payments

QR-based payments are standard in many markets and growing everywhere:

Static merchant codes: Customer scans code, enters amount, pays Dynamic payment codes: Specific amount pre-loaded, customer just confirms

Platforms like PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, and countless regional systems use QR codes for peer-to-peer and merchant payments.

Loyalty Programs

Replace plastic cards with phone-based programs:

• Customer shows membership QR code at checkout
• Points added automatically
• No forgotten cards, no app download required

Restaurants and Hospitality

Digital Menus

The pandemic accelerated what was already a good idea:

Benefits:

• Update prices instantly
• Add/remove items without reprinting
• Show photos, allergen info, nutrition data
• Support multiple languages
• Reduce printing costs

Best practice: One code per table linking to full menu. Let servers explain this once—most customers are comfortable.

Ordering and Payment

QR codes enable self-service ordering:

1. Scan table code
2. Browse menu on phone
3. Order and pay without flagging server
4. Server focuses on hospitality, not order-taking

This works particularly well for high-volume, quick-turn environments.

Hotel Operations

Room information: WiFi password, TV instructions, room service menu, local recommendations Check-in/check-out: Skip the desk, go straight to room Amenities: Pool hours, gym equipment instructions, spa booking

Events and Conferences

Ticketing and Check-In

Paper tickets are obsolete:

• Ticket QR code in email or app
• Scan at entry for instant validation
• Prevents counterfeiting
• Captures attendance data

Badge Networking

Professional networking via badge codes:

1. Each badge has unique QR code
2. Scan someone's badge to exchange contact info
3. No more collecting business cards you'll never organize
4. Exportable contact list after the event

Session Information

Codes on signage or printed schedules link to:

• Session details and speaker bios
• Slides and handouts
• Feedback forms
• Related sessions

Manufacturing and Operations

Inventory Management

QR codes make inventory accessible without expensive specialized equipment:

Warehouse locations: Each shelf/bin has a code. Scan to see what should be there. Product tracking: Scan items to update location, status, or ownership. Reorder triggers: Scan empty bins to automatically generate purchase orders.

Equipment and Assets

Track equipment lifecycle:

Installation: Code links to installation guides, required tools, specifications Maintenance: Scan to see service history, log maintenance, schedule next service Troubleshooting: Direct link to relevant manual sections or support

Quality Control

QR codes on work-in-progress items:

• Scan to record inspection results
• Track which inspector checked each item
• Link to specifications for verification
• Flag issues for review

Healthcare

Patient Identification

Wristbands with QR codes:

• Scan to verify patient identity before procedures
• Access relevant medical records
• Reduce identification errors

Medication Management

QR codes on medication packaging:

• Verify correct medication for patient
• Access dosage information and interactions
• Record administration in medical records

Equipment Tracking

Medical equipment management:

• Track location and availability
• Access calibration records
• Schedule maintenance
• Verify proper certification

Education

Interactive Learning Materials

Textbooks and worksheets become multimedia:

• Scan to watch explanation videos
• Access additional practice problems
• Link to simulations or interactive content
• Connect to study groups or forums

Campus Navigation

Codes throughout campus:

• Scan for directions to specific locations
• Access building hours and services
• Find available study spaces
• Report maintenance issues

Attendance and Access

Replace ID card systems:

• Check-in to classes
• Access facilities
• Track participation
• Simplify event attendance

Real Estate

Property Information

Signs with QR codes:

• Full listing details, photos, video tours
• Schedule viewing appointments
• Mortgage calculators
• Neighborhood information

This works 24/7, even when agents aren't available.

Open House Sign-In

Replace paper sign-in sheets:

• Scan to register attendance
• Capture contact info automatically
• Trigger follow-up sequences
• Comply with visitor tracking requirements

Getting Started: Practical Tips

Choose Static vs. Dynamic

Static codes (free, permanent):

• Content won't change
• Don't need tracking
• Simple, one-time use

Dynamic codes (subscription, flexible):

• Content might change
• Want to track scans
• Running campaigns you'll analyze

For business use, dynamic codes almost always make sense.

Design for Scanability

• Size: Minimum 2cm × 2cm for print, larger for distance viewing
• Contrast: Dark code on light background works best
• Quiet zone: Leave white space around the code
• Test: Always scan before printing

Provide Context

Don't just slap a code somewhere. Tell people:

• What they'll get ("Scan for menu" not just a random code)
• That it's safe (especially for payment or data capture)
• What to do (if your audience might not know how to scan)

Track and Iterate

If you're using dynamic codes:

• Check scan data regularly
• Test different placements
• Optimize based on what you learn
• Update destinations to keep content fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special app to create QR codes for business?

No. Web-based QR code generators work for most business needs. For high-volume or API integration, some businesses use dedicated software, but it's not required to get started. What matters is whether you need dynamic codes (updateable, trackable) or static codes (permanent, free).

How do I track QR code scans?

Dynamic QR codes provide tracking automatically—each scan is recorded with timestamp, location (approximate), and device type. Static codes can't be tracked directly, but you can track destination page visits if your analytics are set up correctly.

Are QR codes secure for business use?

QR codes are as secure as the destinations they link to. For sensitive applications (payments, access control), the security comes from the system, not the QR code itself. Use HTTPS URLs, secure payment processors, and proper authentication for anything involving data or transactions.

What's the ROI of using QR codes in marketing?

ROI depends on your specific use case. The main value is making offline marketing measurable and updatable. If you're spending money on print materials, QR codes let you track effectiveness, A/B test without reprinting, and update destinations—turning a fixed cost into a flexible, measurable investment.

Do customers actually scan QR codes?

Yes. Post-pandemic, QR code scanning is mainstream. Studies show over 90% of smartphone users have scanned a QR code. The key is providing clear value: menus, exclusive content, convenience features. People won't scan codes that don't offer something useful.

Start Creating

Ready to implement QR codes in your business?

• URL QR codes - Link to any webpage or resource
• vCard QR codes - Shareable contact information
• WiFi QR codes - Guest network access
• PDF QR codes - Share documents instantly

For codes you'll need to track or update, see our pricing for dynamic QR code plans with analytics.