How to Use a QR Code for Advertisements

When you’re paying to advertise your business, it can get costly to get all the relevant information you need into your limited ad space. Luckily, there’s technology that can increase an ad’s impact and potentially increase the conversion rate: QR codes. 

These unique codes are versatile marketing tools that can be used to extend the capabilities of your paid ads, both digitally and in print. 

If you’re unsure how to get started, we’re here to help. This guide will give you the full details of how QR code ads work, plus a few tips for getting started. 

What Kind of QR Codes Should I Use for Ads?

If you’re ready to generate your first QR code but aren’t sure how to use it, here are a few ideas.

Your Newest Release

The most popular way to use a QR code is by sending interested fans to a page on your website that lists your newest product or service. These URL QR codes are particularly useful if you don’t have a lot of ad space but still need to convey product information or sales copy.

Email List Sign-Ups

Email marketing is vital for businesses of any size, so using a QR code for email sign-ups takes a lot of the hard work out of the picture and ensures you’ll never lose your list of leads again. 

Virtual Business Card

Networking at industry events or with potential customers means having to shake a lot of hands and exchange contact information. Rather than needing to carry business cards around or having to panic if you left them at the hotel, simply generate a QR code for a virtual business card that creates a new contact in someone’s phone that has your name, phone number, website, and email address preloaded and ready to go.

Links to Your Social Media

If you use social media to engage with your fans, using a QR code linked to your main social account is a great way to funnel your new fans to the platforms where you most want to boost your numbers. 

Reviews

No advertising is better than word-of-mouth, so set up a new QR code that directs customers to a review site where they can rave about their experiences with your business. 

What Is a QR Code, and How Does It Work?

Quick response (QR) codes are unique codes that smartphones and tablets can scan with their built-in cameras. These codes are used for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Sending a consumer to a URL
  • Sending an email to a specified address
  • Showing an image or video

Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Static 

Static codes direct the client to a permanent URL or action and cannot be changed. Static codes are the most popular QR code ads and are great for new users who want to test how well they work with their consumers. 

Dynamic 

Dynamic codes can be edited and re-edited as needed — even after printing.

How to Make QR Codes for an Advertisement

Making a QR code is easy! Here’s how to do it using our QR code generator:

  1. Select the type of code you’d like to make. Some of the options we provide include:
  2. Enter your content
  3. Customize the code with your brand colors or use a gradient to make your code pop.
  4. Add your logo or another image to help better brand your unique code.
  5. Customize the design with the right weight and style.
  6. Click “Create QR Code,” and you’ll receive a unique, ready-to-use code.
  7. Test your QR code to ensure it works correctly by aiming your smartphone camera at the code.

Should I Use a QR Code for Advertisements?

Using a QR code in your advertising is a fantastic, free way to use technology as a marketing tool that keeps your clients up-to-date and ensures you’re able to provide the best customer service possible. 

However, before using a QR code, there are a few things you should consider:

  • What is the expected result you hope to achieve, and is it helpful in growing your business? Even if it’s free, investing time in creating a QR code might not be worth the effort if your code won’t be seen or used by your target demographic. 
  • Is your ideal customer tech-savvy enough to understand how to use it?
  • How will you track the activity on your code?
  • How will you measure ROI?
  • Is your ad big enough to account for the copy you need to have AND the QR code? If your ad is too small, it might look too busy.

Ready to get started? Use our free QR code generator to create a unique QR code for your next ad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change where the QR code sends customers?

If you create a dynamic QR code, you’ll have the ability to update the action scanning your code takes. However, this can be hard to manage when you have multiple codes. Instead, if you want to change where a QR code goes, you can create a new static QR code.

How easy is it to use a QR code?

Both iOS and Android smartphones have built-in technology that automatically recognizes a QR code through their camera apps. All your customer has to do is open their camera and scan the code; their phone will do the rest.

Are QR codes useful for ads?

Using QR code ads is an effective way to expand the utility of any advertisement. However, you need to keep in mind whether or not your target customer knows how to use a QR code. Otherwise, your QR code could end up wasting valuable ad space.

Can I use my new QR code digitally?

Yes, your new code can be used both digitally and in print. Consider using a code on the main page of your website or in your email signature. Because your ads can be both digital and printed, you can use a variety of QR code options to reach your target audience.