What Is a QR Code and Why Do Businesses Need It?

Shopping online, downloading apps, browsing menus, or booking tickets should be convenient, which is why businesses are increasingly using QR codes. These recognizable pixelated squares can now be found on business cards, packaging, name tags, or social media pages—they instantly direct users to the information or action they need. What a QR code is and what it’s used for is an important topic for modern businesses, since in a highly competitive environment, customer interactions must combine accessibility and convenience.

The vast majority of adults use smartphones. That’s why a QR code for businesses is an opportunity to offer customers quick payment options and up-to-date information about products, services, and menus. This effective tool improves service quality and enhances brand appeal.

Types of QR Codes and When to Use Each One

QR codes are created using combinations of numbers and letters encoded in the form of a square grid of pixels. They are scanned using scanners or smartphones equipped with the appropriate app or a built-in camera.

In business, both static and dynamic QR codes are used. They differ in how they are implemented and used. A static QR code is designed to present data that does not require editing. Once created, it cannot be changed. Additionally, it is not possible to track scan statistics when using this type of QR code. Examples of use:

• device manuals;
• links to social media pages;
• educational and instructional materials.

Dynamic QR codes are created using short links (URLs). They contain information that can be edited. Among the advantages of dynamic QR codes is the ability to track click-through statistics, which is essential for analytics. Examples of use:

• real estate agency listings to which new properties are added;
• homework assignments in educational institutions;
• special offers from stores, cafes, restaurants, etc.

When customers need to be provided with a large amount of information—for example, about each product, dish, or property in the lineup—bulk QR codes are used. This technology makes it possible to automate the creation of data for a large number of items. Trusted services are used to generate a set of dynamic and static QR codes. A database of links is imported into the program from Excel (Google Sheets). Scanner apps are used to verify the quality of the generated codes, and their visual presentation is evaluated.

Security and Privacy

When implementing QR codes in business operations, you should avoid including any confidential information in them. It is also not recommended to encode objects with complex designs or inverted colors, as this may make it difficult to read the data.

To ensure that the code works correctly and does not pose any risks to users, you should check the following:

• using trusted QR code generators;
• fast code scanning by various devices;
• the presence of a secure link (https, not http);
• Implementation of UTM tags for dynamic codes to track clicks and performance.

To earn a customer’s trust, a business should limit the amount of information it requests.

Comparison of QR Code Generation Services

We invite you to check out this overview of business software and apps.

Ideas for Where to Place QR Codes

Products and services that can be viewed online should be described in an informative and persuasive manner. Generated QR codes are the best way to do this.

Offline media

Printed materials may contain high-contrast QR codes, the dimensions of which allow for quick and error-free scanning of the generated data. The information can be presented on various paper media, including:

• business cards;
• price tags;
• in paper packaging;
• stickers showing the establishment’s hours of operation;
• menu;
• tickets;
• flyers, etc.

The QR code itself should be dark. It should be placed on a light background. The optimal size for physical media is 2 × 2 cm.

Online Points of Contact

You can find QR codes in digital form when viewing banners, social media pages, landing pages, and PDF presentations.

Step-by-step guide to connecting to an online access point:

1. Find the QR code.
2. Use the scanner that is installed on your device.
3. Read the code.
4. Get a link to the website.
5. Copy and paste it into the search field.
6. Click the link.

Many apps, such as online banking apps, already have a built-in scanner.

Creative Formats

Generated QR codes can make a brand more recognizable. They can be used to complement eye-catching CTA posters. QR codes are also used in conjunction with NFC. It makes sense to offer this integration, for example, to enable convenient and quick online bookings.

Once you’ve created a QR code, it’s important to check that it scans properly. Here’s how:

• use a smartphone camera with the appropriate built-in feature;
• try scanning the QR code using a downloaded or online scanner;
• Check the link to make sure it leads to the correct page.

To ensure the accuracy of the test, it’s a good idea to use several mobile devices. You should also try scanning the QR code while adjusting the lighting intensity. Additionally, make sure the QR code can be scanned from various distances. If the information scans without any issues, it can be made available to the general public, including in print.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Your First QR Code and Launch a Test in 1 Day

This brief guide will help you complete the task on your own. How to create a QR code for your organization:

1. Purpose. First and foremost, you need to determine exactly what the QR code is for. It could be a restaurant menu, a way to read reviews about a store or brand, or access to a personalized discount.
2. Choosing a service. To determine the best option, you should find out what types of QR codes the app supports—dynamic or static. It’s also worth checking whether it offers brand frames, access to analytics, and the ability to export to JPG, PDF, and other formats.
3. Generation. This is the direct creation of a code in a QR code generator using the tools provided by the selected service.
4. Quality control. At this stage, dimensions and contrast are checked. Readability on various devices, scanning distance, and print quality are also tested.
5. Analytics. To monitor marketing effectiveness, attention is paid to the total number of scans, devices, operating systems, peak engagement periods, and geolocations where the highest level of interaction with the QR code was recorded. For effective data analysis, UTM parameters (special tags in the link that allow tracking the referral source and traffic channel) are also added.
6. Data-driven evaluation. To determine effectiveness, compare several versions of the QR code using an A/B test. It’s also worth examining the impact of design and the call to action (CTA) on scans, clicks, and conversions.

The number of reads relative to the access point’s total traffic depends on the specifics of the marketing campaign.

Case Studies by Niche

When considering the purpose of a QR code, it is important to evaluate how it is used in various fields:

1. Retail. You can view price tags, special offers, and discounts.
2. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Menus, reviews, loyalty programs, and chatbots for online orders and reservations.
3. Public events. To ensure visibility and effectiveness, QR codes are placed on tickets, online registration forms, and posters displayed within coworking spaces. You can also use this format to send invitations to join the community via popular messaging apps.
4. Education. You can use the QR codes to follow the links to pay for courses, access learning materials, and use interactive resources.
5. Real Estate. You can include QR codes for customers in advertising brochures and magazines. After scanning them, customers will receive a link, for example, to an online virtual tour.
6. Service. Scanning the QR code is a convenient way to access the appointment form, price list, and current discounts.
7. Production and Delivery. Generating a QR code for signing is a convenient option for interacting with business partners. You can access this service through trusted providers, such as “Vchasno.”

See also: eDilo Business Solutions — Examples of Successful Models for Collaboration and Partnership Development.

A common mistake when generating QR codes is an incorrect balance between contrast and size. You can correct this error in the QR code generator of your choice. In your account, you can fix a broken URL, change an ineffective CTA, and add UTM parameters. Editing is available only for dynamic QR codes.