QR Code Advertising: Best Practices, Examples & How to Run QR Code Ads

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What Is QR Code Advertising?

QR code advertising is using QR codes in print or digital ads to connect offline audiences to online actions,like visiting a landing page, claiming an offer, downloading an app, or booking an appointment. The key benefit is speed: people scan and act instantly, without typing URLs.

And here's the best part: using a QR code generator like IMQRScan an online QR Code software makes creating a QR code quick and simple. Wondering how QR code advertising might improve the marketing effectiveness of your regular banner ads? Then keep on reading to know more…

QR Code Ads Examples (Banners, Posters, Billboards, Web Ads)

Here are common QR code ad formats that work well:

• Banners & billboards: send people to a “limited-time offer” page
• Posters & flyers: collect leads, coupons, or event registrations
• Product packaging: how-to videos, warranty, instructions, reviews
• Web banners & screens: quick jump to a promo page or app install

How Do QR Code Ads Work? (From Scan to Conversion)

QR code ads work by turning a physical or digital ad into an instant action path. When a user scans the QR code with their phone camera, it opens a predefined destination such as a landing page, offer, app store, or contact form, without typing a URL.

Typical QR code ad flow:

• A user sees a QR code with a clear call to action
• The phone camera scans the code
• The QR redirects to a mobile-optimized page
• The user completes an action (visit, sign up, buy, download)

Using a dynamic QR code, advertisers can update the destination link and track scans even after the ad is printed, making QR ads flexible, measurable, and conversion-focused.

How to Advertise Using QR Codes (Step-by-Step)

• Choose a goal (traffic, leads, sales, app downloads, reviews)
• Create a campaign landing page (or use your website link)
• Generate a dynamic URL QR code so you can edit the destination anytime
• Add UTM tracking to the link (so GA4 shows campaign performance)
• Add a CTA near the QR code (“Scan for 20% off”)
• Test scan distance + lighting + devices before printing
• Track scans and optimize (CTA, placement, landing page)

How to Optimize QR Code Ads for Higher Scan Rates

An advertisement with a QR code gives a digital dimension to any marketing campaign. It's the most in demand tool that bridges between two major marketing streams i.e. offline and online. With this remarkable QR code markets can convert conventional banners into interactive one's that increase the customer engagement.
Another reason to incorporate them in the ads created with an AI ads generator is that a banner or printed advertisement can not carry huge data but the QR code can. So don't delay and include it in your daily small business marketing strategy and grow your business.

Best QR Code Types for Advertising Campaigns

Traditional banner ads have promotional constraints. Whereas QR code advertising aids marketers to go big. It creates a consistent customer journey and marketing funnel shortcut. QR codes allow your audience to take information home by scanning or photographing it. Anytime, anywhere access. QR code advertising can digitalize banner ads in these following ways:

• URL QR Codes Help Drive Website Traffic

  A URL QR code can turn your printed banner into a “shoppable” print ad that directs customers to your online store or corporate website. Your banner is versatile with a URL QR code since you may modify the link anytime. If the online purchasing platform is down, you can instantly replace it with your website link so scanners may shop and order.

• Increase Social Media Engagements with Social Media QR Codes

  You can increase your reach with social media QR codes, these are social media banner ads that simplify your digital presence. All your social network and website URLs are embedded on a mobile-optimized landing page with this smart dynamic solution. When tapped, each link's button takes scanners to the platform. This feature lets scanners track you across many platforms without switching apps.

• App Store QR Code Allows Mobile App Download

  Your mobile app needs attention too. Use app QR codes in print material to increase downloads and users. This solution embeds your app URL. It then leads scanning to Google Play or App Store to directly download your smartphone app.




• Multi URL QR codes Help Promote Your Brand.

  Multi-URL QR codes are advanced and unique, perfect for global brands. The service lets marketers create targeted or personalized marketing strategies. This system stores links that drive scanners to different landing pages dependent on:

1. Language
2. Location
3. Time
4. Number of scans
• File QR Codes Provides Complete Details

  Use a file QR code to deliver complete and accurate campaign information on a banner or a poster with limited space. Photos, movies, audio, and documents. The users can see and save the file. You can explain how to enter your raffle or giveaway or list your product's ingredients. This has transparency with details that helps win consumer's trust.

• Editor QR Codes Helps Create Customized Landing Pages

  Personalized landing page QR codes are another excellent banner with QR code advertising examples. Your banner advertising might have less copy with this technique. The landing page QR code is an advanced QR code solution that lets you construct personalized landing pages without a website or domain. Use a pre-designed template or personalize it to your preference or branding using this option. Add photos and videos for increased engagement.

• Google QR Codes Help You Get Feedback

  Avoid time-consuming paper-and-pen customer feedback. Instead, add a Google Form QR code to your banner. People may scan the QR code from your banner and leave feedback using their phones or devices, making it more convenient and efficient.

Why Businesses Use QR Codes in Advertising (Key Benefits)

Businesses use QR codes in advertising because they bridge offline exposure with online engagement instantly. Instead of asking customers to remember links or search later, QR codes capture intent at the moment of attention.

Key benefits of QR code advertising include:

• Faster user action compared to URLs or short links
• Measurable performance through scan tracking and analytics
• Easy updates with dynamic QR codes (no reprinting needed)
• Better customer experience on mobile devices
• Lower cost than traditional digital ad channels

For brands running print, outdoor, packaging, or event campaigns, QR codes make ads interactive, trackable, and ROI-driven.

Best Practices for QR Codes in Ads (Placement, Size, CTA)

To improve scan rate:

1. Size rule: bigger is better (especially on banners/billboards)
2. Contrast: dark QR on light background
3. Quiet zone: don’t place it too close to edges or text
4. CTA: always add a command + benefit (“Scan to claim coupon”)
5. Short promise: tell users what happens after scanning
6. Mobile-first page: fast loading, clear next step
7. One QR per message: avoid multiple competing QR codes on one ad

Do QR Codes Work for Advertising? (Data, Use Cases & Results)

Yes, QR codes work for advertising when they are placed correctly, offer clear value, and lead to fast mobile pages. Their effectiveness has increased as smartphone cameras now scan QR codes natively without apps.

QR codes perform especially well in:

• Print ads and banners with limited space
• Product packaging and point-of-sale displays
• Events, trade shows, and outdoor campaigns
• Restaurant menus, posters, and flyers

Advertisers see higher engagement when QR codes are paired with a clear incentive (discounts, exclusive content, instant access). With dynamic QR codes, businesses can track results, optimize campaigns, and improve conversions over time.

Track Your QR Code Ad Performance (UTM + Dynamic QR)

The biggest advantage of QR code advertising is measurability.Use a dynamic QR code and track performance with:

• Total scans and scan trends
• Location/device breakdown (where available)
• Campaign performance in GA4 using UTM parameters

If your offer changes, you can update the destination link without reprinting the ad, one of the main reasons businesses prefer dynamic QR codes.