11 Must-Follow QR Code Campaign Tips for Marketing Success

11 Must-Follow QR Code Campaign Tips for Marketing Success

“Should I add a QR code on my posters?”

“Why am I not getting scans on my QR code?”

“What made other QR code campaigns successful?”

You may have had these thoughts at least a couple of times, and we get it. Everyone is already using QR codes — you, your customers, and even your competitors.

So if you’re still not getting the hang of them, don’t worry. 

We have listed feasible QR code campaign tips (dos and don’ts) and an analysis of existing QR code marketing stunts from local and global brands. These techniques will help you freshen your perspective on how to execute yours. 

Let’s hit the ground running.

Table of Contents

11 QR code campaign tips to maximize brand performance

QR codes offer countless benefits. If you’re wondering where and how to use them effectively, here are 11 tips to guide you on your campaign journey.

1. Define QR code marketing campaign goals 

A little clarity can take you a long way. What are you planning for? Do you want to encourage people to sign up for your event, encourage app downloads, or boost in-store traffic? 

If you run a real estate company, QR codes might be useful for virtual tours, while a nonprofit could use them to drive donations. 

When your goals are well defined, you can design your QR code flow around the intended actions. 

Skipping this step is not recommended, as you risk generating scans that don’t translate into meaningful outcomes. 

2. Use dynamic QR codes for flexibility and analytics

Campaigns using dynamic QR codes

Trust us, dynamic QR codes are a card up one's sleeve. 

Dynamic QR codes are highly flexible. They let you change the destination anytime, which makes them more versatile than static QR codes. 

It doesn't matter if you are a retailer running seasonal campaigns or a restaurant owner opening a special buffet; a dynamic QR code lets you swap out old promotions for new offers without reprinting materials. 

QR TIGER’s free dynamic QR code solutions also provide detailed analytics such as the number of scans, location, time, and device type. 

For example, food delivery service providers can use this data to learn whether lunchtime or evening scans convert better, then adjust campaign timing to maximize orders. 

3. Optimize landing pages for mobile-first experiences

Since your target audience will scan the QR codes from their smartphones, the landing pages must be fast, responsive, and mobile-friendly.

Imagine scanning a QR code at a restaurant only to land on a slow-loading PDF menu. The only thing worse than no landing pages is slow-loading landing pages. Your audience will drop off.

Instead, restaurants that use mobile-optimized menus with easy navigation not only boost customer satisfaction but also encourage repeat engagement.

No matter what industry you are in, mobile-first design ensures your campaign delivers a seamless experience after the scan.

4. Customize your QR code with brand logo and colors

Custom QR codes

A generic black-and-white code is good, but a branded QR code stands out.

QR codes are great tools for showcasing your brand identity. Adding your logo, brand colors, or a creative frame makes them recognizable and trustworthy. 

For example, beauty brands often use a QR code with a logo on packaging to align with their brand aesthetic.

Customized QR codes also reassure users they’re scanning something legitimate. It can reduce scan hesitation and boost engagement rates. 

The right design can turn your idea into a viral QR code advertising campaign, driving organic shares and buzz online.

5. Add a compelling call to action (CTA)

Dynamic QR code CTA

The step between a scan and a missed opportunity often lies in the call to action message.

Instead of placing a QR code alone, the best QR code marketing campaigns pair it with clear instructions like “Scan to get 20% off” or “Scan to watch the trailer.”

Movie studios that place CTAs with QR codes on posters could see significantly higher trailer views. 

💡How to attract people to scan the QR code? Add your company logo and a CTA to your QR code to attract people to scan it. These elements make it 80% more credible and effective than regular ones.

6. Test scanability across devices before launching

Nothing kills engagement than a QR code that doesn’t scan. Before launching your campaign, test it across different devices (iOS, Android), screen sizes, materials, and in various lighting conditions. 

If the lighting gets glarey, the QR code might not work. This often occurs at retail stores.

Testing the QR codes ensures that every placement delivers a smooth experience, protecting your brand image and campaign ROI.

7. Place QR codes strategically

QR code placement

Before launching the campaign, always ask yourself, “Is the QR code placement suitable for scanning?”

The placement of the QR codes has a significant role in driving. Codes should be large enough, visible as much as possible, level to the eye, and positioned in high-traffic areas. 

A café might print QR codes on table tents for easy menu access, while an event organizer could use them on entry passes for smooth check-ins.

💡How do you advertise your QR code? Place the QR code in highly visible phygital spaces.

8. Combine creative QR code campaign strategies

Gamified QR codes add excitement to the campaign. You can always organize “scan-to-win”  contests where each scan reveals a discount code or prize.

Similarly, you can organize puzzles, online quizzes, or even scavenger hunts to keep your target audience entertained.

Incentives such as coupons, freebies, or loyalty points also encourage participation.

By adding such creative QR code campaign twists, you can turn a simple scan to serve as a direct link to QR code experiences that boost long-term engagement.

9. Use QR codes for post-campaign feedback or surveys

Post-event or post-purchase engagement is just as important as the initial scan. 

Surveys and feedback forms make it easy for customers to share their opinions. 

This not only provides valuable data but also shows customers that their voices matter for building trust and loyalty.

10. Integrate QR codes into social media and email campaigns

Digital campaigns become more powerful when QR codes are included. For instance, a fashion brand might embed QR codes in email newsletters, directing subscribers to exclusive lookbooks.

On social media platforms like Instagram, QR codes placed on posts or stories can drive traffic to e-commerce shops.

The integration creates a loop in which online and offline marketing support each other. This can help maximize brand visibility and conversions.

11. Monitor scans and iterate for future campaigns

Launching a QR code campaign should not be the endgame. On the contrary, it should be the beginning. 

Brands should regularly analyze scan metrics, such as which placements worked best, when peak scans occurred, and what CTAs drove the most conversions.

For instance, a gym running a QR-based membership promo may discover that more scans happen in January because of all the New Year's resolutions than in the summer. 

These insights allow businesses to refine strategies for higher ROI in future campaigns.

Ready to create an effective QR code campaign? Here’s how

Now that you have an idea of how to launch a successful QR code campaign, here is a step-by-step method on how you can create a QR code for your campaign using an advanced QR code generator. 

1. Log in to QR TIGER or sign up for free.

2. Choose a QR code type and enter the information.

3. Select the dynamic QR code, then generate.

4. Customize the QR code with your band logo and design in mind.

5. Download your QR code.

Reminder: Make sure you test your QR code before printing or using it.

Why do QR codes deserve a spot in your campaign?

Imagine a customer spotting your ad on a subway poster. If you add a QR code to the ad, the customer can scan the code and instantly land on your campaign page, video, or app.

A well-planned QR code marketing campaign doesn’t just grab attention; it instantly bridges offline curiosity with online engagement. 

Apart from its adaptability, QR code campaigns offer depth to your marketing strategies.

Ease of use

One of the biggest advantages of QR codes is how simple they are to use for marketers and customers. 

Creating a QR code takes only a few clicks; with a dynamic QR code, you can update the link anytime. 

On the user side, the experience is seamless. All it takes is a quick scan with a smartphone camera to instantly access the content.

Cost-effective and sustainable

Dynamic QR codes advertising allows you to change the linked content without reprinting materials, saving money and cutting down on waste. In the long run, it’s a win for a sustainable campaign.

Trackable and measurable

Unlike traditional marketing campaigns, QR codes campaigns are trackable as it can monitor scan numbers, locations, devices used, and peak activity times. 

Using QR codes can help your brand gain powerful insights into calculating return on investment (ROI) with precision.

With dynamic QR codes' best campaign tracking features, such as the number, time, and location of scans, Google Analytics, and GPS tracking, marketers can measure every scan and optimize campaigns in real time.

Online and offline use

Dynamic QR code on omnichannel

QR code campaigns are not just tied to a single channel. They work seamlessly across both offline and online touchpoints.

You can place them on posters, flyers, packaging, or billboards to connect offline audiences directly to your digital platforms. 

They can also be added to emails, social media profiles, and websites to create quick access points for online users, making it a versatile tool for advertising. 

Convenient and modern

In comparison with traditional paper-based campaigns, QR code campaigns are much more modern and convenient. 

It also streamlines the buyer’s journey. When customers scan a QR code and land directly on a product page, the chances of purchase increase. In this way, QR codes help your product capture attention more quickly.

Take it from the brands: Campaigns you can learn from

Top brands across the globe are already using QR codes to promote their products. These real-world use cases show how brands are putting QR code campaign hacks into action.

These brand stories are real-world QR code campaign ideas you can adapt or improve for your own marketing.

Jio Hotstar

JioStar India Private Limited, also known as Jio Hotstar, is an Indian media conglomerate joint venture owned by Reliance Industries.

During the IPL matches telecasted through the platform, the brand launched a QR code campaign that brings viewers to a landing page displaying the many StarDeals available. They can then choose a deal and take a quiz about the IPL.

NIKE

Through the Nike QR code campaign, the brand launched a virtual showroom. 

Upon scanning the QR code, the customers can see all available sizes and colors and request to try the products.

Lay’s 

Lay’s is an American snack brand popular for its 30 famous snack brands, including Doritos, Cheetos, and Fritos.

Lay’s QR code campaigns allow them to offer exclusive rewards, interactive engagement, and cashback opportunities.

QR codes on Lay’s packets are very popular among customers. 

Create campaign-ready QR codes today with QR TIGER

If you’re searching for practical QR code campaign tips, one of the most important is choosing the right generator to ensure both functionality and flexibility.

Our QR code software solutions allow you to create fully customized codes with logos, branded colors, and unique frames that instantly grab attention and reinforce brand identity.

Beyond aesthetics, the software offers dynamic QR code capabilities, meaning you can edit destinations in real time, even after the code is printed.

Here is a chance to boost your QR campaign’s performance. Try our free dynamic QR code generator today.Free ebooks for QR codes

FAQ

How do you advertise your QR code?

To advertise your QR code, you can place it on product packaging, posters, flyers, business cards, or even digital ads. 

You have to make sure that the code is highly visible, surrounded by enough white space, and paired with a strong call-to-action (CTA) like “Scan to unlock 20% off” or “Scan to join the event.”

You can also promote it through social media campaigns, email newsletters, and in-store displays to maximize visibility.

How to attract people to scan QR code?

To attract a larger audience, you can offer incentives such as discounts, freebies, loyalty points, exclusive content, or gamified experiences.

When you design the QR code, use your brand’s colors and logo to make it visually appealing and trustworthy.

Most importantly, pair it with a clear and action-driven CTA so users know exactly what they’ll get after scanning.Brands using QR codes