05 Sep How QR Codes in Print Can Transform Your Marketing Materials
If you feel like your marketing efforts are divided between print and digital solutions, you might be relieved to know you don’t have to choose. Using QR codes in your print marketing allows you to combine them! You can expand your reach and collect data at the same time. Here’s how you can use QR codes to convert more customers and get the most out of your marketing budget.
How QR Codes Work: The Basics
QR codes are printed squares filled with a unique arrangement of blocks that work a lot like a bar code. Any smartphone camera can “read” a QR code and follow the link to a selected URL. They’re easy for customers to use—all they need to do is open their phone’s camera, point it at the image, and tap on the link.
When you add a QR code to print marketing materials you transform them into a dynamic marketing tool. You can link a QR code to any website, whether it’s a product video, a special offer, a newsletter signup, or an event registration.
QR codes work great on:
- Business cards
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Menus
- Posters
- Signs
- Product packaging
and more!
Building a QR Code Marketing Strategy
QR codes give you the best of both worlds—the memorability of print and the convenience of digital. Because QR codes allow you to expand the versatility of your printed marketing materials with little extra cost, they can deliver a significant return on investment.
Creating trackable QR codes makes using them even more valuable. You’ll not only be able to see how often the code is used, but also collect aggregate data like when and where the code is scanned, or what kind of device is being used.
Here’s how to maximize the effectiveness of your outreach to customers using QR codes.
- Set one clear goal: Do you want to boost sales, capture leads or increase brand awareness? QR codes work best when you design them for a single purpose.
- Use trackable QR codes: Measure scans, location, and conversions for evaluation across campaigns and to drill down on your reach.
- Optimize for mobile users: Customers will expect web pages that load quickly, are easy to use, and deliver relevant information.
- Use strategic placement: Make it easy for your customers to spot your QR codes adding them to high-visibility locations.
How to Boost Your Print Marketing with QR Codes
There is no end to the creative ways in which you can put QR codes to work for your business. You can use them to drive more visitors to your online shop, sign up for a mailing list, register for an event, download an app, or engage on social media.
QR codes help you reach customers at their own convenience—you don’t have to hope that your ads actually show up in their feed at a time when they’re likely to click. Here are some examples of how to use them in your print marketing strategy.
- Storefronts: Window signs can use QR codes to advertise sales, special events, how to shop after hours, or even hiring opportunities.
- Small businesses: Add QR codes to flyers announcing discounts, coupon codes, product launches, or collaborations.
- Restaurants: QR codes can link to food and drink menus, point customers to upcoming events like live music nights, or to your online reservation system.
They keep the focus on your customer’s needs and how to fulfill them. First, your signs or flyers get their attention, then the QR code delivers your message. QR codes transform your printed marketing materials into interactive solutions. And at the same time, they also instill more trust in your brand and expand your advertising reach.
Quality Local Printing in Tempe
When you go with Mousegraphics, you’ll never have to worry that your printed QR code won’t be scannable. Our precision printing technology delivers high quality results for print advertising that actually works. And when you go with a local printer, you get in-person service from real-life experts. Contact us to request a quote today!
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash, used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 9/15/2025.