More than ever, marketers are seeking methods to draw in consumers, generate traffic, and boost sales in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. QR code marketing is a very effective method that is becoming more widespread, yet many brands and businesses still do not utilize it. What was once considered a niche technology, used primarily for manufacturing and logistics, has become a key element of mobile marketing and a critical aspect of marketers' digital marketing plans around the world.
In this article, we will look at the growth of QR codes in marketing, why they are essential for businesses in 2025, and how your business can leverage QR codes. It doesn't matter if you own a business, are a marketer, or are a marketing manager; discovering how to use QR codes in marketing can be the difference you have been looking for.
What is a QR code, and why is it trending for marketing?
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a form of two-dimensional barcode that can be a unique identifier for information types, URLs, text, or any other piece of information that can be read by a smartphone or by expanding a QR reader or scanner. Unlike traditional barcodes, which only hold a small piece of information, QR codes are effortless to generate and scan.
The recent comeback of QR codes in today's enhanced advertising methods is due to a combination of factors:
- The proliferation of smartphones with cameras and QR readers was already happening.
- Consumer trust and comfort with contactless interaction is higher than it was pre-COVID.
- QR codes and QR campaigns can now easily be utilized across print, digital, and outdoor campaign strategies.
- Mobile marketing is here to stay and, for the most part, has become the only method of contact with moving audiences.
- Marketers are using QR codes to digitalize experiences and create instant, engaging, interactive content that connects offline and online direct marketing materials, enabling them to engage with audiences and track this engagement.
Why Marketers Are Using QR Codes in 2025
QR codes are becoming a big part of digital marketing in 2025.What factors are increasing marketers' interest in QR codes these days?
Quick access and ease of use
You may quickly scan a QR code to get to an app, a website, a movie, or a promo coupon. One of the best things about QR codes is that they make life easier and more comfortable for the customer. Instead of entering in long URLs or seeking a product or menu, customers just scan the code to get what they want. Customers can get to the goods more easily this way.
Affordable and easy to use
QR codes are affordable and simple to implement. Marketers can create different codes for different campaigns, measure how many users have scanned the code, and adjust their strategy based on real data. All of this flexibility allows QR code marketing to be effective for businesses even with no money—we know that the best marketing is free.
Better Tracking and Analytics
Compared to regular print ads, QR codes give you more concrete results. Marketers can see how many users scanned a code, where they came from, and when they scanned it. All of this data allows marketers to make calculations on their ROI and develop data-driven strategies.
Improved Mobile Engagement
While QR codes can technically be scanned on multiple devices, the most common is the mobile phone, which makes them useful for a mobile strategy. The marketer can direct users to mobile-optimized content, apps, or social channels where the user can interact further.
Touchless Interactions
Consumers prefer touchless experiences after the COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes provide a sanitary form of sharing menus, brochures, tickets, etc. It gives peace of mind for customers while simultaneously providing engagement.
Benefits of QR Codes in Small Business
Small businesses usually have constrained budgets and limited marketing dollars, so it is imperative to take advantage of low-cost tools to give a return on investment. Here is why QR codes are perfectly suited for small businesses:
- Low-cost: There are no exclusive hardware or software costs. You just generate your code on the Internet and add it to the marketing puzzle.
- Usefulness: QR codes are useful for pointing customers to menus, coupons, websites, contact information, and social media accounts. They can be generated as needed for your small business.
- Customer Engagement: A QR code encourages customers to engage digitally with your brand and choose to take action, such as visiting your website, downloading your app, or following you on social media.
- Tracking engagement: You can see how they engaged, allowing you to pivot your marketing efforts and learn more about your audience.
- How they are useful for local SEO: QR codes could also point to a Google My Business listing or a local landing page and help local search visibility.
Using QR Codes in Marketing: Best Practices
QR codes are not always intuitive, so using them correctly takes work. Here are some of the best methods for using QR codes in your marketing efforts to maximize your chances of success:
Use QR Codes across multiple channels
Do not limit the use of QR codes to just one medium; while flyers and brochures are effective, you can also include them on business cards, social media posts, packaging, and even TV ads. You want to provide multiple touchpoints for customers.
Provide a reason to scan
Your QR code should provide links to relevant and valuable content (i.e., discounts, videos, tutorials, and downloadable content) and plant the value in the customer's head of what they will get from scanning.
Mobile Optimize Your Landing Page
You'll likely notice that mobile devices scan QR codes, so it's crucial to make sure the content of your code is also mobile-friendly. If the landing page or site takes too long to load or is not responsive, the user will most likely leave, and you may lose out on a conversion.
Brand Your QR Codes
It is important to remember that you can and should create branded QR codes featuring logos or colors that look visually appealing. Not only will branded QR codes tie into your advertising or promotion, but they will also help build brand trust and familiarity.
Call to Action (CTA)
Adding a clear Call-to-Action (CTA) next to the QR Code, such as "Scan to Get 20% Off" or "Scan to Watch Our Video," would help people understand what to do and make them more likely to do it.
Watch things and take measurements
QR code generators that allow you to keep track of and look at data are quite useful. Monitoring the rate of QR code scans, locations, and devices will allow you to measure certain metrics you can hone in on for future marketing efforts.
Examples of QR Code Marketing in Real Life
Understanding how others have used QR codes successfully can spark ideas and the possibility of launching your own campaign. Here are a few examples of QR code marketers.
1. Retail and online shopping
Most renowned brands, including Nike and Sephora, use QR codes on their packaging, in-store displays, or both. QR codes are being placed on packaging and in-store displays that link the consumer directly to product demos, reviews, or even loyalty programs, etc., which adds value and enhances the experience of shopping.
2. Dining and Food Commerce
Many restaurants are providing QR codes on their tables so that customers can access digital menus, place online orders, or give feedback, which the restaurants can use to improve their service and enhance the dining experience for customers.
3. Event Marketing
Concerts and conferences are also offering QR codes to scan tickets. These events often provide schedules on-site using QR codes, and they may also include a QR code linking to a video that highlights any exclusive content attendees should be aware of; this approach is beneficial for everyone involved.
4. Real Estate
Real estate agents use QR codes on their "For Sale" signs to direct prospective buyers to virtual tours, a floor plan, or a contact form that they can complete; this also provides immediate access to information without requiring a physical visit.
Mobile Engagement and QR Code Strategies
Engaging your mobile users is essential in 2025, and QR codes help connect the physical and digital worlds. Here are some ideas for using QR codes to increase mobile engagement:
- Use QR codes to link to your app or to material that is only available in it.
- QR codes allow you to advance SMS campaigns or begin social follows.
- You can incorporate AR (augmented reality) into QR code experiences for marketing engagement.
- Have customers scan the QR codes and run special promotions. Have them time-limited.
QR Code Marketing FAQ
What is QR code marketing?
Using Quick Response code scanning to swiftly send customers to digital content (such a webpage, offer, or video) and encouraging them to interact with it by letting them access it on their mobile phone is what QR Code marketing is all about.
What are the profits of QR code marketing for small businesses?
QR codes are cheap and easy to put to items or marketing materials. They also make it easier for customers to interact with digital content like menus, contact information, and discounts right away.
How can I utilize QR codes the right way?
QR Codes can be utilized via printed pieces in marketing, digital pieces, and outdoor pieces; customers should have clear calls-to-action, link to mobile-friendly web pages, and customize QR Codes with a logo for branding.
What do QR codes represent for marketing on mobile devices in 2025?
QR codes allow instant and contactless customer engagement for consumers on their smartphones, while also providing the opportunity to add their personal comments and also provide promotional offers.
How can I make my QR code marketing initiatives work better?
Make sure your landing pages work on mobile devices, give users a reason to scan the QR code, utilize custom codes with a logo, put QR codes in places where a lot of people will see them, and look at scan statistics to see how you can make things better in the future.
