Summary:
- QR codes act as a powerful bridge between digital and print materials. They can help boost engagement, provide tracking details and enhance the user experience.
- When designing a QR code for print materials, whether a poster, business card or sign, be mindful of the size, placement and background. A good rule of thumb is to create a black QR code that is at least 1 x 1 inch in size, on a white or light-coloured background and with a clear call to action.
- A great benefit to using a QR code is that you can track scans by time, location and device type. When the QR code is scanned, send users to an informative website or landing page, engaging product video, menu or coupon. You can also edit the URL destination, even after printing.
- Dynamic codes paired with proper analytics allow you to easily pull data and gauge your ROI. You’ll be able to gain insight into customer behavior, track engagement by location and more. This information can help you make smarter marketing decisions for future projects.
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QR codes are becoming an essential tool in modern marketing—acting as a powerful bridge between physical and online experiences. These small, square barcodes connect print pieces, like posters and business cards, with digital content like websites, coupons and more.
Using QR codes effectively can significantly boost engagement, provide valuable tracking insights and enhance the user experience. Our Little Rock experts walk through the best practices for adding QR codes to your print materials so they work seamlessly and deliver measurable results.
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Courtesy: Alba Lantigua
Why Use QR Codes in Print?
QR codes (or quick response codes) can instantly direct users to online destinations when scanned with a smartphone camera. They allow brands to:
- Share more information than limited print space allows
- Provide dynamic content like videos or personalized web pages
- Offer discounts or promotions
- Capture lead information
- Track engagement across locations or print types
QR Code Best Practices for Print
QR codes can make an impact on a number of different print products, if displayed correctly. Here are some quick tips for using QR codes to your advantage.
Optimal Size for Easy Scanning
One of the most important technical considerations is QR code size. If it’s too small, it won’t scan properly. To avoid this, make your QR code at least 1 x 1 inch (2.5 x 2.5 cm) in print.
For posters or signage meant to be scanned from a distance, size up proportionally:
- Posters: 2 to 3 inches wide or larger, depending on how far users will stand when scanning.
- Business cards: a 1-inch square is typically sufficient.
- Product packaging or flyers: 1.2 to 1.5 inches is ideal.
High Contrast and Clear Background
Even if your design is visually creative, readability is critical for QR codes. That means:
- Use high contrast—a black code on a white background is ideal.
- Avoid colours that don’t contrast (like light gray on white or blue on green).
- No patterns or images behind the code.
- Leave a quiet zone—a margin of white space at least 4 units wide around the QR code.
Strategic Placement on the Page
Where you place your QR code determines how easily people will find and use it. Think of it as a clickable button—make it visible and inviting. Best placement varies by material type:
- Posters or signage: place the QR code at eye level or slightly below. Use arrows or a short call-to-action (CTA) like “Scan to view the video.”
- Business cards: place the code on the back with a clear CTA like “Connect with me” or “View my portfolio.”
- Flyers, brochures or stickers: place near relevant text or imagery with an action-driven prompt.
Courtesy: Albert Hu
What to Link to With a QR Code?
The good news about QR codes is their versatility. Think about the user journey—what content or action would be valuable at the moment they scan? Here are some effective destinations for QR codes.
Landing Pages
Custom-designed landing pages tailored to the campaign’s message are ideal. Whether it’s a new product launch, event registration or service offer, a landing page offers room to tell your story and convert users.
Videos or Demos
Use QR codes to link to product videos or customer testimonials. This adds rich media to flat print.
Coupons or Promotions
Encourage users to scan for a discount or freebie. Great for flyers, product packaging or mailers.
Contact Info & Portfolios
On business cards, link to a digital portfolio or LinkedIn profile to make it easy to follow up.
Product Pages or Menus
Perfect for retail signs or restaurant menus. QR codes can lead customers to detailed info, specifications or ordering pages.
Tracking & Measuring QR Code Scans
A powerful benefit to using QR codes is their trackability. With dynamic QR codes, you can edit the destination URL (even after printing), track scans by time, location and device type and A/B test different print pieces or layouts.
There are many tools available that generate trackable QR codes:
- QR Code Generator Pro
- Bitly (QR integration)
- Beaconstac
- Scanova
- Canva (Pro version with tracking options)
You can also pair your QR code with Google Analytics UTM parameters to track web traffic from the scan source. This is especially useful for comparing multiple campaigns or materials.
Courtesy: Kampus Production
Tips for Optimizing Content After the Scan
Getting someone to scan is only half the battle—the destination must be engaging, functional and mobile-friendly. Since QR codes are scanned on phones, avoid long forms, slow-loading videos or cluttered layouts.
As mentioned above, you should always use a clear and concise CTA—especially when you’re limited on space. This call to action should guide the user on what to do after they scan. Examples include “Watch Now,” “Download Coupon” or “Buy Here.”
It’s also important to match the content behind the code with what was promised. If a flyer says “Scan for exclusive tips,” the link should go directly to that landing page—not a homepage. Avoid creating extra steps for the user to get to the content they need.
How QR Codes Boost ROI in Print Marketing
Print campaigns can sometimes feel hard to measure—QR codes can help solve that! With dynamic codes and proper analytics, you can:
- Track engagement by location (which coffee shop poster got more scans)
- Test print formats (postcard vs. brochure)
- Refine your marketing spend based on real-world scan data
- Increase conversion rates by making offline materials actionable
- Gain insights into customer behavior you can’t get from print alone
By turning static print into a measurable digital touchpoint, QR codes offer real ROI data, helping you make smarter marketing decisions.
Put Your Print Materials To Work
When designed and implemented correctly, QR codes can make your posters, business cards and other print materials come alive with interactivity, relevance and trackable results. By focusing on proper size, contrast and placement, you’ll turn passive readers into active participants.
Once your QR-enhanced design is ready, trust the Little Rock team to create high-quality prints for your business. You can even request a free proof at checkout using the code “FREEPROOF” to ensure your QR code is working properly before placing a larger order. Contact the Little Rock Printing experts today with any questions about your order, our services or print products.
