QR Codes on Flyers

A QR code on a flyer is a scannable, 2D barcode that bridges the gap between a physical advertisement and a digital action. It allows a user to instantly scan the flyer with their smartphone to visit a website, download a coupon, RSVP for an event, or view a video. The primary benefit of adding a QR code to a flyer is to make the static, untrackable print ad interactive and fully measurable, providing clear ROI on marketing spend.

The Benefits of Using QR Codes on Flyers

A QR code makes your flyer work for you, turning a simple piece of paper into a data-driven tool. Here are the key benefits:

1. Make Your Promotions Interactive

A static flyer can only tell someone about a sale. An interactive flyer takes them to it. A QR code can link to:

A Phone or Email QR Code to “Call to Order” or “Join Our Mailing List.” This turns a one-way message into a two-way conversation.

• A “flash sale” landing page using a Dynamic Link QR Code.
• An Event QR code that instantly adds a reminder to their phone’s calendar.
• A Dynamic Link to a video trailer or a Dynamic File QR code for an MP3 of a new song.
• An Applications QR code to drive downloads for your new app.

2. Get Trackable, Real-Time ROI

This is the most important benefit. A flyer with a Dynamic Link QR Code is fully trackable. You can log into an analytics dashboard and see:

• Total Scans: How many people actually engaged with your flyer.
• Location of Scans: Which neighborhoods or zip codes are scanning the most? This tells you where your best customers are.
• Time of Scans: Are people scanning your “lunch special” flyer at 11 AM or 2 PM?
• Device Type: Is your audience on iPhone or Android? For the first time, you can prove your print marketing spend is working and make data-driven decisions about where to distribute next.

3. A/B Test Your Print Marketing

Dynamic QR codes allow you to A/B test your print ads. This is a sophisticated marketing tactic that was previously impossible with print. You can create two different flyer designs with two different offers:

• Flyer A: Features a Dynamic Link code with the offer “Scan for 20% Off.”
• Flyer B: Features a second Dynamic Link code with “Scan for a Free Gift.”

Distribute both in the same area. After a week, check your analytics dashboard to see which code (and which offer) received more scans. You can stop guessing what your customers want and start knowing.

4. Edit Your Campaign After Printing

A Dynamic QR Code is flexible. A Static QR Code is a permanent, risky liability. If you print 5,000 flyers with a static link and then spot a typo in the URL, your entire campaign is ruined.

With a dynamic code, you can change the destination link at any time.

• Fix a broken or misspelled link instantly.
• Change the offer from a “20% Off” sale to a “Last Chance Clearance” sale.
• Redirect the code from an “RSVP” page to a “Thank You for Attending” page after the event. This flexibility protects your investment and ensures your flyers are never outdated or broken.

QR Codes on Flyers Best Practices

A flyer is a “glance” medium. Your QR code must be easy to see, trust, and scan.

1. Add instructions

This is the most important rule. A code by itself is a mystery. You must add a short, compelling call to action (CTA) right next to it.

• Bad: (No text, just the code)
• Good: “Scan Me!”
• Better: “Scan for 20% Off!”
• Excellent: “Scan to RSVP” or “Scan to See the Menu”

2. Frame it

Use a customisable frame to make your QR code pop. On a busy flyer design, a frame helps separate the code from other graphic elements and draws the user’s eye, improving scan rates.

3. Add a logo inside your QR code.

Incorporate your brand logo into the center of the QR code. This is a key feature for building trust. People are far more likely to scan a code that is clearly branded than a generic, black-and-white square.

4. Save your designs

A professional platform allows you to save your branded designs as templates. This is perfect for creating a consistent look for all your marketing, from your flyers to your QR Codes on Posters.

5. Customizable URL

On a pro plan, dynamic QR codes can use a custom short URL (e.g., yourbrand.com/offer). This branded link is visible in some scanners and builds more trust than a random, jumbled URL.

6. Test before printing

This is critical. Print a test copy of your flyer. Check the size: a code on a flyer should be larger than on a business card. We recommend a minimum of 1.5 x 1.5 inches (or 4 x 4 cm). Test it in different lighting (sunlight, shade) and with different phones (iPhone, Android). A glossy flyer finish can also create glare, so test for scannability.

See QR Codes on Flyers in Action

• Restaurants: Use a Dynamic Link QR Code on flyers to link to a “20% Off First Order” landing page. The analytics dashboard can then show which neighborhoods generated the most scans, optimising future flyer distribution.
• Event Promoters: Use an Event QR Code to allow users to instantly add the event to their phone’s calendar. For ticket sales, they can use a Dynamic Link to go directly to the ticketing page. After the event, this link can be updated to point to a gallery of the event or a “Save the Date” for next year.
• Real Estate Agents: Use a Dynamic Link QR Code on an “Open House” or “New Listing” flyer. The code links to a video walkthrough or photo gallery. Once the house is sold, the agent can update the same code’s link to point to their main “Active Listings” page, ensuring the flyer is never a dead end.
• Photographers and Videographers: Use a Dynamic Link QR Code on a flyer at a bridal expo or trade show with the CTA “Scan to See Our Portfolio”. This instantly directs potential clients to a high-impact gallery, which is far more effective than a single printed photo.
• Retail Stores: Use a Dynamic Link QR Code to create trackable, “flyer-only” flash sales. This strategy is also perfect for building an email list by linking to a “Scan to Win a $100 Gift Card” contest entry form.

Frequently Asked Questions