Are people ignoring your flyers? If so, it’s time to upgrade your flyer…with QR codes!
Quick response codes (QR) are barcodes that hold data and are read by digital devices. Adding a QR code to your flyer allows you to move away from one-way communication and drive engagement.
In this blog, I’ll teach you how to put a QR code on a flyer and improve marketing impact.
If you want an easy way to make flyers, check out our Flyer Maker or edit one of our professionally-designed flyer templates.
Click to jump ahead:
- The why and how of QR codes on flyers
- Designing your flyer with a scannable QR code
- Take it a step further with advanced QR codes
- Conclusion
The why and how of QR codes on flyers
QR codes are a great way to make marketing campaigns more interactive and keep people engaged with your brand and content.
For example, the QR code on this event flyer makes it easy for people to register (or get information) without having to manually enter a URL.
Why use QR codes?
Ever since Covid-19, more businesses are using QR codes— for menus, information, payments, contact details, and more.
Why are companies using QR codes? How do they help?
- Increased engagement: QR codes remove friction by instantly redirecting people to content which increases odds of engagement.
- Easy access to information: Flyers have limited in space but QR codes can link to a website, a video, or even a PDF to provide a wealth of information.
- Trackable results: Using a QR code can help you study user behaviors and track campaign results directly.
Creating your QR code
So you want to add a QR code to your flyer but don’t know? Don’t worry because the process is straightforward and easy if you follow these steps.
- Step 1: Do a Google search for free (or paid) QR code generator online that you like. Some popular options include Replug, QR Code Monkey and QR Stuff.
- Step 2: Decide on what type of content your QR code will link to. Will you redirect users to a website, a social media page, a video, or something else?
- Step 3: Generate your QR code and make sure to test it out using a few different mobile devices.
Designing your flyer with a scannable QR code
Once you have QR ready for your flyer, make sure to keep the following points in mind while designing your flyer.
QR code placement
Figuring out where to place a QR code on your flyer can be challenging, however, a good rule of law is to choose a clear and uncluttered space on your flyer.
This maximizes the likelihood of a viewer spotting it. For example, do you think the QR code on this flyer template will be missed?
Next to where you position the QR code, make sure to add CTA text such as “Scan to Learn More” or any other phrase that matches your goal.
Last but not least, make sure the QR code and CTA text is large and clear so that it’s easy to spot from far away (where most people will see your flyer).
Also, test out your QR code to confirm the code’s quality. The last thing you want to happen is for people to scan the code and it not work.
Adding a QR code using design tools
If you don’t fancy using multiple tools to create a flyer with a QR code, the good news is you can do it all in one place using Venngage.
While editing a flyer template or making one from scratch, click on the QR code option on the bottom left panel, enter a link, and wait for the magic!
Our tool will generate a working QR code for you which then you can drag anywhere on your flyer.
Take it a step further with advanced QR codes
To make advanced QR codes, you must understand static QR codes vs dynamic QR codes.
Simply put, static QR codes are not editable or trackable whereas dynamic QR codes can be edited, tracked, and be used for retargeting.
Here’s a table comparing feature of both types of QR codes.
| STATIC QR CODES | DYNAMIC QR CODES |
|---|---|
| Cannot be edited | Editable |
| Untrackable | Trackable |
| Longer time to scan | Less time to scan |
| Cannot retarget people | Can retarget people |
| Does not offer analytics | Offers analytics |
| Long URLs | Short, clean URLs |
| Changes need reprints | Changes do not need reprints |
Static QR codes are great for one-off campaigns or even sharing a resume while dynamic QR codes work better when the information you want to share needs to be updated frequently or when you want to track user engagement.
Here are the benefits of dynamic QR codes:
- Ability to change information without having to reprint a new code.
- Allow you to analyze user behavior and data.
- Let you see where and what device scanned your code.
- Enable you to fix mistakes or make adjustments easily and quickly.
With dynamic QR codes, you can also track the following information regarding your flyer:
- Number of scans
- Time of scan
- Device used
- Scan location
- QR code performance
This information can help you determine if your flyer is working or if you need a new strategy.
Conclusion: Add QR codes to flyers without hassle or shifting between tools
QR codes can help breathe new life into your flyers, boost engagement, and provide valuable insights for future campaigns.
If you’re worried about how to create a flyer or a QR code, Venngage can help you even if you don’t have design skills. Edit one of our flyer templates and generate a QR code within the tool.
Create flyers with QR codes in Venngage today and see how your results change.
