QR Codes Examples in Marketing: Real Campaigns That Worked

What Makes a Great QR Code Campaign?

A successful campaign is easy to use, grabs people’s attention, and is guided by real data. To make your QR code campaign work well, make sure it follows these important points:

Smooth accessibility on all devices and operating systems
Clear value for the user, such as discounts, information, or rewards
Trackable results through built-in analytics tools
Compelling design aligned with your brand identity
Integrated storytelling that encourages repeat interaction

Real QR Code Examples from Global Brands

These campaigns highlight how different industries have creatively leveraged this technology to strengthen engagement and improve conversion.

KitKat × Candy Crush – QRs for game rewards

Strategy: KitKat partnered with Candy Crush to place codes on chocolate wrappers, leading users to a microsite where they could redeem in-game rewards via registration. Success factor: It mixed product packaging with digital entertainment to get people involved. Try it yourself: Use dynamic URL QR codes to direct users to rotating promotional landing pages.

Adidas – “The Billboard Run” interactive race

Strategy: Adidas placed scannable codes on digital billboards in Stockholm, turning them into interactive checkpoints for runners, with real-time leaderboards displayed at finish points. Success factor: It turned public advertising into an engaging, citywide experience. Try it yourself: Add scannable touchpoints on marketing billboards to boost physical-to-digital engagement.

McDonald’s – Nutrition information via QR codes

Strategy: McDonald’s redesigned its packaging to include codes that linked directly to nutrition data and sustainability facts. Success factor: It built transparency and strengthened customer trust. Try it yourself: Link your product packaging to educational or brand storytelling content.

19 Crimes – Storytelling and AR experience

Strategy: 19 Crimes designed each wine bottle label to activate an augmented reality story about historical figures when scanned, engaging customers directly through their mobile devices. Success factor: It turned a static product into an interactive storytelling platform. Try it yourself: Create immersive storytelling campaigns using video QR codes.

Mr Apple – Multilingual product stickers

Strategy: The brand used stickers with embedded links to localized content, available in multiple languages, generating over half of the total website traffic. Success factor: It improved accessibility and global user reach. Try it yourself: Use QRs on stickers and labels to connect products with customers in their preferred language.

Bacardi × NAHMIAS × Boi-1da – Music QR codes

Strategy: Bacardi collaborated with artists to launch streetwear embedded with codes linking to exclusive tracks, with opportunities to win concert tickets. Success factor: It merged fashion, music, and digital marketing in one experience. Try it yourself: Create branded playlists using MP3 QR codes on apparel or event merchandise.

Amazon SmileCodes – Scan for surprises

Strategy: Amazon placed branded codes on magazine ads and lockers that linked to product offers, coupons, and exclusive discounts. Success factor: It used curiosity to get people to engage on the spot. Try it yourself: Offer exclusive deals via coupon QR codes integrated into direct mail or print ads.

Dove – “Let Your Body Body” Prize QRs

Strategy: Dove put up digital billboards at music festivals, asking people to scan for a chance to win event tickets. Success factor: It combined brand values with experiential marketing. Try it yourself: Direct users to custom event pages using landing page QRs.

Lessons You Can Learn from These QR Code Marketing Examples

Each campaign proved that interactivity and relevance drive engagement. When used effectively, this technology bridges the gap between offline visibility and digital conversion. You can use it for storytelling, loyalty programs, promotions, and product education.

Tools like QRNow’s analytics dashboard allow you to track every scan, measure ROI, and refine campaigns for better results.

A report by Forbes reveals that brands using interactive experiences increase consumer engagement. That’s why it’s essential to use dynamic marketing tools can for sustained growth.

How To Create Your Own QR Code Campaign

Getting started is simple when you use the right tools. QRNow makes it easy to create, personalize, and keep track of your campaigns.

Set Your QR Campaign Goal

Define your campaign goal – awareness, conversion, or loyalty.
Choose the Right QR Code Type

Choose the right QR type, using options like social media QRs or event QRs.
Design Your Branded QR Code

Customize design and visuals with QRNow’s built-in AI design tool.
Place Your QR Codes on Marketing Materials

Add your codes to materials such as flyers or business cards, or share online.
Track QR Code Performance and Optimize

Track scans and analyze results through QRNow’s built-in analytics for optimization.

FAQs

What’s the most important step in creating a QR code campaign?

It’s important to know your campaign goal and who you want to reach. Once your code is ready to use, it’s vital to use best practices when printing and placement, so it’s easy to scan and works well on any material.

How can I make people want to scan my QR code?

Encourage engagement by combining a clear incentive with an eye-catching design. You could design a QR code with a frame, or use our AI design feature to make the code more interactive and attractive.

How do I track QR code performance?

Understanding the difference between static and dynamic QR codes when setting up a QR campaign is key. Choose a dynamic code to get built-in analytics features so you can see what’s really working, from the number of scans, locations, and device types.