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 - Free game rewards on chocolate wrappers
The campaign: KitKat printed QR codes on participating chocolate wrappers. Scanning took customers to a registration page, where they could claim one hour of unlimited lives in Candy Crush.
The reward was relevant to Candy Crush players and wasn't limited to a single use. According to Nestlé's official promotion terms, eligible customers could claim the reward once a week, up to 24 times.
Try it yourself: Try to offer customers a benefit they'll want to claim, such as loyalty points or a recurring discount. You could dynamic URL QR codes to your packaging so you can update the promotional destination without reprinting.
Adidas - Turning billboards into running challenges
The campaign: Adidas placed QR codes on digital billboards in Stockholm. Runners scanned a code to start a timed race to another billboard, where they could see their results and rankings.
The campaign recorded over 500 races in four days, according to its published case study.
Try it yourself: Use QR codes on billboards to invite people to join local challenges, enter competitions, or register for events. Think about the best place to put your billboard so that the maximum amount of people can safely scan it.
McDonald's - Nutrition information on food packaging
The campaign: In 2013, McDonald's introduced QR codes on takeout bags and drink cups. Customers could scan them to access nutritional information and learn more about the food they were eating.
The information was available directly from the packaging, without customers having to search for it.
Try it yourself: Think about what customers need to know after purchasing your product. Use QR codes on packaging to link to detailed ingredient lists, allergen information, or instructions that won't fit on a printed label.
19 Crimes - Interactive wine labels with augmented reality
The campaign: Wine brand 19 Crimes placed QR codes on the back of its bottles. Customers scanned a code and pointed their phone camera at the front label. Historical characters then appeared through augmented reality to tell their stories.
The experience gave customers a reason to explore the product beyond its contents.
Try it yourself: A video QR code is the perfect way to show customers a closer look at what makes your product unique.
Place them on on packaging to share product stories, demonstrations, or behind-the-scenes footage. As 19 Crimes proved, you can get creative with this.
Mr Apple - Multilingual content on fruit stickers
The campaign: New Zealand fruit producer Mr Apple placed QR codes on apple stickers. Scanning them gave shoppers access to product information and localized content in different languages.
According to a published customer case study, scans from these stickers generated over 50% of the company's website traffic.
Try it yourself: If your products are sold through third-party retailers, you can use QR codes on stickers and labels to increase transparency and build trust. Show your customers exactly where the product is coming from.
Bacardi × NAHMIAS × Boi-1da - Music through clothing
The campaign: Bacardi partnered with NAHMIAS and music producer Boi-1da to release clothing featuring QR codes. Fans could scan the garments to listen to music from emerging artists.
The Wearable Album collection also offered wearers the chance to earn live music rewards when others scanned their clothing and listened.
Try it yourself: You can add MP3 QR codes to merchandise to instantly share exclusive music, audio previews, or other content with customers.
Amazon SmileCodes - Shopping through print advertisements
The campaign: In 2018, Amazon introduced SmileCodes in magazine advertisements and other locations, including Amazon Lockers.
Customers scanned these branded, QR-style codes using the Amazon app to access product pages and promotional content.
The codes helped shoppers find advertised products without searching for them manually.
Try it yourself: Place coupon QR codes on flyers, catalogs, or print advertisements that bring your customers to product pages or give them access to offers. They can immediately act on the advertising they see.
Dove - Concert ticket giveaways through QR codes
The campaign: In 2025, Dove launched Hot Seats, a scavenger hunt featuring QR codes on moving billboard trucks.
Fans followed online clues to find the trucks. The first people to locate and scan the codes could win pairs of concert tickets.
The chance to win tickets gave fans a reason to seek out the advertisements.
Try it yourself: You could consider organizing a QR code treasure hunt at an event or across several locations. Use landing page QR codes to reveal clues, offer rewards, or direct participants to a giveaway entry form.
QR Code Examples You Can Use in Your Business
You don't need a big marketing budget to put QR codes to work. Here are eight practical ways you can implement QR codes in your business.
|
Use case |
Possible placement locations |
Where it could lead |
Suggested CTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant menu | Directly on the tables or signs around the restaurant | A mobile-friendly menu with current dishes and prices | "Scan to view our menu" |
| Product packaging | On the back of the packaging in an easy-to-spot location | A tutorial video | "Watch the tutorial now" |
| Flyers and posters | In a prominent location on the front of the flyer | A booking page | "Scan to book now" |
| Business cards | Works on either side of the card | A digital contact card with phone, email, and website | "Scan to save my contact details" |
| Customer reviews | Receipts or checkout signs | The business's direct Google review link | "Scan to share your experience" |
| Events | Entrance signs or attendee badges | An event schedule with session times and locations | "Scan to view today's schedule" |
| Real estate | A property's For Sale sign | The property's listing, including photos, price, and viewing options | "Scan to see photos and book a viewing" |
| Product instructions | On the packaging of the product | A model-specific setup video or troubleshooting guide | "Scan for setup instructions" |
Should you use dynamic or static QR codes?
The best choice depends on how you plan to use your QR code.
Choose a static QR code for a fixed destination, such as a restaurant menu or contact page. You can update the page's content, but you cannot change the URL encoded in the QR code.
A dynamic QR code is better for promotions and marketing campaigns. You can change its destination without reprinting the code and track scans to measure engagement.
How To Create Your Own QR Code Campaign
A successful QR code campaign starts with a clear goal and an easy way for customers to take action. Follow these five steps to create your own successful marketing campaign.
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Decide what you want customers to do
Choose one main action that you want your customers to do. This could include:
- Booking an appointment
- Claiming a discount
- Registering for an event
- Leaving a review
Deciding on this is key, as it will help you decide where to place your QR code and what message to use.
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Choose the right destination
Link directly to the page where customers can complete that action. For example, you could create a booking form and then link them directly to this instead of your business’s homepage. Remove friction for your customers, so they can instantly make a purchase.
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Create and customize your QR code
You can use QRNow's QR code generator to create the code you’ll use in the campaign. Our tool is simple to use, even if you have no experience making QR codes. You can choose a dynamic QR code if you want to update the link or track scans.
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Give people a clear reason to scan
Make sure to print a convincing call to action next to your code that will make your customers want to scan. Instead of "Scan me," use "Scan to get 20% off" or "Scan to book your free trial." Make the benefit clear and place the code where it's easy to scan.
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Test your code and measure the results
Always test the code on different phones and on the actual printed material before launching the ful lcampaign.
You can then use QRNow's analytics tools to track dynamic QR code scans.
Get started with your first QR code today
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FAQs
What’s the most important step in creating a QR code campaign?
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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?
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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?
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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.
