Do you need a QR Code? When and where do you use it?

Aug 17
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Introduction

In the world of speed and instant communication, the use of QR Code has become a tool that cannot be ignored. This simple square code can shorten many steps for the customer, save the business owner time, and facilitate the purchasing or communication experience.

But the important question is: Do all businesses need a QR Code? When is its use effective? Where should it be placed to produce the best result?

In this article, we take you on a journey to understand everything involved in using QR Code in your business.

What is QR Code?

QR is short for Quick Response, which is a square code that is scanned by the phone’s camera to open a link, view content, or perform a specific action immediately.

It can be used to open:

Request or reservation page
Menu List
Instagram account
Evaluation form
Special offer link
Download an application
Or even a ready message on WhatsApp

When is a QR Code useful?

✅ When you want to facilitate immediate interaction

Instead of saying: “Enter this link,” it is enough to say: “Scan the code and start!”

✅ When you want to save time for the client

No need to write a long link
No need to search for you on Google or Instagram
No need to call to request service

✅ When you use non-digital promotional methods

like:

Poster on the door
Printed menu
Invitation card
bag of products
Thank you card
Advertisement on the street

The most important uses of QR Code in stores and services

Use

Interest

QR in the printed menu

Displays a digital menu quickly without touching

QR at the door of the shop

Shows opening times or speed dial link

QR on the bag or packaging

The customer returns to order again or evaluate the service

QR in thank you card

Asks the customer for a rating or share on Instagram

QR in paper ads

It turns a traditional ad into a live interaction

QR on invoice

Allows electronic payment or account review easily

QR on the cup or can

Link to current offer or to subscribe to the newsletter

QR at events and exhibitions

Quick sharing of information and offers

Real-life examples by type of activity

🍽️ Restaurant or cafe

Updateable digital menu
Direct order link
Evaluation of the experience
Follow the account on Instagram

🧴 Salon or clinic

Book an appointment
Review available services
Service evaluation
Special offer or discount code

🛍️ Retail store

Log in to the loyalty program
Custom discount code for each bill
View next product
Direct link to another request

📦 Online store

QR on the packaging brings the customer back to order again
Product evaluation link
Disseminate the product on social media

What can a QR Code contain?

QR is not just for opening a website link!

It can be customized to any of the following:

Type

Description

URL link

Open any web page

WhatsApp number with message

Send a canned message like: “I would like to order product number 3”

PDF file

Menu, catalog, or quote

Discount code

Single use or shareable

Geographical location

Open your location in Google Maps

Google evaluation link

To encourage positive reviews

Instagram/TikTok account

Increase followers directly

Google form

Where to put QR Code?

The place

Impact

Storefront

To attract passersby and facilitate interaction

The menu

To update prices or activate instant ordering

Tables

To encourage a rating or additional view while you wait

Invoice or receipt

To link the customer to the order again

Bag or box of the product

To motivate the customer to buy again or rate

Cards and stickers

At exhibitions or when delivering orders

End of a video or reel

To attract followers to the offer page

The most important tools for creating QR Code easily

Tool

Features

QR Code Monkey

Completely free – supports colors and logos

Beaconstac

Analytics + updatable codes + intelligent solutions

GoQR.me

Simple and fast for personal use

Canva

QR design integrated into creative designs

QR TIGER

Advanced options – support stores and specialists

Can QR performance be tracked?

Yes, some tools provide statistics such as:

Number of scanning times
From any region or device
Most frequently used
Conversion rate after scanning

This is very useful for improving your campaigns and offers.

Best practices for using QR Code

✅ 1. Make it clear and easy to erase

Don't make it too small
Leave white space around it
Make the corner easy to see

✅ 2. Add a simple directive next to it

Such as: “Scan to view the menu” “Scan to order now” “Scan to get the offer”

✅ 3. Link to a page designed for mobile

Because 100% of those who scan the code will use their phone.

✅ 4. Do not put long direct links

Use shortcut and link control tools.

✅ 5. Try it yourself before printing

Make sure it works in all conditions and lighting.

Mistakes to avoid when using QR

Error

Why is it harmful?

Long link not suitable for mobile

The customer closes the page immediately

QR is not clear or too small

It cannot be erased easily

There are no instructions next to it

The client doesn't know why he's wiping

Use it in a place without internet

Like a sticker in an elevator or a parking lot

Directing it to a useless link

Like the home page instead of the selected view

Does every activity need a QR?

✅ Yes, if:

You deal with customers inside a store or physical location
Provides services that require quick interaction
Promote in publications or field places
You want to facilitate quick access to your links or offers

❌ No, if:

All your work is done entirely digitally with no field interaction
You don't have any content or offers ready to view
Doesn't have a digital presence at all (in this case QR is useless)

Real story: How did QR help double orders?

One of the small cafes in Riyadh placed a QR Code on the tables, which leads to:

Digital menu
Direct order button
Rate button

In just 30 days, it increased:

Ratings 300%
The number of mobile orders increased by 40%.
Follow Instagram account by 25%

Conclusion: QR is not a fad… but a smart tool

In 2025, the customer does not want to write or search... but rather to “scan and access.” Therefore, QR Code has become an essential part of the smart customer experience.

Invest in it simply:

Make your code clear
Connect it to something useful
Place it in a suitable place
Watch how the visitor turns into a customer easily!