How to Use QR Codes in Offline Advertising: Flyers, Billboards, Packaging

Printed advertising is no longer limited to static images or slogans. Thanks to QR codes, you can instantly connect offline with online: one scan, and your customer is already on the website, in the mobile app, or in an Instagram story.

It’s fast, convenient, and most importantly — measurable. Packaging, flyers, or billboards become channels for analytics, marketing, and sales. In this article, learn how to do it right.

Why QR Codes Are a Must-Have in Printed Advertising?

📲 Instant access to a website or mobile app. The user doesn't need to enter anything — just point the camera and instantly go to the desired page. This simplifies the path to the target action and increases the chances of conversion.

📉 Fewer barriers. QR codes remove the need to manually type in a web address, which is often inconvenient on mobile devices. This is especially useful in public places where fast interaction is important.

📈 Measuring effectiveness. Unlike traditional printed ads, which provide no feedback, QR codes allow you to get precise analytics: how many people interacted, when, where, and from which device.

♻️ Flexibility after printing. Using dynamic codes, you can update the target link even after the ad has been printed. This is especially convenient for changing promotions or adapting campaigns on the fly.

Where to Place QR Codes in Offline Advertising?

📰 Flyers and Leaflets. An ideal place for a QR code linking to a discount, contest, or landing page. It's recommended to place the code at the bottom of the flyer, closer to the center — this helps it catch the reader's eye faster.

🧾 Product Packaging. A great opportunity to provide access to additional information — instructions, videos, recipes, or bonus programs. The code should be placed in a visible spot, preferably near the main label.

🪧 Billboards and City Lights. Work best with a large QR code and a clear call to action. Place the code at eye level or slightly below, within direct visibility from the sidewalk or road. Be sure to test scanning from a distance.

📦 POS Materials. In stores or shopping centers, a QR code on a stand or price tag can lead to a product page, promotion, or feedback form. It’s important to position it so that it can be easily scanned with one hand while holding the product with the other.

🏪 Storefronts. QR codes on windows or doors work both during and after business hours. By scanning the code, the customer can learn more about the store, view the menu, catalog, or even place an order online. Place the code at eye level and not behind glass that causes glare.

🚇 Subway Advertising. QR codes can be placed on train doors, signs, or handrails. This allows passengers who are waiting for a stop or standing in line to quickly scan the code and access more information.

🧾 Receipt QR Codes. Add a QR code at the bottom of a receipt that leads to a feedback page, survey, or bonus offer. This is a great way to encourage repeat purchases or engage customers in a loyalty program.

Examples of QR Codes in Real Campaigns

🏢 B2B Presentations: A QR code on a printed catalog or brochure at a trade show allows instant access to an online portfolio, download presentations, or submit an application. This is convenient for potential partners and clients.

🎓 Educational Projects: On banners or stands at universities, a QR code can lead to a page for course registration, schedules, or program presentations. It simplifies access to up-to-date information.

🎁 Retail: A QR code on a chocolate packaging leads to a page for signing up for bonuses or a promotion. It encourages the customer to engage during the purchase process.

📣 Local Advertising: A billboard with a QR code that leads to an online booking page. This approach reduces barriers to action.

📦 POS in Shopping Centers: A product stand with a QR code saying "Scan to Learn More." This allows you to expand information about the product without printing extra materials.

✈️ Airline Tickets: QR codes on boarding passes lead to a mobile version of the site with flight details, baggage information, or duty-free offers.

🧼 Product Samples: A QR code on the packaging of cosmetic samples opens a video review or the page for ordering the full-sized product.

🪑 Furniture Showrooms: Codes next to furniture open 3D visualizations, color options, or the AR feature "Try it at Home."

Which QR Codes Are Better to Use?

If you print the code once and it doesn’t change (e.g., a link to a PDF manual), choose a static QR code. It works without registration or internet, but doesn’t offer tracking or editing capabilities.

For marketing campaigns where analytics, flexibility, and control are important — a dynamic QR code is ideal. It allows you to change the link, add a password, restrict access by time or geography.

How to Create a Working QR Code?

Size matters. The minimum recommended size for printing on flyers is 2.5×2.5 cm. For billboards or posters, the size should be significantly larger so that the code can be scanned from a distance.

Contrast. Choose a dark color for the QR code and a light background for the base. The higher the contrast, the easier the scanning process. Avoid "trendy" color schemes that reduce readability.

Add instructions. People will scan the code if they understand its purpose. Labels like "Scan to get a discount" or "Open the instructions" significantly increase engagement.

Use branded design. Add your company logo inside the code, pick brand colors, and change the dot shape or frame. Such codes look professional and inspire more trust.

Dynamic codes = flexibility. They allow you to change the link even after printing, add limits, passwords, or analytics. This is the perfect option for advertising where adaptability is important.

Common Mistakes When Using QR Codes in Print

Too small size. The code must be at least 2.5×2.5 cm; otherwise, it won’t scan. For banners, make it even bigger.

Poor contrast. A light code on a light background is the worst option. The optimal choice is a dark code on a white or light background.

Missing instructions. If there’s no phrase like "Scan to get a bonus" near the code, most people will simply ignore it.

Wrong placement. The code should be easily scannable: not at the bottom, not behind glass, and not in the corner of the banner.

Failed testing. Always test the code before printing: check if it scans, whether it leads to the right page, and how it looks from a distance.

Example of a UTM Link for Advertising

To effectively track the source of traffic from printed advertising, we recommend adding UTM tags to your links. For example:

https://fbfast.io/?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring_sale

This will allow you to see in the analytics how many clicks came from flyers, in which cities, and at what time. For billboards or packaging, simply change the utm_source value to the appropriate one.

What Can You Track?

With the FbFast platform, you get full analytics for dynamic QR codes. This allows you to know exactly how users interact with your offline advertising.

📈 Number of Scans. You can see how many times the code was scanned in total — giving you an idea of your reach.

🌍 Geography of Scans. Analytics show from which cities and countries users made the transitions — important for local campaigns.

📱 Devices and Browsers. You’ll know from which operating systems, smartphones, and browsers users opened your code — helping you adapt your content.

🕐 Time of Activity. Data by days and hours allows you to evaluate when your ads perform best — useful for timing upcoming campaigns.

📊 Repeat vs Unique Scans. You can see how many users scanned the code for the first time and how many did so repeatedly. This helps assess the level of interest.

🖨 Want Active Advertising? Add a QR Code

Create a branded dynamic QR code with analytics — and get more interactions from every flyer or packaging.

Create a QR Code for Print