A business gets a QR Code by using a QR Code generator. The business then customizes the design, tests it on multiple devices, and places it where customers can scan it. You can add a QR Code for your business to product packaging, a storefront window, or a business card. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Dynamic QR Codes let you update the destination link at any time and track every scan, while static codes are free but permanent.
This guide walks you through how to get a QR Code for your business. You’ll learn the difference between free static codes and trackable Dynamic QR Codes. You’ll also find answers to common questions about creating QR Codes for business cards, Google Business Profiles, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Use a QR Code generator to create, customize, and download your QR Code for your business in minutes.
- Choose Dynamic QR Codes if you need to edit the destination URL or track scan data over time.
- Customize your QR Code with brand colors and a logo to increase recognition and scan rates.
- Test your QR Code on multiple devices and scanning apps before printing or publishing.
- Place QR Codes strategically on packaging, signage, receipts, and marketing materials where customers can easily scan them.
What is a QR Code, and static vs Dynamic QR Codes
A QR Code is a scannable, two-dimensional barcode that opens a link or shares information when someone points a phone camera at it. Businesses use QR Codes to connect customers with websites, menus, contact details, payment pages, and more.
When you create a QR Code, you’ll choose between two formats: static or dynamic. Static QR Codes encode the destination URL directly into the code pattern. Once you generate a static code, you can’t change where it points. If you print a static QR Code on 10,000 flyers and later need to update the URL, you’ll have to reprint every flyer.
Dynamic QR Codes solve this problem by using a redirect link. Instead of embedding the final URL into the code, a dynamic code points to a short URL that you control. You can update the destination anytime without changing the code itself. Dynamic QR Codes also track scans, giving you data on when, where, and how often people scan.
The QR Codes market continues to grow, and Dynamic QR Codes are now the dominant format. This shift makes sense: businesses want flexibility and measurable results. Bitly Codes are always dynamic, so every code you create includes tracking and editability by default.
| Feature | Static QR Code | Dynamic QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Edit destination after printing | No | Yes |
| Scan tracking and analytics | No | Yes |
| Cost | Usually free | Usually a paid plan |
| Best for | One-time, permanent links | Marketing, campaigns, anything you may update |
Most businesses benefit from Dynamic QR Codes because marketing campaigns, product pages, and promotions change over time. Static codes work well for permanent links you’ll never update, like a personal LinkedIn profile on a résumé.
How to get a QR Code for your business in 5 steps
Creating a QR Code takes minutes once you know the process. Follow these five steps to make a QR Code that drives results for your business.
- Define the purpose and pick your QR Code type. Decide what your code should do before you create it. Common goals include sending customers to a website, sharing contact details, displaying a menu, collecting reviews, or processing a payment. Your purpose determines the type of QR Code you need, which we cover in the next section.
- Choose a QR Code generator. Pick a platform that supports Dynamic QR Codes, customization, and analytics. You can make a QR Code using Bitly in just a few clicks, and Bitly Codes are dynamic by default. For a general overview of the mechanics, see our guide on how to make a QR Code. You can also read how to make a QR Code for a link.
- Customize the design. Add your brand colors and logo to help customers recognize the code as yours. Keep high contrast between the code pattern and background so scanners read it reliably. Include a short call-to-action near the code, like “Scan to see the menu” or “Scan for 15% off.” Customized QR Codes see a 3.8x increase in scans compared to uncustomized codes. For more guidance, read our QR Code branding tips.
- Test the QR Code. Scan your code on multiple devices before you print or publish it. Test on both iOS and Android phones, using different scanning apps. Scan from various distances to confirm readability. Verify that the destination loads correctly and matches your intent. Our QR Code test guide walks you through a complete testing checklist.
- Download and place it strategically. Download your QR Code in high-resolution PNG for digital use and SVG for print materials. Place the code where your audience will naturally see it. Good spots include product packaging, storefront signage, receipts, business cards, email signatures, or event materials. Position the code at eye level when possible and leave enough white space around it for easy scanning.
QR Code types for your business
Businesses use several QR Code types depending on the goal. Each type encodes different information or links to a specific destination.
- Website or landing page QR Code: Links to any URL, including a homepage, product page, or promotional landing page. You can also link to a no-code landing page built with Bitly Pages, which lets you create mobile-friendly pages without a developer.
- vCard QR Code for business cards: Stores your contact details so someone saves your name, phone number, email, company, and job title with one scan. This is one of the most popular business uses for QR Codes. Instead of hoping someone types your information correctly, a vCard QR Code transfers everything instantly to their phone’s contacts. You can print the code directly on your business card or add it to your email signature. Learn more about how to use QR Codes on business cards and the specifics of vCard QR Codes.
- Google Business Profile QR Code: Paste your Google Business Profile URL into a generator. Customers can then view your hours, directions, and reviews with one scan. This makes it easy to collect reviews by placing the code on receipts, thank-you cards, or in-store signage.
- Menu QR Code: Links diners to a digital menu you can update anytime. Restaurants use menu QR Codes to change prices, add seasonal items, or remove sold-out dishes without reprinting physical menus.
- Payment or checkout QR Code: Sends customers to a payment page, checkout flow, or digital wallet. Retail stores, food trucks, and service providers use payment QR Codes to speed up transactions.
How much does a QR Code cost for a business?
Creating a basic static QR Code is free with most generators. Businesses that need to edit destinations or track scans use Dynamic QR Codes, which typically require a paid plan.
- Free: Static QR Codes with a fixed destination and no analytics work well for permanent links that never change, like a personal website on a résumé.
- Paid: Dynamic QR Codes include editable destinations, scan analytics, and customization options. Most QR Code platforms offer Dynamic QR Codes as part of a monthly or annual subscription.
The cost depends on the platform and plan you choose. Some generators offer limited free Dynamic QR Codes for businesses just getting started. Learn more about how to create a free Dynamic QR Code to explore your options.
Common ways businesses use QR Codes
QR Codes work across every industry where businesses want to connect physical materials with digital experiences. Here’s how different sectors put them to use:
| Industry | Common QR Code use |
|---|---|
| Retail | Link to promotions, loyalty sign-ups, and product details |
| Restaurants | Open a digital menu and take contactless orders |
| Events | Contactless check-in, schedules, and feedback forms |
| Healthcare | Digital check-in and secure portal access |
| Professional services | Share a vCard, portfolio, or booking page |
These examples are just a starting point. For a deeper look at practical applications, read How To Use QR Codes for Business Effectively.
Design and best practices for QR Codes that get scanned
A well-designed QR Code gets more scans than a generic black-and-white square. Follow these best practices to maximize engagement:
- Maintain high contrast. Use dark colors for the code pattern and a light background. Low contrast makes codes harder to scan, especially in bright environments.
- Keep the quiet zone clear. Leave white space around the edges of your QR Code. This buffer helps scanners detect where the code begins and ends.
- Add your logo thoughtfully. Place a small logo in the center of the code, but don’t let it cover more than 30% of the pattern. Most QR Codes include error correction that allows for some obstruction.
- Include a call-to-action. Tell people what happens when they scan. Phrases like “Scan for your discount” or “Scan to view the menu” set expectations and encourage action.
- Size the code appropriately. A QR Code should be at least 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm) for close-range scanning. For billboards or signage viewed from a distance, increase the size proportionally.
- Test before printing. Always scan your code on multiple devices before committing to a large print run. Check that it works at the distance and lighting conditions where it will appear.
Baldoyle Blinds added branded Bitly QR Codes to its emails and leaflets. It grew its Google reviews from 100 to over 500 while lifting its rating from 4.2 to 4.8. Dylan Arthurs, Sales Director at Baldoyle Blinds, shared the results in this customer story.
Start connecting with customers through QR Codes
QR Codes give your business a direct, trackable link between physical touchpoints and digital experiences. With the right QR Code generator, you can create branded codes, update destinations at any time, and measure what’s working.
Explore Bitly pricing to find the plan that fits your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a QR Code for my business?
You get a QR Code for your business by using a QR Code generator. Enter the URL or information you want to link. Customize the design with your brand colors and logo, then download the file. Tools like Bitly Codes let you create Dynamic QR Codes that you can edit and track after printing. Dynamic QR Codes are ideal for businesses that want to measure engagement or update destinations without reprinting.
Are QR Codes free for businesses?
Yes, many QR Code generators offer free QR Code options for businesses. Static QR Codes are typically free but lock in the destination URL permanently and don’t provide scan analytics. Dynamic QR Codes let you edit the link anytime and track scans, though they usually require a paid plan. Most businesses choose Dynamic QR Codes because they offer flexibility and measurable results.
What is the difference between static and Dynamic QR Codes?
Static QR Codes encode the destination URL directly into the code pattern, so you can’t change it after creation. Dynamic QR Codes use a redirect link, which means you can update where the code sends scanners anytime. Dynamic QR Codes also provide scan tracking, giving you data on when, where, and how often people scan. The QR Codes market continues to grow, with Dynamic QR Codes now the dominant format, which makes trackable codes increasingly valuable for businesses.
How do I create a QR Code for my business card?
You create a QR Code for your business card by generating a vCard QR Code. A vCard QR Code stores your contact details so someone can save your name, phone number, email, and company to their phone with one scan. Use a QR Code generator to enter your contact information, customize the design, and download a high-resolution file for printing.
How do I get a QR Code for my Google Business Profile?
You get a QR Code for your Google Business Profile by copying your profile’s URL and pasting it into a QR Code generator. When customers scan the code, it opens your Google Business Profile where they can see your hours, reviews, and location. Placing a QR Code on receipts, signage, or thank-you cards makes it easy to collect reviews and drive traffic to your listing.
Can I track how many people scan my QR Code?
Yes, you can track scans if you use a Dynamic QR Code. Dynamic QR Codes record scan data including the total number of scans, the location of each scan, and the device type used. Bitly Analytics shows you this data in real time. This data helps you measure campaign performance and refine your strategy over time.
