If you want your brand to be competitive in today’s global marketplace, you need to think about how to build meaningful connections with your customers—and it all starts with the packaging your product comes in.
QR Codes offer consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands simple ways to stand out on the shelf—whether by activating augmented reality (AR) experiences for virtual try-ons or by sharing must-know nutritional facts and crowd-pleasing recipe ideas that excite customers about their next purchase. Adding QR Codes to packaging opens multiple channels for customers to connect with brands and creates memorable digital experiences that linger long after the sale. Explore our gallery to see how CPG brands use QR Codes to spark instant connections through their packaging.
Note: The brands and businesses depicted below are fictitious examples.
QR Codes for sustainability and ethical practices
Building trust with customers from the start is the key to lasting loyalty. Start your relationship on the right foot by using QR Codes to share your sustainability practices.
Add QR Codes to your packaging and connect with eco-conscious consumers by guiding them to web pages highlighting your commitment to the planet. Or, take it a step further by including recycling tips and eco-friendly disposal instructions.
Design a QR Code that embodies your CPG brand and create engaging copy that invites customers to scan and learn about your sustainability or ethical practices.
Learn more
- QR Codes for CPG: How to Support and Showcase Sustainable Business Practices
- 9 Ways CPG Brands Can Boost Repeat Purchases and Build Customer Loyalty
- The Ultimate Guide to Using QR Codes to Minimize Packaging Waste
QR Codes for augmented reality experiences
Augmented reality (AR) technology creates a digitally enhanced shopping experience where customers can interact with products virtually before making a purchase. By adding QR Codes to your packaging, you can jumpstart the AR experience, helping customers get a feel for your products and boosting their confidence in the purchase.
Whether it’s through virtual makeup try-ons, special effect filters, or visualizing furniture in their home, these engaging interactions via QR Codes ramp up the anticipation and give customers a memorable brand moment.
Conduct a round of tests by scanning the QR Code on the product packaging with multiple devices to ensure your AR digital experience runs smoothly across various platforms. This will help you identify and correct any potential issues—such as loading time or navigation problems—ahead of time.
Learn more
- CPG Marketing: Unpacking Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing
- Fusing QR Codes With Augmented Reality: Looking to the Future
QR Codes for contests and promotions
Adding gamification elements like contests to your packaging gives customers a fun incentive to engage with your brand. Make it easy for them to join the fun by adding a QR Code to the package that leads straight to an online entry form.
By capturing attention with contests and simplifying participation with QR Codes, you’re setting the stage for a positive brand experience. Creating memorable touchpoints transforms everyday customers into lifelong supporters—perhaps even your biggest advocates.
Craft a catchy yet concise QR Code call to action (CTA) on the product packaging that captures your consumers’ attention while hinting at the engaging experience they’ll get when they scan it.
Learn more
- How Smalls Uses Bitly QR Codes and Short Links to Connect with Cat Care Enthusiasts
- QR Codes For Product Packaging: Use Cases, Examples, and Best Practices
- How to Activate Your Next Event with QR Codes: Tips From Bitly’s Brand Team
- How Does Gamification Impact the Customer Experience?
QR Codes for nutrition or ingredient info
Give your customers easy access to the product information they need with QR Codes. Adding them to your packaging lets you share details like ingredients, nutritional facts, and expiration dates without crowding up the package real estate.
By directing customers to product info via QR Codes your brand stays transparent, and your shoppers can quickly find what they need to make informed purchases.
Make sure the QR Code is at least 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches) on the packaging so it’s scannable, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. If needed, you can always scale it up.
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QR Codes for special coupons
Coupon marketing has stood the test of time for a good reason—it works. Combining this classic strategy with QR Codes provides customers with immediate digital access to discounts through scanning. By placing QR Codes directly on your packaging, you not only incentivize purchases but also enable easy redemption at checkout, whether in-store or online.
Plus, since customers can save these digital coupons on their smartphones, they won’t miss out on any deals—resulting in more savings for customers, and more sales for your brand.
Make the action worth customers’ time by clearly explaining the benefits they’ll receive for scanning the QR Code on the product packaging. Use compelling CTAs like “Scan to unlock your coupon” or “Scan to redeem your discount at checkout” to encourage engagement.
Learn more
- How Curology Uses Bitly QR Codes to Elevate the Skincare Experience
- The Power of QR Codes for CPG Brands: Fueling Sales & Loyalty
- How to Use QR Codes for Black Friday Promotions
QR Codes for recipes and video content
Show customers what they can do with your product before they buy it. By adding QR Codes to your packaging, you provide them with a direct line to a world of inspiring content. This helps your customers envision how they might use the product—whether baking a decadent carrot cake or using a new skincare product. Pairing your physical packaging with digital content can motivate your audience to make their next purchase.
With QR Codes you can showcase must-try recipes, how-to videos, or even product pairings to encourage cross-selling. This is an excellent way to spark customers’ imaginations as they browse, helping them choose which of your products to take home.
Monitor your QR Code’s scan data using Bitly Analytics to see which store locations and products are driving the most traffic. You can then use this data to retarget these high-performing spots for future campaigns.
Learn more
- How Wight Tea Uses Bitly QR Codes to Craft the Perfect Experience From Every Package
- The Power of QR Codes for CPG Brands: Fueling Sales & Loyalty
- QR Codes For Product Packaging: Use Cases, Examples, and Best Practices
- What Are the Best Ways to Share Instructions Through QR Codes?
QR Codes for product reviews
Customers constantly compare products across different brands before making a purchase, making it essential to maintain a steady stream of reviews to uphold a positive brand image.
Encourage more product reviews by printing QR Codes directly on your product packaging to remind customers to share their thoughts. Sweeten the deal by offering a freebie or discount for their time and feedback.
Encourage feedback by communicating to your customers their opinions count. Use compelling or even tongue-in-cheek CTAs like “Give it to us straight” or “Be honest—we can take it” on the QR Code frame featured on your product packaging to prompt more scans and feedback.
