QR Code labels turn physical items into interactive customer touchpoints, making it easy for people to access product info, user guides, or even special deals in a flash.
They’re the perfect way to connect offline and online experiences—whether it’s providing product specs on retail packaging, offering convenient access to restaurant menus, or helping customers get more out of products with tips and demos.
With plenty of customization options available, you can even tailor your QR Code labels to fit your marketing goals. And they’re not just for retail or food service—they’re making waves in real estate, events, healthcare, and more.
Curious about how QR Code labels can transform your business strategy? Read on to learn more about their benefits and implementation.
What are QR Code labels?
QR Code labels are adhesive stickers with printed QR Codes (2D barcodes), designed to be placed on products, packaging, or promotional materials. These labels make it simple for businesses to connect customers directly to digital resources—websites, product instructions, video tutorials, exclusive offers, contact forms, and more.
QR Code labels are affordable, versatile, and ideal for creating meaningful connections. They’re a great way to enhance the customer experience, whether you’re sharing product details or promoting a loyalty program. Simply put, QR Code labels bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
What are the advantages of using QR Code labels for businesses?
Business and consumer interactions are evolving, and QR Code labels can help you keep up with these changes and gain a competitive edge. QR Codes for business offer tons of benefits, including:
Customer engagement
QR Code labels make it easy for customers to interact with your brand. A quick scan takes them directly to valuable information like product details, promotions, or user guides, making it simple for customers to engage with your business on their terms.
This instant access enhances customer satisfaction by increasing convenience and relevance. Plus, the more accessible and valuable your resources, the better your chances of boosting conversions and building trust.
Flexibility across industries
QR Code labels are incredibly versatile and effective across a wide range of industries and use cases.
- Retailers can use them on packaging to link customers to product information or discounts.
- Healthcare providers can place them on medical equipment to share usage instructions.
- Event organizers can use them on tickets or schedules to provide real-time updates and venue maps.
The possibilities are nearly endless, and whether you need just a few custom QR Codes for small business marketing or bulk code generation for shipping labels, it’s easy to get started with Bitly.
Analytics and tracking
Bitly’s QR Codes offer detailed insights into customer engagement, including scan counts, geographic locations, and device types. This data helps businesses evaluate campaign performance, identify trends, and optimize future strategies.
Understanding how customers interact with QR Codes empowers businesses to refine their marketing efforts and improve product placement.
Cost-effective and eco-friendly solution
QR Code labels cut paper waste by linking customers to digital content directly. This approach reduces costs while promoting eco-friendly practices. Plus, businesses can update content instantly without reprinting labels using Dynamic QR codes, meaning campaigns stay current and sustainable.
Examples of how to use QR Code labels for your customers
Knowing the possibilities of QR Code labels is the first step in leveraging them for your business and customers. Here are some creative ways to use QR Code labels effectively.
Provide product information and instructions
QR Code labels on product packaging are a fantastic way to deliver essential information, like user manuals, assembly guides, or care instructions. A QR Code on furniture packaging can direct customers to a step-by-step assembly video so there’s no guesswork or stress—just a smooth experience.
Share promotions and discounts
QR Code labels are an effective way to share exclusive promotions and discounts. Add them to loyalty cards, receipts, or product packaging so customers can access deals with a simple scan.
Imagine a QR Code on a coffee bag leading to a special coupon for the next purchase. It’s a simple, thoughtful touch that encourages repeat business and builds loyalty.
Positive customer experiences are key to retention—in fact, 59% of customers who have a bad experience with a retailer decrease or stop purchases from that company. QR Codes can help create those “wow” moments that help build loyalty.
Facilitate easy reordering or subscription renewal
You can simplify reordering or subscription renewals with QR Code labels on consumable or subscription-based products. Customers can scan the QR Code on a bottle of vitamins or a skincare product and go directly to a pre-filled reordering page.
It’s fast, convenient, and removes friction from the process—something customers genuinely appreciate. By making it easy to stay stocked, you can drive repeat sales and build long-term customer relationships.
Gather customer feedback
Getting feedback from your customers doesn’t have to be a hassle. QR Codes on receipts, packaging, or near checkout areas can lead directly to surveys or feedback forms where customers can rate their experience or provide suggestions.
Customer feedback provides valuable insights that help businesses develop better products or services. And, QR Codes make customer participation easy, increasing the likelihood you’ll receive those valuable insights.
Link to loyalty programs or memberships
Printable QR Code labels can make loyalty program sign-ups a breeze. Whether on product packaging, marketing flyers, or near the checkout counter, these codes can link directly to sign-up pages or members-only content. This convenience encourages participation in rewards programs and deeper engagement with the brand.
How to create QR Code labels from start to finish
Ready to create your own QR Code labels that are professional, functional, and perfectly tailored to your needs? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a QR Code using Bitly:
Step 1: Sign in or sign up for Bitly
Start by creating a Bitly account or logging into an existing one to access the platform’s QR Code generation tool.
Bitly offers both free and paid plans. The free version lets you generate basic QR Codes and change the colors to fit your branding. If you upgrade to a paid plan, you unlock features like detailed analytics and the ability to customize your QR Codes with logos, frames, and CTAs—perfect for businesses looking to stand out and get deeper insights.
Step 2: Generate your QR Code
Within the Bitly dashboard, select the QR Code generator tool. Select Create New and select the QR Code option. Next, paste the URL you want the QR Code to link to—make sure you double-check it to avoid any issues.
Bitly will instantly generate your QR Code. Then, you can customize it or download it in whatever format you need.
Step 3: Customize or brand your QR Code
Take your QR Code to the next level by using Bitly’s customization features to reflect your brand. Paid plan users can choose specific brand colors, add a company logo, and adjust design elements to ensure consistency with their marketing materials.
Branded QR Codes not only look great, but they also build trust. A QR Code with your logo or brand colors stands out from generic black-and-white designs and feels more credible—which is essential when more people are learning how to spot a fake QR Code. Plus, it’s more likely to grab attention on packaging or promotional materials.
Step 4: Test your QR Code
Before rolling out your QR Code, test it on multiple devices, both Android and iOS smartphones, to confirm it scans correctly and directs users to the right URL. And don’t forget to check the URL itself to make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
Testing prevents headaches for your audience and ensures your QR Code does exactly what it should. A safe, trustworthy, and seamless experience makes a difference!
Step 5: Print your QR Code in label format
Now it’s time to design and print your QR labels and put them to use. To ensure good results, use a high-quality label printer or professional printing service to keep your QR Codes sharp, clear, and scannable. And don’t forget to follow best practices for elements like quiet zones, color contrast, and minimum QR Code size.
You’ll also need to choose the right smart label size and type for your needs. If the decals will face wear, moisture, or outdoor conditions, choose durable materials that can withstand these elements to preserve the QR Code’s scannability. A matte finish on your QR stickers is also helpful to avoid glares that may interfere with scanning.
Sturdy, high-quality custom labels ensure your QR Codes stay functional over time, adding long-lasting value to your campaigns.
Start connecting with your customers through QR Code labels
QR Code labels turn everyday items into powerful tools for customer connection. With a quick scan, they offer instant access to product details, how-to guides, promotions, or even feedback forms—effortlessly enhancing engagement and simplifying information sharing.
Bitly takes QR Codes to the next level with advanced customization, along with tracking and analytics. With Bitly, you can design branded QR Codes with your logo, colors, and more to build trust and reinforce your brand identity.
Bitly’s Dynamic QR Codes also allow you to update links without reprinting, while real-time analytics provide insights into scan behavior. You’ll have plenty of data at your fingertips to fine-tune and improve the customer experiences.
Ready to put QR Code labels to work in your business? Get started with Bitly today!
