What is a QR code?

A QR code is a square barcode your phone camera can read in seconds. Instead of typing a long web address, someone scans and lands on your offer, menu, booking page, or contact details.

For local businesses, that speed matters. Someone holding a leaflet on a doorstep or a business card at a trade counter is already interested. A QR code removes one step between interest and action.

What can a QR code link to?

Most marketing QR codes open a URL. That might be:

• A seasonal offer or voucher page
• A Google review link
• A booking form or WhatsApp chat
• A downloadable price list

You can also encode contact details (vCard), WiFi credentials, or plain text. For flyers and business cards, URL links are the most common choice because you can change the destination later if you use a tracked link.

How scanning works

When someone scans a QR code, their phone reads the pattern and opens the encoded link. Modern iPhone and Android cameras include QR detection by default, so most people do not need a separate app.

If you print codes on leaflets or business cards, test scans at the size you plan to use. Small codes on glossy stock can fail in low light.

Why put a QR code on print?

Most leaflets ask someone to type a URL, remember a phone number, or look you up on Google later. That is an extra step, and plenty of people will not bother.

A QR code removes that step. If you use a tracked link, you can also see which print run got scans, which helps when you are comparing two offers or two areas. flyerfly starts from leaflet and business card templates with QR and scan counting built in.

It will not fix a weak offer or a cluttered design, but it makes the next step easier than a line that says "visit our website" with no URL.

Related reading

• QR code print tips before you send artwork to print
• Flyer and leaflet sizes for layout planning