What is a QR code and how can you use it for your brand or business?
Feb. 12, 2025
5 min read
Introduction
QR codes are incredibly useful for businesses. If you have recently visited a business, you may have noticed these small squares with black and white patterns appearing everywhere. You’ve seen them on billboards, products, event tickets, banners, TV commercials, stickers on the street, and even as menu replacements in restaurants.
These symbols are called QR Codes. The acronym "QR" stands for "Quick Response," meaning they are designed to quickly provide users with information. QR codes are easy to create and can be generated for free. They have various use cases, including linking directly to a website.
Tools like Puny.bz automatically generate QR codes for every webpage you create. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to become an expert in creating and sharing QR codes.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code is simpler than it looks. Think of it as a container of information. While we may not be able to read the information directly, modern smartphones can.
If you have a recent smartphone, its camera likely has the ability to recognize and scan QR codes. Once scanned, the phone interprets the embedded information and displays it in a preview. By tapping the preview, you’ll be redirected to the corresponding webpage or content.
QR Codes are Just Text
Yes, QR codes are simply text—letters, numbers, and symbols that a mobile device can scan to quickly access information.
How does a QR code take me to a website if it"s just text?
Simple! Website URLs are also text. When you convert a URL into a QR code, a smartphone recognizes it as a web link and automatically opens the page.
Now you can understand why QR codes are so common. It’s much easier for users to scan a code and be instantly directed to a webpage than to manually type in a long URL.
How to Create a QR Code
To create a QR code, you’ll need a QR code generator. Our tool, Puny.bz, allows you to generate a QR code for your website effortlessly.
Steps to Create a QR Code
- Visit Puny.bz and create a free account—no payment information required.
- Add a profile photo or logo, a title, and a description for your webpage.
- Customize the link for your Puny (this is the text that will be encoded in your QR code).
- Add your content—this can be text, images, links, or any information you want to share.
- Click the share button (the arrow pointing outward) at the top-right corner.
- Download your QR code in your preferred image format and start sharing it!
Where to Use Your QR Code
You can share your QR code in social media posts, print materials, T-shirts, posters, menus, product packaging,and more.
Note: You can update your Puny content at any time, and the QR code will remain the same. No need to generate a new QR code!
How Can I Use a QR Code?
QR codes are a great tool for promoting products, services, events, websites, and even collecting customer information. Here are some of the most effective ways to use QR codes for your business.
1. Business Cards
Add a QR code to your business card that directs users to your website, LinkedIn, or online portfolio.
2. Books
Place a QR code on your book cover to link readers to additional content, like more of your writings or customer reviews.
3. Billboards
Include a large QR code on billboards so people can scan it and instantly access your website or promotions.
4. Video & TV Ads
Add a static QR code to video advertisements so viewers can scan it at any time for more details.
5. Cosmetic Products
Print QR codes on beauty and skincare packaging to share product details, ingredients, reviews, and how-to videos.
6. Brochures & Flyers
Enhance printed materials by linking to videos, discount pages, or extended content with a QR code.
7. Food Packaging
Provide nutritional information, recipes, and ingredient sources via QR codes on food labels.
8. Beverage Bottles
Place a QR code on bottle labels to share product details, pairing recommendations, or promotions.
9. Magazines
Use QR codes to link to extended articles, digital subscriptions, or special offers in print magazines.
10. Resumes (CVs)
Make your resume stand out by including a QR code that leads to your online portfolio or introduction video.
11. Clothing & Fashion
- For Your Clothing Brand – Add a QR code to clothing tags to link to your collection or brand story.
- For Business Uniforms – Include a QR code on T-shirts so people can scan and learn more about your company.
12. Vehicles
Add QR codes to commercial vehicles so people can scan them to access your services or promotions.
13. Pop-Up Shops
Use QR codes to let customers browse catalogs, make payments, or join email lists at temporary store locations.
14. Payment Links
Facilitate quick and secure payments with QR codes that direct customers to an online payment platform.
15. Printed Ads
Include QR codes in magazine ads, posters, and banners to provide direct links to websites, discounts, or promotions.
Conclusion
QR codes have become essential tools for brands to connect with their audience in a quick, simple, and effective way. They are accessible to businesses of all sizes and can be implemented for free.
With tools like Puny.bz, you can generate and manage QR codes effortlessly. Puny.bz not only creates QR codes automatically but also allows you to update your content without needing a new QR code.
Why Use QR Codes?
- Increase customer engagement by providing instant access to content.
- Simplify marketing by reducing friction between customers and your website or product.
- Enhance print materials by linking them to digital experiences.
- Improve conversions by making payments and sign-ups seamless.
Start Using QR Codes Today!
QR codes are an essential tool for any modern marketing strategy. Whether you"re promoting products, services, or events, using QR codes will enhance your brand"s reach and engagement.
