A small black-and-white square on your product box or an advertisement might have caught your attention before. That square, a QR code, can hold the key to information, connections, or even an easier way to pay. QR codes have quietly become part of how we live and work, making small tasks faster and smarter.
The benefit is crystal clear. In seconds, they connect you to what you need.
They connect the physical world, the flyers, signs, and business cards, with the digital world of websites, apps, and social media. They’re small, easy to scan, and powerful. Likewise, they let you skip the manual typing of a website or the hassle of sharing long details.
But QR codes are not just a trend or a tech novelty. They’ve become a reliable tool for businesses and people everywhere. They’re helping companies advertise smarter, share information, and connect with customers faster.
In this blog, you’ll discover:
- How businesses use QR codes.
- What QR codes are and how they work.
- Why switching to QR code-based digital business cards with Profyle can save you time and make your connections easier.
Profyle’s digital business cards with QR codes don’t just share information — they start conversations and build trust. It’s a smart way to stand out in a crowded market. Sign up for free today
Nine Real-Life QR Code Examples
QR codes aren’t new, but they’re more useful than ever. People are using them in creative ways to make life simpler.
- Restaurants: Many cafés and restaurants now use QR codes for menus. Instead of waiting for a waiter or handling a menu, you scan the code and view it on your phone.
- Shopping: Some stores use QR codes on products. Scan them to learn more about the item, watch a video about it, or even get a discount.
- Events: Have you ever received a ticket with a QR code? It’s used for quick entry and makes events smoother for both organisers and visitors.
- Real Estate: QR codes are a great way to lead a lead (no pun intended) to the complete listing. Or to invite them to a showing, drive traffic to your site, or simply to share your contact information. Probably the best way to use QR codes is with a digital business card for estate agents.
Here are nine practical, real-life examples of businesses effectively using QR codes in their marketing and advertising efforts:
1. ISDIN’s Connected Packaging
Skincare brand ISDIN integrated QR codes into their product packaging, allowing customers to access detailed product information and promotional content, thereby enhancing the consumer experience and providing valuable marketing insights.
2. MDL Marinas’ Customer Engagement Campaign
MDL Marinas implemented a campaign using QR codes to capture customer emails, resulting in 900 sign-ups. They run marinas across locations in the UK and in Spain. Using QR codes improved data collection and marketing efforts.
3. QRPedia in Cultural Institutions
QRpedia is a project that uses QR codes to deliver Wikipedia articles to users in their preferred language. Institutions like Derby Museum and Art Gallery have implemented QRpedia codes next to exhibits, allowing visitors to access detailed information about displays directly on their smartphones.
4. Patagonia Uses QR Codes to Share Product Details and Protect Nature
Patagonia added QR codes to their product tags to make things easier for customers and to help the environment. Their research showed that people like QR codes and find them easy to use. By scanning these codes, customers can see more details about the products, learn about how Patagonia helps the planet, and watch videos or other cool content. This way, they don’t need to print as much paper, which fits with Patagonia’s goal to protect nature.
5. L’Oréal’s Virtual Try-On Campaign with QR Codes
L’Oréal has made it easier for customers to try out beauty products without using real makeup. They have a tool called the Virtual Try-On. This tool lets you see how different makeup and hair colours look on you by using your phone or computer. You can try it live or upload a selfie. It’s like looking in a mirror but with different makeup or hair colours.
In some stores, L’Oréal has added special codes, called QR codes, to their displays. When you scan these codes with your phone, it takes you directly to the Virtual Try-On tool. This means you can see how a product will look on you before deciding to buy it. It’s a fun and easy way to try new looks without any mess.
For example, L’Oréal’s Feria hair dye boxes now have QR codes. When you scan the code, it shows you how the hair colour will look on you using augmented reality. This helps you choose the right shade before making a purchase.
6. Corky’s BBQ Uses QR Codes to Simplify Ordering
Corky’s BBQ uses QR codes to make ordering food easier for their customers. For example, during cold and icy weather, Corky’s BBQ in Brentwood shared a QR code on their Instagram page. Customers could scan this code to quickly place delivery orders through Uber Eats. This approach allows customers to order their favorite meals without leaving their homes, providing a convenient and efficient dining experience.
7. Stockholm Run Club Uses QR Codes to Make Running Events More Fun
Stockholm Run Club has found a smart way to use QR codes in their running events. They worked with Adidas to create the “Billboard Race.” There were four starting points around the city, and runners could scan QR codes on billboards to join the race. This let runners pick their own starting spot and route. They could compete for big prizes, making the event exciting and interactive.
The club also uses QR codes for other events, like their “Premiere Bonanza” at A House Stockholm. Runners could scan QR codes to sign up or get more event details quickly and easily.
By using QR codes, Stockholm Run Club makes their events simple, fun, and easy to join for all runners.
8. Brentford FC Uses QR Codes to Teach CPR
Brentford FC, a football club in the UK, found a smart way to help people learn CPR.They put heart-shaped QR codes on their players’ shirts during a match. When fans scanned these codes with their phones, they watched a short video showing how to do CPR. This made it easy for everyone to learn a skill that can save lives
9. Bournemouth 7s Festival Uses QR Codes to Make Events More Fun
At the Bournemouth 7s Festival, special photo booths were set up with QR codes to make the event more exciting. People could take fun pictures in the booth and then scan a QR code to get their photo. This made it easy for them to share the pictures on social media. It gave attendees a cool way to remember the festival and helped spread the word about the event online.
How Does a QR Code Work (in 5 Steps)
1. Basics of a QR Code
- A QR code (it stands for Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (two-dimensional barcode) invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese company.
- It consists of black squares arranged on a white grid, which can encode data efficiently, including text, URLs, or binary data.
- QR codes are standardized by ISO/IEC 18004:2015.
2. Data Encoding Process
- Data Input: The content (e.g., a URL or text) is converted into binary data.
- Error Correction Levels: QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction. This allows the QR code to remain scannable even if a portion is damaged. Four error correction levels exist: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%).
- Data Masking: The binary data is masked using patterns to avoid areas that might cause difficulty for scanners, such as large white spaces.
- Format Information and Versioning: Encodes metadata like error correction level, masking patterns, and the QR code version (1 to 40, depending on size and data capacity).
3. QR Code Structure
- Finder Patterns: The three large squares in the corners help scanners locate and orient the QR code.
- Alignment Patterns: Smaller patterns inside the QR code ensure proper alignment during scanning.
- Timing Patterns: Alternating black and white modules in the horizontal and vertical directions to define the QR code’s grid structure.
- Quiet Zone: A blank margin around the QR code ensures scanning accuracy.
4. Scanning and Decoding Process
- Optical Scanning: A smartphone camera or QR code scanner captures the QR code’s image.
- Binarisation: The scanner converts the image into binary data (black and white modules).
- Error Correction: The scanner applies Reed-Solomon algorithms to correct any damage.
- Data Extraction: The encoded binary data is decoded back into its original form (e.g., a URL or text).
5. Link Opening Mechanism
- If the QR code contains a URL, the scanner software automatically detects it.
- The smartphone or scanner prompts the user to open the URL in a browser or relevant application.
- Additional security measures may include verifying the URL to prevent phishing.
How to Create a QR Code and a QR Code Business Card
Creating a QR code might seem complex, but it’s actually very simple. A QR code is like a puzzle made of black and white dots called “modules.” These dots store data in a way that computers and phones can read. The key part is that QR codes are designed for speed. That’s why they’re called “Quick Response.”
- Pick a QR Code Generator: There are many free tools online, like Profyle’s QR code feature. These tools let you create a code in minutes.
- Enter Your Data: Add what you want to share, like a website link or your contact information.
- Generate the Code: Click a button, and the generator turns your data into a QR code.
- Test It: Always scan the QR code with your phone to check if it works.
Profyle makes this process even easier. Instead of generating just any QR code, Profyle lets you create a professional digital business card. It’s not just about having a code; it’s about making a connection that’s personal, seamless, and smart.
Profyle digital business cards use QR codes in a way that makes networking and sharing information smarter and more modern. Instead of handing out a paper card, you can share a digital card that connects people to all your contact details with just one scan. Profyle combines the simplicity of a QR code with the need to be professional and accessible.
