QR Codes for Small Businesses: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them
QR codes are one of the simplest ways to turn offline marketing into online action. With one scan, customers can visit a page, request a quote, leave a review, or save your contact info—without typing anything.
Summary
A QR code is a scannable square that links people to something digital (a website, form, menu, review page, etc.).
They’re most powerful when they support one clear action: Scan to book / scan to quote / scan to review.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a 2D barcode that a phone camera can scan. When scanned, it opens a link or action on the phone—usually a webpage.
Think of it as a shortcut: instead of typing a URL, someone scans and goes straight there.
How QR codes work (high level)
- You create a QR code that encodes a destination (usually a URL).
- A customer opens their phone camera (or QR scanner).
- The phone recognizes the code and shows a prompt.
- They tap—and instantly land on your page.
That’s it. No app required for most modern phones.
Where small businesses use QR codes
On postcards and direct mail
Great uses: - “Scan to request a quote” - “Scan to book an appointment” - “Scan to see before/after photos” - “Scan to claim an offer”
Why it works: people are already holding the postcard—QR removes friction.
On door hangers
Perfect for: - booking forms - new customer specials - neighborhood-only offers
Tip: Always include a phone number too. Some people still prefer calling.
On yard signs
Works well for: - “Scan to get pricing” - “Scan to schedule” - “Scan to see reviews”
Tip: Signs need larger QR codes and high contrast since people may scan from a distance.
On business cards
One of the best upgrades you can make: - link to your “Book Now” page - link to your Google reviews page - link to a portfolio/gallery
In-store or at the jobsite
Examples: - restaurants: menus + online ordering - contractors: “See our work” gallery - salons: booking page - gyms: free trial signup
What to link to (best destinations)
QR codes perform best when the scan leads to something simple and fast:
- a short quote form
- an appointment booking page
- a review page
- a single offer landing page
- a menu or services list
- a contact card (vCard) download page
Keep it “one scan → one action.” Avoid sending people to a generic homepage if you can.
Quick tips so your QR codes actually get scanned
- Add a label: “Scan to book” (don’t make people guess)
- Use strong contrast (dark code on light background)
- Leave whitespace (“quiet zone”) around the QR code
- Test it on multiple phones before printing
- Don’t make it tiny—especially on signs
Note for designers (file formats + colors)
If you’re designing postcards, signs, or flyers, formats matter.
Our QR tool can generate: - PNG (great for quick use and most design tools) - SVG (perfect for print and scaling cleanly)
You can also create QR codes in finite colors (useful for matching brand colors while keeping scan reliability).
https://www.neighborhoodpostcards.com/tools/qr
Generate your QR code
If you want a fast QR code you can drop into a postcard, door hanger, yard sign, or business card, use our generator here:
https://www.neighborhoodpostcards.com/tools/qr