QR Codes Are Everywhere: 5 Creative Ways to Use Them for Your Business.

Table of Contents

• Why QR Codes Are Making a Comeback
• 5 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Business
• QR Code Best Practices – How to Stand Out
• Checklist: Using QR Codes Effectively in Your Business
• InProfile: Bringing the Smartest QR Code to Local Businesses
• Key Takeaways

Why QR Codes Are Making a Comeback

In just the last few years, QR codes have re-emerged as a powerful tool for small business marketing. Once considered a tech gimmick, today they’re everywhere—from restaurant menus and retail receipts to doctor’s offices and salon mirrors. And for good reason.

According to Statista, the number of QR code scans increased by 443% , driven largely by mobile-first users and pandemic-era contactless demands. The trend isn’t slowing down: 86.2 million smartphone users in the U.S. are expected to scan QR codes in 2025.

But here’s the exciting part: QR codes are no longer just for menus or payments. If used creatively, they can drive reviews, boost customer engagement, and increase local visibility.

5 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Business

1. Turn Customers into Reviewers Instantly

Let’s face it—getting Google reviews is tough. People forget, or it’s too time-consuming. But what if you could give them a one-click way to post a review on the spot?

This is where tools like InProfile make a big difference. With AI-generated QR codes that link directly to your Google review page (and even provide a pre-written review!), you make sharing feedback effortless.

Example: A hair salon hands out thank-you cards with a QR code. Customers scan it, and in seconds, their positive experience turns into a public review.

2. Enhance Product Packaging

Do you sell candles, baked goods, or skincare? Add a QR code to your packaging that:

• Shows a tutorial or product usage video
• Offers a discount on the next purchase
• Leads to your social media or online store

Example: A local coffee roastery includes a QR code on its bags. When scanned, it pops up a video on brewing techniques and links to their coffee subscription page.

3. Create a Touch-Free Menu or Service List

Restaurants, salons, spas, or medical clinics—if you hand out paper service lists, you may want to consider going digital.

• Reduce printing costs
• Easily update pricing or services
• Deliver a more modern experience

Example: A chiropractor places a QR code at the receptionist’s desk. Scanning it opens a page with services, pricing, and appointment booking options.

4. Collect Leads at Events or In-Store

Heading to a local market or trade fair? Put a promotional QR code on your booth or product display to send visitors to a signup form or freebie offer.

• Capture email lists instantly
• Drive traffic to your profile or offer page

Example: A boutique retail store runs an in-store raffle. Visitors scan the QR code to enter using their email — and opt into future updates or coupons.

5. Digitize Your Business Card

Networking is more digital than ever. Replace or supplement paper cards with a QR code that:

• Opens your digital profile or website
• Downloads your contact card (vCard)
• Connects directly to your LinkedIn or Instagram

Example: A personal trainer hands out a minimalist card with a QR code that leads to a digital portfolio, testimonials, and an online booking form.

QR Code Best Practices – How to Stand Out

Just slapping a QR code on something isn’t enough. Here are a few tips to get the most impact:

• Give people context. Tell them what will happen if they scan.
• Use a clear call to action, like “Leave a Quick Review” or “Scan for Discount.”
• Customize your code with your brand colors or logo to increase trust.
• Ensure mobile-friendliness: All destination pages should be optimized for phones.

Pro Tip: Make sure your QR code tracking is enabled so you can monitor how many people scan and where they are coming from!

Checklist: Using QR Codes Effectively in Your Business

InProfile: Bringing the Smartest QR Code to Local Businesses

If you’re wondering how to make QR codes work smarter for reviews, search visibility, and customer trust—InProfile is one brilliant option.

InProfile instantly generates a branded QR code for your Google reviews. When scanned, it shows a custom thank-you message, a draft review, and sends the customer straight to your Google page—making it nearly effortless for them to post.

Plus, you get a free SEO-optimized mini digital profile that includes:

• Your services, contact info, and maps
• Photos, links, and call-to-action buttons
• A professional look to boost credibility with new visitors

“We added our InProfile QR to the front counter. We went from 8 to 63 Google reviews in just three weeks!” — Local Spa Owner

Key Takeaways

• QR Codes are booming—and customers now expect them.
• Use them creatively: product packaging, business cards, events, and review generation.
• Keep it customer-centered: quick access, mobile design, and instant value.
• Tools like InProfile simplify review collection and enhance trust, especially on Google.