How to Use QR Codes on Postcards

Postcards are an excellent way to engage with your customers or advertise a product, service, or event. However, adding QR codes can take postcard marketing to the next level since you can embed information that will make them more engaging, interactive, and memorable even in this digital age.

But before we explain how to use QR codes on postcards and where to link them, let’s first discuss the benefits and reasons why you may want to incorporate these scannable codes into your postcard campaign.

Why use QR codes on your postcards?

Here are a few benefits of adding QR codes on postcards:

Engaging They improve customer engagement by directing people to a landing page where they can shop, sign up for a contest, learn more about your product or service, and more.

The more engaged you are with your customers, the easier it is to retain them, upsell your products, and ultimately, enjoy higher revenue and growth opportunities.

Interactive The use of QR codes promotes better interaction between your brand and the customers, thereby improving conversion rates and revenue. Additionally, this creates a sense of urgency and excitement around your product or service, influencing your customers to take the desired action.

You can link these scannable codes to websites, social sites, forms, videos, app stores, and interactive content.

Convenient Customers can visit your website, sign up to your newsletter, or perform the desired action by simply scanning the codes using a smartphone. There’s no need for them to type in a long URL.

Remember, the easier it is for them to get the information they need or to complete a purchase with you, the better conversion rates and sales you’ll enjoy.

Fast and Easy Nowadays, people want fast and easy access to the information they need. Fortunately, adding QR codes on postcards will give them quick and easy access to data just by using their phones.

Where should my QR code link to?

The versatility and interactive nature of QR codes make them a powerful tool for your marketing efforts. Plus, they allow you to combine your offline and online advertising strategy in a trackable and seamless way.

These are the different platforms, media formats, and interactive content you can link your QR codes to.

Video or Audio File

Do you need to direct customers to an instructional video or an audio guide? Simply use a video or audio QR code that they can scan using a smartphone, taking them directly to the file they need.

Mobile-Friendly Online Store

If you’re in the retail business, you can use QR codes to drive traffic to your mobile-friendly online shop. This strategy is an excellent way to make it easy for customers to complete a purchase.

App Store

When customers scan the QR codes on custom postcards, their smartphone’s code reader automatically opens the app’s page. From there, they can see the app details and choose to download and install it if they want to.

Interactive Content

Link your QR code to any type of interactive content, from digital stickers and augmented reality filters to games, animation, and flipbooks. This way, you can boost brand awareness, gain more followers, and convert your audience into actual customers.

Social Media

By using a social media QR code, you can grow your followers and engage with them more effectively. Adding scannable codes on your custom postcards also makes it easy to track the number of scans, user location, and other metrics to evaluate the performance of your campaign.

Contest

Contest mechanics usually come in a lengthy written description that may not fit into your postcard. Fortunately, QR codes can direct customers to a landing page that allows them to understand the requirements, join your contest, or send entries. Just make sure to include a clear and specific CTA, such as “Scan to send entries,” or “Scan to register.”

Signup Landing Page

You can use QR codes as part of your lead generation strategy. This way, you can direct customers to a registration page or an email sign-up form by simply scanning the codes with their phones. With instant and seamless access, it becomes easier to motivate them to take the desired action.

Photo Gallery

Certain professionals like realtors, photographers, home stagers, and graphic designers rely heavily on visuals to sell their products or services. For this reason, they can use QR codes that will direct the postcard recipients to a stunning photo portfolio.

Coupons and Freebies

Adding QR codes on custom postcards is an excellent way to make your coupon marketing (e.g., discounts, vouchers, freebies, etc.) more effective, interactive, and personalized.

SMS Text

Use a SMS QR code that opens a new text message (as opposed to directing the customer to a URL). You can prefill your SMS with a custom message like greetings, instructions, and more.

What are the design tips when adding a QR code on a postcard?

These are the best practices if you want to incorporate QR codes into your postcard design.

Ensure QR Code’s Visibility and Accessibility

The size and placement should promote quick and easy scanning. Avoid placing it too high or too low or in the outermost corners of the postcard because it could make it difficult for people to scan the codes.

Include a CTA

Add an effective and clear CTA like “Scan to watch the design tutorial,” “Scan to learn more,” or “Scan to join the contest.” Think of your CTA as a clear instruction or explanation so the customers will know what to expect upon scanning.

Create Aesthetic Balance

Test different placements to ensure that your QR code adds to the visual appeal of the poster design as opposed to creating a distraction.

Test the QR Code Before Printing

Always test the codes with different devices to ensure that they work properly and direct to the correct URLs. You don’t want to print a large volume of postcards only to discover later on that the QR codes are not functioning correctly.

Now that you know the best design practices, check out this step-by-step guide on how to add QR codes on custom postcards.

Frequently Asked Questions About QR Codes on Postcards

Where should QR codes be placed?

Place them right next to your CTA so your customers won’t miss them. Don’t put them too high or too low or in the outermost corners of the postcard because doing so could make it difficult for people to scan the codes.

What should a QR code for postcards contain?

The data contained in a QR code may include site URLs, contact details, online forms, apps, interactive content, or even SMS text.

How big should a QR code be on a postcard?

Although there is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to the ideal size for QR codes, make sure they are at least 2 x 2 cm. Smaller than this could make it difficult for code scanners to read them.

Which QR code generator should I use for custom postcards?

The ideal QR code generator depends on where you want to direct people (e.g., form, image gallery, website, video, app store, etc.) and the features you need (e.g., customization). Fortunately, there are free generators that offer excellent features. You can check out Google Lens, Canva, QRCode Monkey, Unitag, and Adobe Express QR Code Maker, all of which are free to use.

Conclusion

Adding QR codes on your custom postcards is an effective way to engage and interact with your audience, and ultimately, encourage them to take the desired action, such as visit your online store, sign up for a contest, or purchase your product. Ready to create your custom postcards with QR codes? PrintPlace can help you print eye-catching and effective postcards made of thick and durable cardstocks available in matte and high gloss finish.