QR codes are everywhere — you’ll see them on packaging, receipts, flyers and more.

They’re a great way for marketers to generate more engagement with your audience and earn new leads!

Customers can quickly scan a QR code and get immediate access to additional content and experiences.

We’re going to explore 40 ways you can use a QR code, but first things first …

What is a QR code? How Do QR Codes Work?

A QR code is a machine-readable matrix barcode and it stands for “quick response” code.

You can use the camera app on any phone to scan a QR code.

After being scanned, the QR code will send the user to a new destination, such as a website, coupon page, social media profile, etc.

Some QR codes will send users a PDF, image, or video — or prompt a text message conversation.

A QR code can even send you directly to Facebook Messenger and prompt an entire conversation (powered by a Facebook Messenger chatbot, of course).

You can put QR codes on just about anything — here are 40 ways you can use QR codes.

40 QR Code Uses

  1. On your business card

  2. On product packaging

  3. Posted in store to receive a coupon

  4. Posted in store to invite to review

  5. At a live event conference booth

  6. During a music performance, whether onstage or on flyers

  7. On museum exhibit descriptions

  8. On a brochure

  9. On a video endscreen

  10. As a piece of jewelry

  11. On sponsor swag like cocktail napkins

  12. On a name tag

  13. On a menu

  14. On a flier

  15. On handmade item packaging or tags

  16. In print ads

  17. On a direct mailer

  18. On a book jacket

  19. On newspaper and magazine articles online

  20. On a pet’s collar

  21. On your cell phone case

  22. A sticker on your laptop

  23. On artwork as a signature

  24. On CD and DVD jackets

  25. On press passes

  26. On slides in your presentation deck download

  27. On a mousepad

  28. As your laptop screensaver

  29. As the lock screen on your phone

  30. As a tattoo #nextlevel

  31. On a T-shirt

  32. At the bottom of a receipt

  33. As a form of contest entry

  34. In your email signature

  35. As your brand’s profile pic

  36. On your author about photo/headshot

  37. On a game entry

  38. On a baseball hat

  39. As a hand stamp

  40. On a house’s “For Sale” sign

Get Started and Create Your Own QR Code

You can easily create a QR code for free with an app like QR Code Generator.

Using QR codes on your marketing materials and product packaging is a surefire way to stand out and earn more engagement.

It’s a unicorn move that will separate you from your donkey competitors.

Brainstorm how you can use QR codes in your marketing mix and make it happen!

Originally Published on Inc.com