QR codes are everywhere: on menus, receipts, posters and shop counters. For a small business, they’re a free and easy way to send customers to your menu, reviews, WhatsApp or website with one scan. Here’s how to make them and use them well.
Quick answer
- Copy the link you want people to open (menu, review page, WhatsApp link…).
- Paste it into a QR code generator, such as Canva’s QR code app or your browser’s share menu.
- Download the code as a high-quality PNG or SVG.
- Add it to your design with a short call to action like “Scan to see our menu.”
- Test it with two different phones before printing.
Static vs dynamic QR codes
| Static | Dynamic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Usually a paid subscription |
| Change the link later? | No. Reprint if the link changes. | Yes, without reprinting |
| Scan statistics | No | Yes |
| Expires? | Never | Can stop working if you cancel the subscription |
Tip: for most small businesses, a static code pointing to a page you control (like a page on your website) works best. You can update the page any time without changing the code.
Watch out: some “free” generators create dynamic codes that stop working after a trial. Read the terms, or use a generator that clearly says the code is static and never expires.
Free ways to create a QR code
- Canva: search for the QR code app in the editor, paste your link, and the code is added to your design. See Canva for business.
- Google Chrome: open the page, click the share or address-bar menu and choose Create QR code.
- Microsoft Edge: right-click the page and choose Create QR code for this page.
- WhatsApp Business: has its own QR code that opens a chat with you.
8 smart ways to use QR codes
- Digital menu or price list. Update prices online without reprinting.
- Google reviews. Link to your review page from your Google Business Profile. Put it on receipts and counters.
- WhatsApp chat. Customers scan to message you directly. See our WhatsApp Business guide.
- Wi-Fi access. Create a Wi-Fi QR code (network name + password) for your guest network, so nobody needs to spell the password.
- Digital business card. Link to a contact card (vCard) or your LinkedIn profile.
- Product information. Instructions, videos, warranty or ingredients on packaging.
- Payments. Many banks and payment apps generate a QR code for receiving payments. Use the official one from your bank.
- Feedback and sign-ups. Link to a short survey, booking page or event registration.
Design tips
- Size: at least about 2 × 2 cm for close scanning, and bigger on posters that people read from a distance.
- Contrast: dark code on a light background. Avoid light-on-dark and busy backgrounds.
- Quiet zone: leave white space around the code.
- Call to action: always say what happens: “Scan for the menu,” “Scan to review us.”
- Short links work better: long links make denser codes that are harder to scan.
Security: keep customers safe
- Check your printed QR codes regularly. Scammers sometimes stick fake codes over real ones (“quishing”).
- Link only to secure pages (https://).
- Never ask customers to enter passwords or card details on a page opened from a QR code unless it’s your official, secure payment page.
Quick summary
- Static codes are free and never expire. Point them to a page you control.
- Create them with Canva, Chrome, Edge or WhatsApp Business.
- Use them for menus, reviews, WhatsApp, Wi-Fi and payments.
- Test before printing, and add a clear call to action.
FAQ
Do QR codes expire?
Static codes don’t. Dynamic codes can stop working if the provider’s subscription ends.
Can I put my logo in the middle?
Yes, many generators allow it, but keep it small and test the code carefully.