You're at a networking event, and someone asks for your website.
You start spelling out the address. They type it into their phone, miss a letter, and you both spend another minute trying to work out why the page isn't loading.
Or maybe you've printed a stack of flyers for an upcoming event, but the registration link is too long to fit neatly on the design.
There's a simpler way.
A QR code lets someone use their phone's camera to open a website, booking page, online menu or another digital destination without typing the address manually.
You've probably seen them on restaurant tables, business cards, posters and product packaging.
And creating one is easier than you might think.
Here's how to make a QR code for your business, where to use it and what to check before putting it on anything you're planning to print.
First, what is a QR code?
A QR code, short for Quick Response code, is a type of barcode that can store information such as a website address.
Instead of the familiar lines on a product barcode, it uses a pattern of small squares.
When someone scans it with a compatible smartphone camera or QR scanner, their device can read the information.
For business use, QR codes are most commonly used to direct people to a website or online resource.
For example, a customer might scan a code on a restaurant table and open the digital menu.
Someone attending a workshop might scan a code on a poster to register.
A potential client might scan the code on your business card and visit your portfolio.
The code itself doesn't replace your website or booking system.
It simply makes it easier for people to reach them.
Step 1: Decide where you want people to go
Before generating a QR code, decide what should happen when someone scans it.
This is more important than the code itself.
Think about what your customer needs at that moment.
If you're promoting a service, you might want to direct people to a dedicated service page.
If you're advertising an event, the code could open the registration form.
If you're handing out business cards, it might lead to your contact page.
Common QR code destinations include:
Business websites.
Online booking pages.
Digital menus.
Product pages.
Event registration forms.
Business portfolios.
Customer feedback forms.
Downloadable brochures.
Try to make the destination specific.
For example, if your flyer advertises a photography package, it's usually more helpful to send people directly to the relevant package or booking page than to a generic homepage where they have to search for the offer.
Your QR code should shorten the customer's journey.
It shouldn't introduce another unnecessary step.
Step 2: Choose between a static and dynamic QR code
Before creating your code, there's one distinction worth understanding.
Static QR codes
A static QR code stores fixed information, such as a website address.
Once it's created, the information encoded in the code cannot be edited.
For example, imagine you create a QR code that points to:
www.yourbusiness.com/contact
If you later move that contact page to a completely different address, the original QR code will still contain the old URL.
You may need to generate and distribute a new code unless you've set up a suitable redirect on your website.
Static QR codes are useful when the destination is unlikely to change.
They're also simple to create, and several free tools support them.
Dynamic QR codes
Dynamic QR codes use a managed destination that can be updated after the code has been created.
For example, you might print a code on a brochure and later change which webpage it directs people to without reprinting the brochure.
Some dynamic QR code services also provide scan analytics.
However, those features may require a paid plan.
Dynamic codes also depend on the service managing the redirect. Before printing one widely, check the provider's terms, ongoing costs and what happens if your subscription ends.
Which should you use?
If you're creating a simple code for your website, a static QR code may be all you need.
If you're running campaigns where the destination may change or you need to measure scan activity, a dynamic QR code may be more appropriate.
Step 3: Make a free QR code using Google Chrome
One of the easiest ways to create a QR code for a webpage is through Google Chrome.
You don't necessarily need a separate QR code generator website.
On a computer, you can follow these steps:
Open Google Chrome.
Visit the webpage you want people to access.
Select the three-dot menu.
Choose Cast, save, and share.
Select Create QR code.
Review the code and choose Download.
Chrome generates a QR code linked to the page you're viewing.
You can then use the downloaded image in a suitable design or document.
It's a straightforward method for sharing a webpage that already exists.
Before using the code publicly, scan it with another device to confirm it opens the correct page.
Don't skip that test simply because the code was generated automatically.
Step 4: Make a QR code in Canva
If you're creating a flyer, business card or poster in Canva, you can also generate a QR code within your design.
This can be convenient because you don't need to create the code separately and then import it.
Here's the general process.
Open your design in Canva.
Go to Apps or Elements.
Search for QR code.
Choose a suitable static or dynamic QR code option.
Enter the complete destination URL.
Generate the code.
Place it in your design.
Download the finished artwork.
Canva's built-in static QR code tool is free to use.
Dynamic QR codes and certain advanced customisation or analytics features may have different subscription requirements.
If you're creating a printed flyer, leave enough space around the code so it can be scanned easily.
Don't squeeze it into a tiny corner simply because you've run out of room.
Step 5: Make your QR code easy to scan
A QR code can look perfectly fine on your computer and still be difficult to scan once printed.
Size, contrast and spacing all matter.
Use enough contrast
A dark QR code on a light, solid background is generally a reliable choice.
Avoid placing it over a busy photograph.
Also be careful with combinations of colours that don't provide enough contrast.
A pale grey code on a white background may fit your design style, but it may not scan consistently.
Leave space around it
A QR code needs a clear margin around its edges, sometimes called a quiet zone.
Don't place text, graphics or decorative shapes directly against the code.
This space helps scanners identify the pattern.
Don't make it too small
For printed materials, a code measuring around 2 × 2 centimetres is a commonly recommended minimum starting point.
But that's not a guarantee that every code will scan in every situation.
The required size depends on factors such as scanning distance, print quality, encoded information and the surface where the code appears.
A code on a large poster viewed from several feet away may need to be much larger than one on a business card.
Be careful with customisation
Some generators allow you to change the colours, shape or appearance of your QR code.
You may even be able to add a logo.
But don't assume every decorative change is harmless.
A heavily customised code may become difficult to read.
If you add branding, test the result carefully across different devices.
Readability matters more than making the code look elaborate.
Step 6: Tell people what they'll get when they scan
A QR code by itself doesn't always give customers a reason to use it.
Imagine seeing a random code at the bottom of a poster.
Would you scan it if you had no idea where it would lead?
Probably not.
Give people a clear instruction.
For example:
Scan to Book Your Appointment
Scan to View Our Menu
Scan to Register
Scan to Explore Our Services
Scan to Leave Feedback
The wording should accurately describe the destination.
If the code opens a registration page, don't label it "Download Your Free Guide".
And avoid using a QR code when a simple clickable link would be more useful.
For example, if you're sending customers an email or posting on social media, they may already be using the same phone they'd need to scan the code.
A normal link is often easier.
QR codes are especially useful when you're connecting something physical, such as a poster or business card, to an online destination.
Step 7: Test your QR code before printing
This may be the most important step in the entire process.
Before using a QR code on your promotional materials, scan it.
Then ask someone else to scan it.
Check that:
The code scans without difficulty.
The correct website opens.
The destination page works on mobile.
The page loads properly.
The information is current.
Forms or booking buttons work.
The link doesn't lead to an unexpected sign-in page.
The QR code remains readable at its final printed size.
If you're designing a flyer, download a test version and scan the code from that file.
For printed materials, test an actual printed proof where possible.
A QR code that works beautifully on a large computer screen may not work once reduced to a small size.
And if you're printing several hundred flyers, one test could save you from an expensive mistake.
Step 8: Add the QR code to your marketing materials
Once your code is working, think about where it would actually help customers.
Business cards
A QR code can direct people to your website, booking page or contact information.
Keep your most important contact details visible as well.
You don't want customers to have no way of reaching you if they can't scan the code.
Printed flyers
If you're advertising an event, service or promotion, the code can lead directly to the relevant page.
Pair it with a short instruction so readers understand why they should scan.
Product packaging
A QR code might link to product instructions, care information or additional resources.
Make sure the page is available and likely to remain accessible.
Physical business locations
Restaurants, studios and other customer-facing businesses may use codes for menus, appointment information or feedback forms.
Place the code somewhere customers can reach and scan comfortably.
Promotional displays
For exhibitions, conferences and networking events, QR codes can help people access more information without collecting a large amount of printed material.
Just remember that some customers will prefer a normal website address.
Give them options where practical.
Can you track how many people scan your QR code?
Sometimes.
Dynamic QR code platforms may offer analytics showing how often a code is scanned.
The exact information available depends on the provider and subscription.
A basic static QR code doesn't contain a built-in scan counter.
However, you may still be able to measure visits to the destination using appropriate website analytics or campaign tracking links.
Be careful about what those numbers actually mean.
A QR code scan doesn't necessarily mean someone booked an appointment or purchased a product.
And website visits from a campaign link are not always the same as unique QR scans.
If you're tracking marketing results, look at what happens after the customer reaches your website.
Did they submit a form?
Did they book?
Did they make a purchase?
Those actions are often more meaningful than scan counts alone.
A quick word about QR code safety
QR codes are convenient, but customers should still be careful about the links they open.
Scammers sometimes place fraudulent QR codes over legitimate ones in public places.
A fake code may direct someone to a website designed to collect personal or financial information.
As a business owner, you can help build trust by placing codes on your own verified materials and directing customers to recognisable website addresses.
If codes are displayed in public areas, check periodically that they haven't been covered or replaced.
Customers should also be encouraged to review unfamiliar links before opening them.
A QR code is simply another way of sharing information.
It should be treated with the same caution as any other link.
Common QR code mistakes to avoid
Linking to the wrong page. Always double-check the destination.
Making the code too small. Test it at the actual size customers will see.
Using poor colour contrast. Choose a clear design that scans reliably.
Forgetting to explain the purpose. Tell customers what they'll get when they scan.
Using a QR code where a link would work better. Make the customer's experience easier, not more complicated.
Relying on an untested third-party service. Understand any restrictions, charges or expiry rules.
Changing your website without checking existing codes. Remember that a static code still contains its original destination.
Where FirstGen can help
At FirstGen Pro VAs, we help small businesses connect the different parts of their digital presence.
That includes websites, contact forms, booking systems, marketing content and practical business workflows.
A QR code can be useful, but it works best when the destination is ready for customers.
If someone scans your code to request a quotation, they should find a clear, easy-to-use enquiry process.
If they're trying to book a consultation, the booking page should work properly.
If they're visiting your website, they should be able to understand what you offer.
We can help you build and organise those digital experiences so your marketing directs people somewhere useful.
Explore our Website Design & Development or Business Systems & Setup services, or book a free consultation to discuss your business.
And if you've never created a QR code before, try something simple.
Choose one page on your website, generate a code and test it with your phone.
You'll see how straightforward the process can be.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a QR code for free?
Yes. Free tools such as Google Chrome and Canva can generate static QR codes for website links. Dynamic QR codes and tracking features may have different pricing or plan restrictions.
Do QR codes expire?
A standard static QR code doesn't expire by itself, but it may stop being useful if the destination page is removed or the website becomes unavailable. Dynamic QR codes can depend on the provider's settings, service and subscription.
Can I change the link after creating a QR code?
Not directly with a static QR code, because its destination is encoded in the image. Dynamic QR code services can allow you to change the destination without changing the printed code.
Can I put a QR code on my business card?
Yes. Just make sure it's large enough to scan, has sufficient contrast and leads to a useful page such as your website or booking form.
Can I see how many people scanned my QR code?
Some dynamic QR code platforms provide scan analytics. Static QR codes don't track scans on their own, although website analytics and campaign links can help measure related traffic.
What's the best QR code generator for a small business?
For simple website links, Google Chrome and Canva are practical options. For editable links, advanced branding or scan analytics, compare reputable dynamic QR code services and their pricing terms.
