Guide · Updated October 2026

How to Use a QR Code to Send People to My Website

How to create and use a QR code that sends customers to your website: where to put it, which page to link to, design and size tips, tracking, and mistakes to avoid.

How to Use a QR Code to Send People to My Website

Short answer: Create a QR code that links to a specific, mobile-friendly page on your site, print it large enough with good contrast, and put a short line next to it saying what people get by scanning. Use a static code for a permanent link, or a trusted dynamic code if you want to change the destination later.

Where QR codes work well

  • Shop windows and counters: 'Scan to book' or 'See our full menu'
  • Business cards: link to your contact or about page
  • Flyers and posters: link to the offer mentioned on the flyer
  • Vans: best when parked, as people will not scan a moving vehicle
  • Invoices and receipts: 'Leave us a review' or 'Book your next service'
  • Product packaging: care instructions or reorder pages
  • Restaurant tables: menus and ordering

Step 1: Choose the right page

Do not just link to your homepage. Send people to the page that matches the context. A flyer about a spring offer should open the spring offer page. A receipt should open your review link. Make sure that page loads fast and reads well on a phone, because every scan comes from a phone.

Step 2: Static or dynamic code?

Static QR codes

The web address is built into the pattern. They are free, never expire and do not depend on any company. The downside: you cannot change the destination once printed.

Dynamic QR codes

The code points to a short link run by a QR service, which then redirects to your page. You can change the destination and see scan counts. The downside: if the service closes or you stop paying, the code may stop working. Check the terms carefully before printing thousands of flyers.

A good compromise: use a static code that points to a page on your own domain, such as yourbusiness.com/offer, then change what that page shows whenever you like.

Make sure the page behind your QR code is fast and clear.

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Step 3: Design it so it scans

  1. Size: make it big enough for the distance people will scan from. Larger for posters, smaller is fine for cards.
  2. Contrast: dark code on a light background works best.
  3. Quiet zone: leave clear space around the edges.
  4. Short URLs: shorter addresses make simpler codes that scan more reliably.
  5. Test before printing: scan it with a couple of different phones, in different light.

Step 4: Tell people why to scan

A QR code on its own is easy to ignore. Add a clear reason: 'Scan for 10 percent off your first visit', 'Scan to see prices', 'Scan to book in 30 seconds'.

Step 5: Track results

Add a UTM tag to the link, for example ?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=qr, so your analytics shows exactly how many visits came from each printed item.

Safety and trust

Some people are cautious about scanning codes because of scams. Using your own domain in the link, and printing your web address next to the code, reassures them.

The bottom line

QR codes are a cheap bridge from print to your website. Link to a specific, fast page, design the code to scan easily, explain the benefit and track the results. If you need a mobile-first site to send people to, see our plans.

Frequently asked questions

Are QR codes free to create?

Static QR codes are free from many generators. Dynamic codes with tracking usually need a paid service.

Do QR codes expire?

Static codes do not. Dynamic codes can stop working if the service ends or your subscription lapses.

Which page should my QR code link to?

A specific, mobile-friendly page that matches where the code appears, not just your homepage.

How do I track QR code scans?

Add UTM tags to the link and check visits in your analytics, or use a dynamic QR service with scan counts.

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