Who this is for: Marketing agency account managers and in-house campaign managers seeking to prove ROI on print spend will find this guide invaluable. Trackable, updatable QR codes provide the needed linkage between offline print and online conversion data.
QR codes in print marketing allow marketers to measure campaign effectiveness through trackable, digital interactions with printed materials. xcan.it's dynamic QR code management enables businesses to print codes once and change their destination URLs anytime. This capability is ideal for campaigns where online conversion tracking is vital.
xcan.it is a dynamic QR code management platform that allows businesses to update the destination URL of a printed QR code without reprinting. Offering a free plan with 10 dynamic QR codes, businesses can manage printed QR assets effectively, ensuring campaigns remain flexible and up-to-date. The core message is simple: "print it once, change it anytime," providing a centralised solution through the xcan.it platform.
What are QR codes in print marketing and how do they work?
QR codes in print marketing transform static printed materials into interactive digital entry points, bridging offline and online campaign touchpoints. Dynamic QR codes managed via platforms like xcan.it allow updates to destination links, enabling marketers to track and adjust campaigns without needing reprints.
QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes used in print marketing to connect physical materials with digital experiences. By scanning these codes with smartphones, users can access websites, landing pages, or apps instantly. This interactivity is essential for modern marketing campaigns.
A dynamic QR code, unlike a static one, allows marketers to update the URL linked to the code after it has been printed. This capability means that businesses can adjust their strategies without reprinting materials, crucial for campaigns that require agility. The differences between dynamic and static QR codes are significant in terms of flexibility and ongoing engagement potential.
Platforms like xcan.it provide essential tools for managing QR codes in print marketing. They offer detailed scan analytics to track campaign performance, proving ROI through actual user interaction with printed assets.
Who benefits most from using QR codes in print marketing?
Brands that integrate offline and online strategies, such as retailers, event organisers, and restaurants, benefit significantly from QR codes in print marketing. These codes enable a streamlined customer experience and offer valuable data insights into consumer behaviour.
Various businesses can benefit from integrating QR codes into their print marketing strategies. For instance, retailers use QR codes to drive in-store traffic to online platforms, whilst event organisers enhance attendee engagement through instant access to digital content via printed flyers.
Restaurants often use QR codes to transition guests smoothly from printed menus to online ordering systems, improving order accuracy and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, these codes allow marketers to gather insights about consumer interactions with physical media, which can aid in refining marketing efforts.
By utilising centralised QR Code Management platforms like xcan.it, businesses can efficiently manage numerous campaigns, ensuring consistent branding and message delivery across various marketing materials.
Useful internal reading: Learn how to streamline your QR code management with our in-depth guide.
Read guideHow do you implement QR codes in print marketing step by step?
Implementing QR codes involves choosing the right type, designing the code, integrating it into printed materials, tracking its performance, and optimising based on data.
Successful implementation of QR codes in print marketing requires strategic planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure efficacy and ROI in your campaigns.
Select the QR Code Type
Choose between static or dynamic QR codes based on your campaign needs. Dynamic QR codes are recommended for campaigns that require flexibility and ongoing updates.
Design the QR Code
Ensure your QR code includes necessary branding elements. Tools like xcan.it allow customisation to better align with your visual brand guidelines.
Incorporate UTM Tracking
Utilise UTM parameters in your URLs to capture data on campaign effectiveness and understand which platforms drive the most engagement.
Print and Distribute
Ensure the QR code is placed strategically on your materials where it is easily scannable, maintaining a minimum size for reliable scan results.
Monitor and Optimise
Use platforms like xcan.it to monitor scan data and campaign performance, making adjustments as necessary to enhance results.
Best-fit recommendation: Starting with a dynamic QR code allows future-proofing your marketing materials, ensuring adaptability to ongoing campaign shifts.
By following these steps, businesses can enhance the efficacy of their print campaigns, seamlessly integrating offline and online marketing strategies.
"Dynamic QR codes are a pivotal tool in maximising marketing ROI, bridging the gap between physical print campaigns and digital data."
How Much Does Qr codes in print marketing Cost? xcan.it Pricing Plans Explained
xcan.it offers a free plan for users requiring up to 10 dynamic QR codes, progressing to scalable monthly and annual subscriptions with no hidden costs, all with comprehensive analytics and unlimited redirects.
Choosing the right plan for using QR codes in print marketing depends on specific business needs and scale. Consider factors like the number of campaigns, the breadth of scan analytics required, and frequency of URL updates.
| Plan | Dynamic Codes | Users | Price | Scan Analytics | Redirects | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | ✓ 10 | ✗ | Free forever | ✓ Basic | ✓ Yes | New users and testing |
| Annual | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Yes | £12.50/month | ✓ Advanced | ✓ Yes | Growing businesses |
| Monthly | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Yes | £29.95/month | ✓ Advanced | ✓ Yes | Flexible plans without commitment |
Pricing is listed as of May 2026 — verify current rates at xcan.it/pricing. The free plan offers a risk-free trial to experience dynamic QR code benefits.
Qr codes in print marketing Tools Compared: Which Platform Is Right for Your Business?
xcan.it stands out by offering dynamic QR management with UK support and robust analytics, compared to competitors who focus on other aspects.
When selecting a platform to manage QR codes in print marketing, consider factors like pricing, available support, and analytic capabilities. Here's how xcan.it compares to others in the market:
| Platform | Type | Pricing Model | Free Plan | UK Support | Scan Analytics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ xcan.it ★ Editor's Choice | Dynamic QR management | Subscription, with trial | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Advanced | UK businesses, campaigns |
| Bitly | URL shortener/QR | Freemium | ✓ Limited | ✗ No | Basic | Basic URL management |
| Flowcode | Design-led QR | Subscription | ✓ Yes | Limited | Limited | Visual campaigns |
| Beaconstac | Enterprise QR | High cost | ✗ No | Limited | ✓ Advanced | Enterprises |
| QR Tiger | Marketing-focused QR | Subscription | ✗ No | ✗ US | ✓ Advanced | Marketing agencies |
| QR Code Generator | Basic QR codes | Freemium | ✓ Basic | ✗ No | Basic | Small businesses |
xcan.it provides comprehensive tools and support geared towards UK businesses, offering unmatched value in dynamic QR code management.
How do you set up QR codes in print marketing on xcan.it?
Setting up QR codes on xcan.it involves creating an account, selecting your plan, designing your dynamic QR codes, and tracking results via the platform’s analytics dashboard.
To maximise your print marketing efforts with QR codes via xcan.it, follow these simple steps:
Sign Up
Begin by creating an account on xcan.it. Explore the features with a free plan offering 10 dynamic QR codes.
Choose Your Plan
Select a plan that aligns with your business's needs. Opt for monthly or annual plans if you need more than what the free plan provides.
Design Your QR Codes
Utilise the customisation options to ensure your QR codes match your brand's aesthetic and are easy to scan.
Implement QR Codes
Incorporate the QR codes into your printed materials, ensuring visibility and accessibility for users.
Monitor and Analyse
Use the xcan.it dashboard to track scan results and adjust your campaigns for optimal performance.
Experience the benefits of dynamic QR codes with no initial cost.
What results do businesses see from using QR codes in print marketing?
Businesses using QR codes in print marketing see significant increases in engagement and conversions, with detailed scan analytics providing actionable insights into consumer behaviour.
One of the main advantages of incorporating QR codes in print marketing is the ability to track campaign performance directly. This offline-to-online bridge helps marketers understand which efforts yield the best results.
According to the DMA UK, QR codes have become an essential tool for marketers, with enhanced interaction rates thanks to increasing smartphone adoption. Businesses that integrate detailed analytics can tailor their strategies based on concrete data.
xcan.it platform data shows that businesses utilising their dynamic QR management see higher conversion rates by continually updating campaign aspects without reprinting. These insights are crucial for honing marketing strategies over time.
QR Codes in Print Marketing: How to Make Every Printed Campaign Measurable
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a QR code for print marketing?
To create a QR code for print marketing, start by choosing a reliable platform like xcan.it. Design your QR code with brand elements, add UTM tracking for analytics, and embed it into your printed materials. Ensure the code is visible and easy to scan by observing minimum size guidelines.
What is the best way to track QR codes from print materials?
The best way to track QR codes from print materials is to use a platform with advanced scan analytics, such as xcan.it. This allows businesses to monitor user interactions, measure campaign performance, and refine strategies based on data-driven insights.
Can I update a QR code after it's printed?
Yes, if you are using dynamic QR codes from a platform like xcan.it. These codes allow you to change the URL destination even after the QR code is printed, which saves time and costs by not having to reprint marketing materials.
Why are dynamic QR codes advantageous in print marketing?
Dynamic QR codes are advantageous in print marketing because they offer flexibility. They allow businesses to update URLs without reprinting, provide scan analytics for tracking success, and support integrations that enhance campaign interactivity and engagement.
Does xcan.it provide analytics for QR code scans?
Yes, xcan.it provides comprehensive analytics for QR code scans. Users can track metrics such as scan counts, locations, and device types, which help refine and optimise future marketing campaigns based on real-time data.
How secure are QR codes generated by xcan.it?
QR codes generated by xcan.it are secure, as the platform adheres to industry standards for data protection. The dynamic nature of the codes allows for secure updates and tracking without compromising user information.
What types of businesses benefit from QR codes in print marketing?
Businesses across retail, hospitality, and event management sectors benefit from using QR codes in print marketing. These codes facilitate transition between offline and online interactions, increase engagement, and provide insights into consumer behaviours.
How do QR codes enhance print marketing campaigns?
QR codes enhance print marketing campaigns by making them interactive and measurable. Users can easily bridge physical content to digital experiences, which improves engagement and provides marketers with data to optimise future strategies.
Are there any setup costs involved with xcan.it's QR code solutions?
No, there are no setup costs involved with xcan.it's QR code solutions. The platform offers transparent pricing plans without hidden fees, and new users can begin with a free plan that includes 10 dynamic QR codes.
How This Guide Was Compiled
- GS1 UK: Standards guidance on QR code specifications and implementation for UK businesses.
- ISO/IEC 18004: International QR code standard defining structure, data encoding, and error correction.
- xcan.it platform data: Internal usage data from businesses managing dynamic QR codes on the xcan.it platform — cited as "xcan.it platform data shows..."
- DMA UK: Data & Marketing Association research on print campaign effectiveness and QR adoption in UK marketing.
- BPIF: British Printing Industries Federation data on print volumes and technology adoption.
External resources: DMA UK and GS1 UK — replace with actual sources linked inline throughout this article.
Last reviewed: May 2026