QR Codes for coupons and discounts: best practices that actually convert

A QR code can make a discount feel instant.

Scan, claim, buy.

But most QR coupon campaigns underperform for boring reasons:

the landing page is slow
the offer is unclear
the code is too small to scan from the distance people see it
the link breaks after printing
tracking is missing, so you cannot improve the next run

This guide focuses on conversion, not novelty.

TL;DR

Use a dynamic QR code so you can fix mistakes and update offers without reprinting.
Send scans to a dedicated offer page, not your homepage.
Add UTMs so you can measure which placements drive revenue.
Make redemption simple: one screen, one button, no surprises.
Design for scanning distance: size, contrast, and quiet zone matter.

Step 1: decide what the scan should do

A coupon QR code should lead to one of these outcomes:

Reveal a code ("SAVE10")
Auto apply a discount via a link parameter
Add a product to cart with the offer applied
Collect email for a delayed discount (use carefully)

Pick one primary action.

If you stack multiple actions, conversion drops.

Step 2: use a dynamic QR code (so the campaign is not fragile)

Static QR codes are brittle.

If the URL changes, or if you want to swap the offer, you must reprint.

A dynamic QR code lets you update the destination URL later.

This is the most important best practice for printed coupons.

Related reading: /blog/dynamic-qr-code and /blog/dynamic-vs-static-qr

Step 3: build a dedicated offer landing page

Do not send scans to your homepage.

Homepages are for exploration. Coupon scans are for completion.

A high converting offer page has:

a clear headline ("10% off your first order")
the redemption mechanism (auto applied, or visible code)
one primary CTA ("Shop now")
trust signals (shipping, returns, reviews)
no extra navigation on mobile

Speed matters.

Related reading: /blog/landing-page-speed-for-scans

Step 4: add tracking so you can improve

If you cannot measure, you cannot scale.

At minimum, add UTMs to the destination:

utm_source=qr
utm_medium=print
utm_campaign=spring_poster
utm_content=window_01

Related reading: /blog/utm-tags-for-qr-codes

If you use dynamic QR codes, you can also measure scans inside your QR platform.

Related reading: /blog/qr-code-analytics

Step 5: make redemption frictionless

The fastest path usually wins.

If possible, use a link that auto applies the discount.

If you must use a code:

keep it short
show it immediately
add a copy button

Avoid forcing account creation before the offer is visible.

Step 6: design the print for scanning distance

A coupon can be perfect, but if the QR code is hard to scan, nothing happens.

Use these rules:

larger code for larger distance
high contrast between code and background
keep a quiet zone around the code

Step 7: plan for expiry and offer updates

Coupons have an expiration problem.

If you print "valid until" on paper, it will be shared after expiry.

A dynamic QR code gives you a safe fallback:

after expiry, redirect to a new offer or a waitlist
run seasonal offers without wasting print inventory

Related reading: /blog/qr-redirects-best-practices

Step 8: segment by placement

You will learn more if each placement has its own QR code.

Examples:

window poster
flyer
receipt
packaging insert

Then you can compare scan rates and conversion by placement.

Related reading: /blog/qr-code-analytics

Example: a simple campaign setup

4 placements, 4 dynamic QR codes
each code goes to the same offer page with different UTMs
one analytics view that shows scans by placement
weekly iteration: swap headline and offer details

This is how you turn a one off coupon into a channel.

Checklist: QR coupon campaign that converts

Dedicated offer page, fast on mobile
Dynamic QR code so links can be updated
UTMs for placement tracking
One clear action on the page
Easy redemption (auto apply or short code)
Correct print design (size, contrast, quiet zone)

CTA: launch your coupon QR codes in minutes

QRShuffle makes it easy to create dynamic QR codes, update destinations without reprinting, and track scans by placement.

Start here:

https://qrshuffle.com

QR Codes for Coupons and Discounts: Best Practices That Actually Convert