Practical ways to use QR codes in your business

Updated 2026-10-16 · 3 min read

QR codes turn any printed surface into a shortcut to your business: a menu, a chat, a payment or a contact card is one scan away. Here are ten proven ideas, with the Mirror QR type to use for each, plus tips to get more scans.

Restaurants and cafés

1. Digital menu — a Link code on every table opens your online menu. Update the menu page whenever prices change; the code stays the same.
2. Guest Wi-Fi — a Wi-Fi code on the counter or table tents lets customers connect without asking for the password.
3. Reviews — a Link to your review page on the receipt, with a short call to action.

Shops and product packaging

1. Orders and support on WhatsApp — a WhatsApp code on packaging, bags and flyers opens a chat with a ready message such as "I'd like to reorder".
2. Product information — a Link to instructions, a video, ingredients or a warranty page.

Tip: write what the scan does next to the code — "Scan to chat with us" gets far more scans than a code on its own.

Offices and professionals

1. Business cards — a vCard code on the back of your card saves your name, company, phone, email and website in one scan.
2. Meetings — a Zoom code on invitations and slides, or an Event code that adds the meeting to the calendar.

Events, hotels and rentals

1. Event posters and tickets — an Event code saves the date, time and place; a Location code gives directions to the venue.
2. Hotel rooms and holiday rentals — a Wi-Fi code in the room, and a Link to the house guide or check-out instructions.

Payments, tips and donations

1. PayPal or Bitcoin — a PayPal code with a fixed amount on invoices, market stalls and tip jars, or a Bitcoin code for crypto payments and donations.

Double-check the payment details on the final file before printing it.

Tips to get more scans

• Add a clear call to action next to the code: "Scan for the menu", "Scan to join Wi-Fi".
• Brand it with your colours and logo so people recognise it — but keep it dark on light.
• Place it at eye level and within reach, where people naturally pause: tables, counters, doors, packaging.
• Size it for the distance — one tenth of the scanning distance is a reliable rule.
• Use a link you control. Static codes can't be edited, so pointing them at a page on your own site lets you change the destination later without reprinting.
• Measure with UTM parameters on your links if you want to know how many visits come from print.

Need codes for a whole menu range, packaging line or signage project? The Mirror ORG team can help you roll out branded QR codes at scale — use the Talk to us button on the generator.

Frequently asked questions