Why You Should Avoid Using QR Codes on Websites and Digital Flyers

QR codes are often misunderstood, and in the context of websites, digital flyers, and social media posts, they simply don’t make sense.

Here's why you should rethink using them:

The purpose of a QR code is to bridge the gap between offline and online experiences. For example, when you see a QR code on a flyer, mailer, menu, TV commercial, or presentation, you can quickly scan it with your phone and be instantly directed to a specific webpage. It’s a seamless way to connect the physical world to the digital.

If someone is already on your website, reading a blog post, browsing a Facebook event, or in a text chain, they’re already on a digital device—there’s no need for a QR code. They’re online, viewing the content directly.

And let’s be real: how is someone supposed to scan a QR code when they’re already using the device that would scan it?

Adding QR codes to digital flyers, emails, social posts, or web pages just creates unnecessary clutter and confusion. Instead, keep your call-to-action clear and focused. Encourage them to RSVP, book, or explore via a simple clickable link (without the distraction of a QR code they don’t need)

Thank you for coming to my TED talk :)

To sum up: QR codes are great for offline-to-online connections, but they don’t belong on digital pages or digital graphics. Before you create any marketing flyers, graphics, social media, blog posts, etc. it’s best to remove any QR codes and instead make sure all the clickable links provided on the digital page offer a more seamless interaction. Keep it simple. Your audience will thank you for it.

Image: Chester Arnold Study for sub specie aeternitatis, 2014