Printed flyers still work. QR codes make them work harder.
That little square connects your physical marketing to digital experiences: menus, booking pages, social media, videos, & more. Rochester businesses are using this bridge to track results & drive real action.
Here's how to do it right in 2026.
Why QR Codes Matter for Rochester Print Marketing
Print isn't dead. Local businesses are going back to basics because flyers get noticed. But standalone print has limitations:
- No way to track engagement
- Static information that can't be updated
- No direct path to digital conversion
QR codes solve all three problems.
A customer scans your flyer at a Rochester coffee shop. Instantly they're on your booking page, viewing your menu, or following your Instagram. You know exactly how many people engaged. That's measurable ROI from print.
Step 1: Choose the Right QR Code Type
Different goals require different QR code types:
URL codes – Link to websites, landing pages, product pages
Event codes – Direct to event registration or details
PDF codes – Share menus, price sheets, catalogs
Coupon codes – Deliver exclusive promotions
Social media codes – Connect to Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
vCard codes – Share contact information instantly
Google Maps codes – Guide customers to your Rochester location
Pick based on your flyer's purpose. A restaurant promoting a "Taste of Rochester" event might use an event code. A service business might link to their online booking system.
Step 2: Generate Your QR Code
Use a QR code generator tool. Free options exist, but dynamic QR code platforms offer better features.
Static QR codes – Fixed content. Once printed, can't be changed.
Dynamic QR codes – Editable content. Update URLs, track scans, change destinations without reprinting.
For most Rochester businesses, dynamic codes are worth the investment. Prices change. Menus update. Promotions expire. Dynamic codes keep your flyers relevant longer.
Generation process:
- Select QR code type
- Enter target URL or information
- Code generates automatically
- Download in high-resolution format (PNG, SVG, or JPG)
Always export at the highest resolution available. Low-quality codes don't scan reliably.
Step 3: Design On-Brand QR Codes
Generic black-and-white squares look like afterthoughts. Custom QR codes look intentional.
Color matching – Use your brand colors. Dark foreground, light background for best contrast.
Logo integration – Add your company logo to the center. Most generators support this.
Frame addition – Include a border with "Scan Me" or custom call-to-action text.
Shape customization – Round corners, custom patterns, & unique designs are possible without affecting scannability.
Maintain contrast – The code must remain scannable. Test any design changes before printing.
At Image Printers M&P Corp., our graphic design team ensures your QR codes match your brand while remaining 100% scan-ready. We've seen too many businesses print beautiful flyers with unscannable codes. Don't waste the investment.
Step 4: QR Code Placement Best Practices
Where you put the code matters as much as how it looks.
Size requirements:
- Minimum: 2 x 2 cm (approximately 0.8 x 0.8 inches)
- Recommended: 1 x 1 inch or larger for flyers
- Larger for posters, banners, & outdoor signage
Position guidelines:
- Lower right corner is standard & expected
- Don't place in folds or creases
- Leave white space (quiet zone) around the code
- Avoid busy backgrounds behind the code
- Keep away from edges that might get trimmed
Clear call-to-action:
Never assume people know what to do. Add text near your QR code:
- "Scan for menu"
- "Book your appointment"
- "Get 15% off"
- "Watch the video"
- "Follow us on Instagram"
Specific CTAs outperform generic "Scan Me" text every time.
Step 5: Test Before You Print
This step saves money & frustration.
Test checklist:
- Scan with multiple phone cameras (iPhone, Android)
- Scan with dedicated QR scanning apps
- Test at actual print size
- Verify the destination link works
- Check mobile-friendliness of landing page
- Confirm tracking is working (for dynamic codes)
Print a single proof copy. Scan it. If anything fails, fix it before the full print run. Image Printers M&P Corp. includes QR code testing in our proofing process: we catch issues before they cost you.
Step 6: Track & Measure Performance
Dynamic QR codes provide valuable data:
- Total scans
- Scan locations (city, region)
- Time & date of scans
- Device types
- Unique vs. repeat scans
Use this data to:
- Compare flyer distribution locations
- Identify peak engagement times
- Calculate cost-per-scan for different campaigns
- Optimize future print marketing
Export reports for team meetings & campaign analysis. Finally, print marketing with digital-level metrics.
Rochester Business Examples
Restaurant scenario: A Park Avenue eatery prints table tents & door flyers for their "Taste of Rochester" seasonal menu. QR code links to the full menu with photos, dietary information, & online ordering. They track 200+ scans in the first week, adjust the menu based on which items get clicked most.
Service business scenario: A Brighton home services company distributes flyers in targeted neighborhoods. QR code links directly to their booking page. They track which neighborhoods generate the most appointments, focus future distribution accordingly.
Retail scenario: A South Wedge boutique prints promotional flyers with a QR code linking to an exclusive online coupon. Tracks redemptions, builds email list from sign-ups, measures exact ROI from print campaign.
Event scenario: A Rochester nonprofit promotes their annual fundraiser. QR code links to ticket sales & donation page. Updates the destination to "Thank You" content after the event without reprinting materials still in circulation.
Common QR Code Mistakes to Avoid
Printing too small – Unscannable codes waste your entire investment
No testing – Broken links frustrate customers & kill conversions
Busy backgrounds – Patterns behind codes interfere with scanning
Low contrast – Light gray on white won't scan reliably
No call-to-action – People skip codes when they don't know the benefit
Static codes for changing content – Leads to dead links & outdated information
Mobile-unfriendly destinations – 95%+ of scans happen on phones
How Image Printers M&P Corp. Helps
We handle both sides of the equation:
High-quality flyer printing – Premium paper stocks, vibrant colors, precise cutting, & fast turnaround. Short-run options available for businesses that update frequently.
Graphic design services – Our team designs on-brand QR codes that scan perfectly. We handle placement, sizing, & testing so you don't have to worry.
Proofing process – Every QR code gets tested before full production. We catch problems early.
Local expertise – We understand Rochester businesses. We know what works for restaurants on Monroe Avenue, service companies in Henrietta, & retailers downtown.
Your flyers should drive results, not just look good. QR codes are the connection point. Get started with Image Printers M&P Corp. & make every printed piece trackable, updatable, & actionable.
Ready to add QR codes to your next flyer campaign? Contact Image Printers M&P Corp. for a consultation on design, placement, & printing that gets results for Rochester businesses.