pbSmart™ Codes allows you to create robust QR code campaigns with customized mobile web pages. One of the other unique and powerful features of pbSmart Codes is the ability to create a “branded” QR code by adding an image or logo overlay onto the code itself. In the same way that you would always include an image or logo in your direct mail designs or other customer communications, pbSmart Codes now lets you do the same with your QR codes!

This article discusses the value of branded QR codes and provides examples of some of the many ways you can use them to make your campaigns more effective and creative. To find out how to create a branded QR code, see our related article, How to Create a Branded QR Code.

What is a branded QR code?


At its simplest, a branded QR code is a regular QR code that has been overlaid with a logo or image. The examples below show you some of the many ways this can be done using pbSmart Codes.

Stamford Symphony branded QR code
Pizza branded QR code
Tres Jolie branded QR code

Why use branded QR codes?


The main benefit of branded QR codes is the opportunity to a make bigger impression on customers. Adding your company logo creates a much stronger connection to your brand than a plain QR code. And as customers start to see more and more QR codes in the marketplace, a branded QR code could be the differentiator that makes or breaks your campaign.

Brand reinforcement isn't the only benefit. The option of adding an image opens up many options to make your campaigns more effective and creative. Some examples:

  • Image overlays can be used to provide important visual cues to accompany your call-to-action text. For example, if your QR code links to your email address, you could add an icon of an envelope to help customers know what the QR code offers. Images like this are especially helpful if you offer many "contact us" options. For example, you could provide three QR codes featuring icons of an envelope, a phone, and a map for directions.
  • If your QR codes offer product information, adding a product image to the QR code will help customers know what to expect. It will also help you visually distinguish between multiple QR codes you may be using in your communications.
  • On the more creative side, image overlays on QR codes can be used to deliver interactive signage, or contests like scavenger hunts, which are a natural fit for QR codes: imagine hiding several QR codes throughout your shopping mall, each with an image of the item that the customer needs to find. Scanning each code reveals instructions for locating the next, and so on.

As you can imagine, there are many more possibilities for creative use of branded QR codes. As more businesses realize the potential of QR codes we are sure to see more great examples over the coming years!

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