The quick idea
If you have any offline audience, WhatsApp is one of the highest conversion destinations you can send them to.
Why?
- it opens instantly
- it feels personal
- it creates a two-way channel, not a one-way click
A WhatsApp QR code lets someone scan, land directly in a chat, and send a message in under 10 seconds.
If you do it right, you can turn:
- store visitors
- event attendees
- restaurant guests
- flyer readers
…into leads with a conversation attached.
TL;DR
- Use a QR code that opens a WhatsApp chat with your number.
- Add a prefilled message so people do not freeze.
- Put the QR near the moment of intent, not near the exit.
- Track it with UTMs and a dedicated landing redirect.
- Make the QR scannable in real life: size, contrast, quiet zone.
What a WhatsApp QR code actually is
A WhatsApp QR code is just a QR code that encodes a link.
Most commonly it is a link that opens:
- a WhatsApp chat to a phone number
- a WhatsApp chat with a prefilled message
You do not need a special QR standard.
You just need the right destination and a QR that scans reliably.
Best destination patterns (and when to use each)
Option 1: direct WhatsApp chat link
This is the simplest.
Pros:
- fastest path
- least friction
Cons:
- harder to measure correctly
- harder to change later if your flow changes
Option 2: redirect link you control, then WhatsApp
This is usually the best for marketing.
Pros:
- you can change the destination later
- you can add UTMs cleanly
- you can keep the QR code stable across campaigns
Cons:
- one extra hop, so keep redirects clean
If you want to learn the redirect side, read: QR redirects best practices
Add a prefilled message (your conversion cheat code)
The biggest hidden failure mode is not scanning.
It is that someone opens the chat and then does nothing.
Fix that by giving them a message to send.
Good prefilled messages:
- “Hey, I saw the poster. Can I get the price list?”
- “I want to book a table for 4 tonight.”
- “Can I get a quote for 200 stickers?”
- “I want the discount code.”
Keep it short and specific.
Where to place the QR code for maximum scans
People scan when they have intent.
Place your WhatsApp QR code:
- at the counter where people pay
- on a product display where questions happen
- at an event booth where the conversation starts
- on packaging where people open the product
Avoid putting it:
- on the door on the way out
- in a corner of a flyer with tiny print
If you sell physical goods, read: QR on packaging: what works in supermarkets
Tracking a WhatsApp QR code (without lying to yourself)
A scan is not a lead.
A message is a lead.
So track both.
Step 1: track scans
If you use a redirect destination, you can add UTMs and see scans in analytics.
Read: UTM tags for QR codes
Step 2: track chats
Create a simple rule:
- count a lead only when a message is sent
Then define what you want inside WhatsApp:
- “Send any message”
- “Send keyword: QUOTE”
- “Tap quick reply button”
Even if you do this manually, you will learn quickly.
Scan reliability checklist (do not skip this)
If your QR does not scan fast, conversion dies.
Use this checklist:
- High contrast (dark on light)
- Quiet zone is clean (no borders, no text, no design overlap)
- Print is sharp (no blur)
- Code is big enough for the scanning distance
- Test on iOS and Android
Start here: Why QR codes fail in the wild
And if you are printing, these are helpful too:
A simple template that works (copy this)
If you want a predictable flow, use:
- Headline: “Message us on WhatsApp”
- Benefit: “Get a quote in 5 minutes”
- Instruction: “Scan to chat”
- QR code
- Backup: phone number or short link below
The backup matters because some people will not scan.
Common mistakes
Mistake 1: sending people to a generic homepage
WhatsApp is a direct action channel.
Use a direct action destination.
Mistake 2: too many CTAs
One QR code should map to one clear action.
If you have two actions, make two QR codes.
Mistake 3: long redirect chains
More hops equals more failure.
Keep it tight: QR redirects best practices
When to use a dynamic QR code
If you plan to reuse the same printed assets, use a dynamic QR code.
That lets you:
- change the WhatsApp number later
- swap the prefilled message
- route different campaigns without reprinting
Read: Reusable QR code
CTA: generate a WhatsApp QR code with QRShuffle
If you want a WhatsApp QR code that you can change later and track per campaign, use QRShuffle.
Create your code here: