QR Codes & NFC for Marketing: Using Both Technologies Together

The best marketing campaigns meet customers where they are. Some customers prefer to scan a QR code. Others prefer to tap an NFC tag. Using both technologies ensures you never miss an engagement opportunity.

This guide covers how to combine QR codes and NFC in your marketing.

Why Use Both

Expand Your Reach

Provide Choice

Some situations favor one technology:

Dual-Technology Campaign Ideas

1. Smart Posters

Posters with both a QR code and NFC tag:

┌──────────────────────────┐
│                          │
│  SCAN OR TAP             │
│                          │
│  ┌─────┐                 │
│  │ QR  │   [NFC]         │
│  │ CODE│   ⬥ Tap here    │
│  └─────┘                 │
│                          │
│  "Learn More"            │
│                          │
└──────────────────────────┘

How it works:

• Users with QR familiarity scan the code
• Users with NFC-enabled phones tap the tag area
• Both go to the same landing page

2. Product Packaging

Best for: Premium products, electronics, wine/liquor, luxury goods.

3. Event Badges

Event badges with both technologies:

Technical Implementation

QR Code + NFC Same URL

Both technologies link to the same destination:

1. Create a QR code for your URL
2. Program an NFC tag with the same URL
3. Place both on the same surface
4. Both link to the same content

Result: Unified analytics — all engagement goes to one URL.

QR Code + NFC Different Content

Each technology serves a different purpose:

Result: Separate tracking for each channel.

Creating Dual-Technology Marketing Materials

Step 1: Design Your Landing Page

Create a mobile-optimized page that both technologies will link to.

Step 2: Generate QR Code

Use a free QR code generator to create your QR code.

Step 3: Program NFC Tag

Purchase NFC tags and program them with the same (or different) URL:

1. Download an NFC writing app
2. Write the URL as an NDEF record
3. Test with multiple phones

Step 4: Combine in Design

Place both on your marketing material with clear labeling:

• "Scan here" (QR code)
• "Tap here" (NFC indicator)

Cost Considerations

NFC adds $0.20-0.50 per unit. For premium campaigns, this additional cost is justified by higher engagement.

Measuring Combined Campaigns

Track by Technology

What the Data Tells You

• If QR scans dominate, your audience prefers QR
• If NFC taps dominate, your audience is tech-forward
• If both are significant, dual-technology is the right strategy

Case Study: Retail Window Campaign

A clothing store launched a window display with both QR and NFC.

Setup:

• Window poster with QR code
• NFC tag behind the poster
• Same URL (sale landing page)

Results (30 days):

• QR scans: 640 (67% of engagement)
• NFC taps: 315 (33% of engagement)
• Total: 955 engagements
• Sales attributed to campaign: $12,400

Key finding: QR codes drove 2/3 of engagement, but NFC users converted at a 20% higher rate.

Conclusion

Combining QR codes and NFC in your marketing reaches the widest audience and provides choice in how users engage. Start with a QR code (free, universal) and add NFC for premium or high-traffic campaigns.

Create your marketing QR code — generate a free QR code for your campaign. Add NFC tags for premium touchpoints.