How to Use Free QR Codes to Grow Your Business or Side Hustle

Get Sales with QR Codes

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s important to meet your customers where they are. And often, that means helping them connect with your brand quickly and easily—with a simple scan. QR codes are one of the fastest ways to guide people to your website, booking page, product, or payment link. If you’re a small business owner, side hustler, or creator trying to build an audience or increase sales, using QR codes is a powerful (and free!) strategy you don’t want to ignore.

The best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy or have fancy design tools. With the our QR Code Generator, you can make custom, high-quality QR codes in seconds.

What Is a QR Code, and Why Does It Matter?

QR stands for "Quick Response." These are the square-shaped codes you see on flyers, menus, product packaging, and event signs. When someone points their phone camera at the code, it takes them to a link you choose—like a website, video, or social media page.

QR codes are easy to use, low-cost, and work in both online and offline spaces. Whether you’re tabling at a local event, handing out business cards, or sharing a digital promo, a QR code helps your audience take action instantly.

Common Uses for QR Codes

QR codes can be used for many things, no matter your niche or type of business.

Here are just a few smart ways to use them:

• Link to your website or product page

• Share your Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube

• Direct people to a booking or appointment form

• Promote a limited-time offer or discount code

• Collect reviews or testimonials on Google or Yelp

• Link to a digital portfolio or resume

• Drive traffic to your Etsy or Shopify store

• Connect users to a donation or crowdfunding page

QR codes save time and reduce friction. No one wants to type a long URL. With a scan, they’re already there.

How to Create a Custom QR Code in Seconds

Creating your first QR code with Agile Mediaz takes less than a minute.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the QR Code Generator

2. Paste your URL (like your website, booking link, or social profile)

3. Choose your color to match your brand

4. Adjust the size and padding if needed

5. Download your high-quality PNG file

No login. No spam. Just a clean, ready-to-use QR code you can drop into your designs or print on the go.

Real Examples: QR Code Marketing in Action

Need some inspiration? Here are a few ways entrepreneurs and creatives are using QR codes to grow:

• A local artist includes QR codes on all her canvas prints, linking to her full gallery and online store.

• A fitness coach adds a QR code to her flyers that goes straight to her class booking page.

• A pop-up vendor tapes a QR code to the front of the booth so customers can leave instant reviews.

• A nonprofit founder puts QR codes on donation jars at events, making it easy to give with just a scan.

• An author prints a QR code on bookmarks that links to bonus content and newsletter signups.

These small moves help build trust, drive traffic, and improve the overall customer experience.

Want to Monetize Your Links? Start with the Right Affiliate Programs

QR codes are great for traffic, but where are you sending people? If you’re linking to products, tools, or services, affiliate marketing can help you earn passive income every time someone buys through your link.

But with hundreds of affiliate programs out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we built the Affiliate Program Finder.

It’s a free tool that helps you:

• Pick the best affiliate categories for your niche

• Discover beginner-friendly programs with real earning potential

• Avoid overwhelm by narrowing your options to what works for you

Pair this with your custom QR codes, and you have a powerful combo: smart traffic + earning links.

Make Your Marketing Easier (and Smarter)

You don’t need to do everything by hand or spend money to stand out. Smart, simple tools like QR codes and affiliate links help small businesses and creators work smarter, not harder.

If you’ve been looking for a fast way to connect people to your digital offers, events, or products—QR codes are a no-brainer.