Which QR Code Should I Use?
A practical decision matrix to help you select the ideal QR code type from Scanly's 19 available formats.
Match Your Business Goal to the Right QR Type
Scanly supports 19 distinct QR formats. Use this breakdown to pinpoint the exact format for your use case:
| Business Objective | Recommended QR Type | Category Tab | Ideal Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capture customer leads & contact info | Lead Form | Lead Generation & Growth | Billboards, Flyers, Store Counters |
| Real estate inquiries & site visit bookings | Real Estate Lead | Lead Generation & Growth | Property Hoardings, Brochures |
| Guest check-in & event registration | Visitor Sign-in | Lead Generation & Growth | Office Receptions, Event Badges |
| Instant customer chat on WhatsApp | Social & Engagement | Product Boxes, Window Decals | |
| Consolidate social channels & links | List of Links | Social & Engagement | Instagram Bio, Influencer Merch |
| Digital business networking | vCard | Standard & Utility | Business Cards, Conference Badges |
| Contactless food & beverage orders | Menu | Standard & Utility | Table Tents, Dining Placards |
| Product manuals & brochures | Standard & Utility | Packaging Inserts, Spec Sheets | |
| Frictionless wireless network access | WiFi | Standard & Utility | Cafés, Hotels, Airbnb Rentals |
| Send traffic to an existing website | Website | Standard & Utility | Print Advertisements, Mailers |
Spotlight: Lead Generation vs vCard vs WhatsApp
Customers often ask when to use a Lead Form versus a vCard or WhatsApp code:
* **Use a Lead Form:** When your priority is building an internal sales pipeline. It forces structured data input (name, phone, requirements), validates numbers, and pushes deals directly into your Kanban board.
* **Use WhatsApp:** When speed of initial conversation is everything. Scanning opens WhatsApp with a pre-filled message (e.g. *"Hi, I saw your billboard for Greenfield Towers and want more info"*).
* **Use a vCard:** When you want the person scanning to save your personal or professional contact information directly into their smartphone contacts with one tap.
Mix and Match in Folders
You are not limited to one format. Group different QR types into dedicated folders (e.g., 'Q3 Trade Show') to track all campaign assets together.