What are QR codes and why are they useful for stores?
QR (Quick Response) codes are scannable codes that allow customers to instantly open a link on their phone by using their camera. They remove friction; customers don’t need to search for your social media page or type in usernames. One scan takes them directly to your store’s social profile.
For physical locations, QR codes are especially effective for:
Increasing followers on local social media pages
Encouraging real-time engagement while customers are in-store
Making it easy for customers to discover, follow, and interact with your brand online
Recommended in-store placements
To maximise visibility and interaction, QR codes work best when placed where customers naturally pause:
At the till or checkout area
On counters or table stands
On window signage facing the street
On menus, receipts, or promotional posters
The key is visibility and simplicity! Customers should immediately understand that scanning the code brings them to your store’s social page.
Does SocioLocal provide QR codes?
SocioLocal does not create QR codes on behalf of customers.
However, SocioLocal fully supports the use of QR codes and makes it easy to store, manage, and access them centrally once they are created. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you create a QR code for your store, even if you’ve never done this before.
How to create a QR code for your store’s social media page
Each QR code should link to one primary social media profile (for example, your local store’s Instagram or Facebook page).
Step 1: Choose the social media page you want to link
Decide which social platform you want customers to land on (e.g. Instagram).
Open that social media profile and copy the full URL from the browser address bar.
Example:
https://www.instagram.com/sociolocal
Step 2: Use a QR code generator
Open a free QR code generator in your browser. Most generators work the same way.
Paste your copied social media link into the URL field.
Step 3: Generate the QR code
Click the “Generate” or “Create QR Code” button.
Your QR code will appear instantly on the screen.
Step 4: Download the QR code
Download the QR code as an image file (PNG or JPG is recommended).
Before using it:
Test the QR code with your phone camera
Ensure it opens the correct local social media page
Step 5: Use the QR code in-store
You can now print the QR code or add it to digital signage, posters, menus, or counter displays in your store.
How QR codes work with SocioLocal
Once your QR codes are created, they can be uploaded and stored in SocioLocal’s Content Pool.
Within SocioLocal:
Each brand has its own content structure
Under each brand, every local store has its own content folder
QR code images can be saved in these local content folders, alongside other images used for posting
This means:
Local users can easily reuse their own QR codes when needed
Brand users have visibility across all local stores’ QR codes in one place
Brand teams can encourage and standardise QR code usage across all locations
By combining in-store QR codes with SocioLocal’s content organisation, brands ensure local social pages are easier to discover, and easier to manage at scale.