Acquire subscribers with QR codes

Your first step is to build a form and set it live on your website; that way, you can direct QR code sign-ups there. Head to the Sign-up Forms tab, click Create Sign-up Form, and choose a pre-built, mobile-friendly pop-up or full page template.

Quick tip: Users access this form on their phones, so use as few fields as possible, and preview the mobile experience before setting this live.

Let's run through an example with another brand, this time in the health and beauty industry. SWAK Cosmetics aims to collect email subscribers, so they complete the following steps to build a form:

1. Select a pre-built Klaviyo form to collect email consent.
2. Customize the form content to fit their brands style.
3. Click the CTA button (e.g., Continue in this example) and: set the Action to Submit Form; edit the Destination URL where users will redirect to after submitting, and confirm the Source hidden field has a memorable value (by default its the form name; e.g., QR code form).

Next, edit the form's targeting behavior so it will only appear on the specific URL that your QR code links to.

1. Click the Targeting & behavior tab of the form builder
2. Under Display Timing, set the form to Show on page load.
3. Under Targeting, select Only show on certain URLs and specify the URL where this form should appear.

SWAK Cosmetics plans to send QR code users to the following link:https://swak-lip-care.myshopify.com/#QRsignup. In this case, the #QRsignup acts as an anchor link to that specific webpage. Thus, their form will only target URLs Containing #QRsignup.

There are many websites that can help you generate a QR code, such or as Swapt or Canva. Here's what this code will look like once created:

When building this QR code, you will need a link for the code to direct users to your website. In this case, set it your website followed by the anchor you used within the sign-up form (e.g., https://swak-lip-care.myshopify.com/#QRsignup).

‍Include consent disclosure near the QR code
Before a customer submits their information, they need to know exactly what they’re signing up for. You must display clear language near the QR code that explains what users are signing up for. Include a link to your terms of service and privacy policy.

Repeat the disclosure on the landing page
The page the QR code links to, especially if it has a sign-up form, must also include the same (or similar) consent language. This ensures transparency and helps meet legal requirements (like TCPA or GDPR, depending on your region).

Avoid using QR codes without context
A QR code without an explanation can lead to confusion or non-compliant signups. Always include a short description so users understand what they’re agreeing to.

Double-check SMS-specific rules
If you’re collecting phone numbers for text marketing, make sure your disclosure includes any SMS compliance language required (like message frequency and opt-out instructions, e.g., “Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.”).

Ensure your terms of service and privacy policy are updated and reviewed by your legal team to comply with data privacy laws, protecting you and your customers.

Now that you're ready to acquire subscribers with a QR code, you may want to split your welcome flow to provide those who sign up via your QR code with a slightly different offer, as they are likely local shoppers. For instance, while you may offer free shipping to new online shoppers, you can add a separate pathway to your welcome flow that gives new in-store shoppers a special coupon instead.

So, how exactly do you add a new flow pathway for your QR code sign-ups?

Drag a conditional split into your welcome flow that is configured using the source property (i.e., the hidden field created in your QR code sign-up form) For instance, your configuration should look like this:

• Properties about someone > $source > source value (e.g., QR code form)

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Note: If you created a separate list for QR subscribers, you should instead clone your current welcome series flow rather than adding a conditional split. Tailor the cloned series to target those who signed up via the QR code, linking it to that QR code list.

So you have a QR code, sign-up form, and welcome flow ready. Now, where do you promote the QR code? Let's walk through some examples of large-format and small-format use cases.

Large-format uses

Put your QR code on large-format items, such as posters or signs. These don’t have to exclusively show the QR code; for example, if you’re promoting a sale, you can easily add the QR code to the related poster beneath the sale CTA. Otherwise, include the QR code on a sign referencing store hours in the window of your shop.

Placement is key when displaying a large-format QR code. Select a couple of strategic locations, so interested shoppers can easily subscribe while in-store. We recommend placing posters by your checkout line and front door to capture folks' attention as they enter and exit, rather than distracting them from browsing your merchandise. The QR code also needs to be visible from the outside. That way, if people are too busy to go in or your store is closed, they can still head to your website and purchase.

Small-format uses

You can also add QR codes to smaller items including:

• Business cards
• Take-out menus
• Packages
• Brochures
• Newspaper ads
• Stickers
• Printed sign-up forms
• Company swag

Be conscious of how the QR code appears, as you don’t want it to look too small or crowded in the design.