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Home/Blog/Feature Deep Dive
FEATURE DEEP DIVE

Google Business Profile QR Codes: Complete 2026 Guide

Drive offline reviews with QR codes. Step-by-step setup for Australian businesses.

Published 24 October 2025•7 min read•3706 views

Google Business Profile QR Codes: Complete 2026 Guide

Google Business Profile QR codes are scannable shortcuts that direct customers straight to your review page. They're one of the simplest ways to collect reviews from foot traffic, reducing friction between the moment a customer is satisfied and when they leave feedback. For Australian businesses, they've become essential for competitive local search rankings.

What Are Google Business Profile QR Codes?#

How do Google Business Profile QR codes work?#

When a customer scans your QR code with their phone camera, they're instantly taken to your Google Business Profile review section. There's no app download, no login required—just a tap and they're ready to leave feedback. This direct path dramatically increases review completion rates compared to asking customers to manually search for your business.

Google generates these QR codes automatically for every business with a verified profile. You don't need special software or third-party tools to create them—they're built into your Google Business Profile dashboard.

Why QR codes matter for Australian businesses in 2026#

Australian consumers increasingly expect frictionless digital experiences. A 2024 Deloitte report found that 68% of Australian small business owners believe online reviews directly impact customer decisions. QR codes remove the "I'll leave a review later" excuse by making the process instant and effortless.

They're particularly valuable for:

  • Hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, pubs)
  • Tradies and service providers (plumbers, electricians, builders)
  • Retail stores (fashion, hardware, specialty shops)
  • Health and wellness (physiotherapists, dentists, salons)
  • Professional services (accountants, lawyers, consultants)

How to Find and Generate Your QR Code#

Step-by-step: Accessing your QR code#

  1. Log into Google Business Profile on desktop or mobile
  2. Click "Customers" in the left menu
  3. Select "Reviews" from the submenu
  4. Look for the QR code icon (usually in the top-right corner)
  5. Download or screenshot the QR code image

That's it. Google handles everything—no configuration needed.

What if you can't find the QR code option?#

If you're not seeing the QR code feature, your profile might need verification. Ensure your business is fully verified and you have manager or owner access. If you're still stuck, contact Google Business Profile support through your dashboard.

Best Practices for Displaying Your QR Code#

Where should you place your QR code?#

The most effective placements for Australian businesses include:

  • Point of sale (POS): Print it on receipts or display it near the till. A Melbourne-based cafe increased reviews by 340% by adding a QR code to every receipt.
  • Physical signage: Mount it near your entrance or on a window decal
  • Table tents: For restaurants and bars, place small printed codes on each table
  • Vehicle wraps: Tradies can include it on their van or truck
  • Business cards: Print it on the back for easy sharing
  • Email signatures: Add it to staff emails
  • Social media: Post it on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
  • Invoice or quote templates: Include it on documents sent to clients

Design tips for maximum scans#

Size matters. QR codes should be at least 2cm × 2cm to scan reliably. Larger is better—aim for 5-10cm for physical displays.

Contrast is critical. Keep the background white or very light. Dark QR codes on dark backgrounds won't scan. Avoid coloured backgrounds that reduce contrast.

Add context. Include text like "Scan to leave a review" or "Tell us what you think!" A short call-to-action increases scan rates by up to 40%.

Test before printing. Scan your QR code with multiple phones before mass-producing materials. Different devices and camera apps sometimes behave differently.

Measuring QR Code Performance#

How to track QR code scans and reviews#

Google Business Profile doesn't provide direct QR code scan analytics, but you can track results indirectly:

  • Monitor review growth in your Google Business Profile dashboard weekly
  • Compare review velocity before and after QR code deployment
  • Check review sources (some reviews will include notes about scanning)
  • Use Google Analytics to see if traffic from Google increases after QR code rollout
  • Ask customers verbally or in follow-up emails how they found your review page

A Sydney-based plumbing company tracked their reviews for 30 days before adding QR codes to invoices, then 60 days after. They saw review volume increase from 2-3 per week to 8-10 per week—a 250% improvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

What not to do with your QR code#

Don't use outdated codes. If you've deleted and recreated your Google Business Profile, your old QR codes won't work. Always generate fresh codes from your current profile.

Don't hide it. Placing your QR code in hard-to-reach locations defeats the purpose. It should be immediately visible and accessible.

Don't forget context. A QR code with no explanation confuses customers. Always include a brief instruction or incentive.

Don't print on shiny materials. Glossy surfaces create glare that prevents scanning. Use matte finishes for printed materials.

Don't change your profile URL. Your QR code is tied to your profile. If you change your business name or location, you'll need a new QR code.

Combining QR Codes with Your Review Strategy#

How QR codes fit into a complete review system#

QR codes work best as part of a broader reputation management approach. They're excellent for in-person collection, but you'll want multiple touchpoints:

  • Email follow-ups: Send review requests to customers 24-48 hours after purchase
  • SMS campaigns: Text a QR code link to customers who opt in
  • Post-service messages: Include a QR code in thank-you notes for service-based businesses
  • Loyalty programs: Offer incentives for reviews (compliant with Google's policies)
  • Staff training: Teach team members to verbally request reviews and show customers the QR code

A Brisbane-based dental practice combined QR codes in-clinic with email follow-ups. They increased their review count from 12 to 78 in six months—and their average rating improved from 4.2 to 4.7 stars.

Industry-Specific Applications#

How different Australian businesses use QR codes#

Hospitality: Restaurants place QR codes on tables, menus, and receipts. Pubs include them on coasters. Result: immediate feedback while the experience is fresh.

Tradies: Plumbers, electricians, and builders print QR codes on invoices and vehicle signage. Customers scan after work is completed. Result: higher volume of detailed reviews about workmanship.

Retail: Fashion and hardware stores display QR codes at checkout. Result: capture reviews from satisfied shoppers before they leave.

Health services: Dentists, physiotherapists, and salons include QR codes on appointment cards and in waiting areas. Result: consistent review flow from regular patients.

Professional services: Accountants and lawyers include QR codes in email signatures and on business cards. Result: easier for corporate clients to leave reviews.

Troubleshooting Common Issues#

QR code not working? Here's what to check#

The code takes too long to load. This usually means poor internet connection on the customer's phone, not an issue with the code itself. Suggest they try again on WiFi.

It opens the wrong business profile. You may have multiple profiles. Log into Google Business Profile and verify you're using the QR code from your primary, verified profile.

The code is blurry in photos. Print QR codes at high resolution (300 DPI minimum). Avoid digital displays that may pixelate.

Customers say they can't scan it. Test with multiple phones and camera apps. Some older Android devices have weaker QR readers. Ensure adequate lighting and contrast.

The Future of QR Codes for Reviews#

What's changing in 2026?#

Google continues improving QR code functionality. Recent updates include better mobile optimization and faster load times. As smartphone penetration in Australia continues rising (currently at 88% of adults), QR codes will become even more effective.

The trend is moving toward "frictionless feedback." Businesses that make review collection effortless will dominate local search rankings. QR codes are a foundational tool in this shift.

Australian businesses that haven't implemented QR codes yet are missing a significant competitive advantage. The setup takes minutes, the cost is minimal, and the review impact is measurable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Google Business Profile QR code and how does it work?

A Google Business Profile QR code is a scannable shortcut that takes customers directly to your review page. When scanned with a phone camera, it bypasses login requirements and instantly opens your review section, making it easy for satisfied customers to leave feedback without searching for your business manually.

How do I find my Google Business Profile QR code in Australia?

Log into your Google Business Profile on desktop or mobile, click 'Customers' in the left menu, then select 'Get reviews.' Your QR code appears automatically—no special software needed. Download it as an image file and print or display it wherever customers gather, like checkout counters or receipts.

Do I need to pay for Google Business Profile QR codes?

No, Google Business Profile QR codes are completely free. They're automatically generated for every verified business profile. You don't need third-party tools or special software—everything is built into your Google Business Profile dashboard at no cost.

Where should Australian businesses display their QR codes?

Display QR codes at point-of-sale, on receipts, table tents, business cards, and near exits. Hospitality venues, tradies, retail stores, and service providers see the best results. Place them where customers are most satisfied—ideally at the moment they're ready to leave feedback.

Will QR codes help my Australian business rank better on Google?

Yes. Google reviews significantly impact local search rankings. QR codes increase review completion rates by removing friction from the feedback process. More reviews boost your visibility in Google Search and Maps, making it easier for Australian customers to find your business locally.

Can customers leave reviews without a Google account using QR codes?

Customers need a Google account to leave reviews, but the QR code process is still frictionless. They simply scan, sign in if needed, and submit feedback immediately. This is far simpler than asking them to manually search for your business and navigate to reviews.

What types of Australian businesses benefit most from QR codes?

Hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants), tradies (plumbers, electricians), retail stores, health and wellness providers (dentists, salons), and professional services (accountants, lawyers) see the highest ROI. Any business with foot traffic and customer satisfaction benefits from making reviews instant and effortless.

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Starworks

AI-powered reputation management for local businesses

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