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How to Create a QR Code for Your Business Card

January 21, 2026 5 min read By minimalink Team

Business cards are getting smarter. Instead of cramming tiny text onto a small card, savvy professionals are using QR codes to bridge the gap between physical and digital networking. One quick scan, and your new contact has instant access to your portfolio, LinkedIn, or calendar.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to create a QR code for your business card—and share tips to make it actually effective.

Why Add a QR Code to Your Business Card?

Before diving into the how, let's cover the why:

  • Save space: Instead of listing every social profile, one QR code links to everything
  • Easy contact saving: People can add your info to their phone instantly
  • Track engagement: See how many people actually scan your card
  • Update without reprinting: Change where the QR points without new cards
  • Stand out: Show you're tech-savvy and modern

Step 1: Decide What to Link

Your QR code needs a destination. Here are the most effective options:

Option A: LinkedIn Profile

Best for: Corporate professionals, job seekers, B2B networking

Link to: linkedin.com/in/yourname

Option B: Personal Website or Portfolio

Best for: Freelancers, creatives, consultants

This showcases your work better than any card could.

Option C: Digital Business Card / Linktree

Best for: Those with multiple important links

Create a simple landing page with all your key links.

Option D: Calendar Booking Link

Best for: Sales professionals, consultants

Link to Calendly or similar—make it easy to book meetings.

Option E: vCard Download

Best for: Anyone who wants easy contact saving

A .vcf file that adds you directly to their contacts.

Pro Tip: Use a short link service like minimalink so you can change the destination later. If you switch jobs or update your portfolio, you don't need new business cards.

Step 2: Create Your Short Link

Don't link directly to your destination URL. Use a short link instead. Here's why:

  • Trackable: See how many people scan your QR code
  • Updateable: Change the destination without reprinting
  • Cleaner QR: Shorter URLs create simpler, more scannable QR codes
  • Memorable: Custom codes like mnml.ink/john are easy to type too

How to Create Your Link:

  1. Go to minimalink.com
  2. Paste your destination URL (LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.)
  3. Click "Shorten"
  4. Upgrade to Pro ($3/mo) for a custom short code like mnml.ink/yourname

Step 3: Generate Your QR Code

With minimalink Pro, QR codes are automatically generated for every link. Here's how to get yours:

  1. Log in to your minimalink dashboard
  2. Find your business card link
  3. Click the "QR" button
  4. Download as PNG (high resolution for print)

QR Code Size Guidelines

For business cards, your QR code should be:

  • Minimum size: 0.8" x 0.8" (20mm x 20mm)
  • Recommended: 1" x 1" (25mm x 25mm)
  • Resolution: At least 300 DPI for print

Smaller QR codes are harder to scan, especially in low light or with older phones. Don't go smaller than 0.8 inches.

Step 4: Add to Your Business Card Design

Placement Options

  • Back of card: Most common, gives the QR room to breathe
  • Front corner: Works if you have a minimalist design
  • Replacing a logo: Bold move for personal branding

Design Tips

  • Add a call-to-action: "Scan to connect" or "Scan for portfolio"
  • Leave quiet zone: White space around the QR (at least 3mm)
  • High contrast: Dark QR on light background works best
  • Test before printing: Scan the proof on multiple phones

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • QR code too small to scan reliably
  • Low contrast colors (light gray on white)
  • No call-to-action—people don't know what it's for
  • Linking to a mobile-unfriendly website
  • Using a static URL you can't update later

Step 5: Test Everything

Before sending your design to print:

  1. Print a test copy (home printer is fine)
  2. Scan with at least 3 different phones
  3. Test in different lighting conditions
  4. Verify the destination page works on mobile
  5. Check that your tracking is working

Ideas for What to Link

Need inspiration? Here are some creative options:

You Are... Link To...
Real Estate Agent Your listing page or booking calendar
Photographer Your portfolio or Instagram
Consultant Calendly for instant booking
Developer GitHub profile or personal site
Sales Rep Product demo or company page
Job Seeker LinkedIn or online resume

Tracking Your Results

One of the biggest advantages of using minimalink for your business card QR code is analytics. You can see:

  • How many people scanned your card
  • When they scanned (after which events)
  • What devices they used
  • Geographic location (city-level)

This data helps you understand which networking events are most valuable and whether your card design is working.

Create Your Business Card QR Code

Get a trackable short link and QR code for your business card. Update the destination anytime without reprinting.

Get Started Free

Final Thoughts

A QR code on your business card isn't just trendy—it's practical. It saves space, enables tracking, and creates a seamless bridge from physical networking to digital connection.

The key is doing it right: use a trackable short link, make the QR code big enough to scan, and always include a clear call-to-action so people know what they'll get when they scan.

Ready to upgrade your business cards? Create your QR code with minimalink and start tracking your networking ROI.