In my last post, I shared how flyers and posters can help fill your summer dance programs. But there is one simple upgrade that can make them even more effective.
A QR Code.
Because while a flyer on its own creates awareness, a flyer with a QR code creates ACTION.
A QR code can send parents directly to your class schedule or registration page or straight to a landing page about your summer dance camps and workshops. This makes enrollment feel easy and immediate. It removes friction. And, if you use a unique link, you can actually track interest by seeing which posters perform better than others.
Let’s make this easy. I’ll now take you through how to create a QR code and share some pro-tips to ensure it works well for you.
Creating a QR Code Quickly & Easily in Canva
Canva makes it very simple to create a QR code – even at the free level. I’ll walk through this step-by-step in the video tutorial below, so you can see exactly where to click and how to place it cleanly in your design. Prefer just to read the instructions? They’re below the video for you.
Step 1: Decide Where Your QR Code Should Link To
Before you generate anything, choose one clear destination.
For Summer programs, this might be:
- Your Summer Camp Landing page
- A specific registration form
- A “Summer Programs” page on your website
- A special early registration page
Tip: Avoid linking to your homepage. It can take people off track instead of taking them through your funnel towards registration.
The goal is to make it as easy as possible to say yes.
Step 2: Let’s Create a QR Code in Canva
Open your flyer or poster design.
Click Apps in the left menu.
Search for QR Code.
Paste the URL you want to link to.
Click Generate Code.
Resize and place it on your design.
That’s it!
What’s Included?
- Editable Canva graphics for summer camps, classes, and workshops
Caption prompts written specifically for dance studios
Plug-and-play email templates for promoting summer programs
Print-ready, easy-to-customize flyer and poster Canva templates
Countdown graphics: Canva templates + a mini guide to build registration momentum
A simple summer branding guide to keep everything cohesive
Other Easy Ways to Create a QR Code
If you do not use Canva, you still have good options.
Google Chrome (Free and Built In)
This one surprises people, but it’s remarkably easy to create a QR code within Chrome itself. It’s fast and completely free. Here’s how to do so:
In Chrome:
- Go to the webpage you want to link to.
- Click the address bar.
- Select Share (the 3 dots).
- Choose Create QR Code.
- Download the image
QR Code Monkey
This tool is widely used, consistently rated well, and allows basic customization without forcing users to create an account. For dance studio owners who want something simple and quick, it’s very beginner-friendly. You simply paste your link and download the image file to upload into your flyer design.
You are not required to create an account unless you want tracking features. Speaking of which…
Should You Track QR Code Scans?
Tracking is optional, but it can be helpful if you’re curious how your flyers are performing.
One simple digital option for QR tracking is to use Bitly. With a free Bitly account you can create short links and generate QR codes that work for your flyers. However, scan and click analytics, such as seeing historical data or breaking scans down by date and location, are features of Bitly’s paid plans. It’s unlikely you’d want/need more that the lowest Bitly paid level, which is the Core level ($10 per month, paid annually); even basic tracking is usually more than enough for small dance studio campaigns.
You can also track interest the old-fashioned way.
When new families register for summer programs, simply ask how they heard about you. If they mention a flyer or poster, ask where they saw it. A quick note at the front desk can give you surprisingly useful insight.
For most dance studios, that level of tracking is more than enough. The goal is making it easy to enroll. Data is just a helpful bonus.
Best practices include keeping the QR code black on a white background for clarity and scanability. Add a small call-to-action underneath that says “Scan for Summer Camp Detail” or “Scan to Register for Our Fall Session!”.
Leave a little white space around your QR code so phones can scan it easily. Some QR code generators allow you to change up the colors, but resist the urge. Instead, keep it simple and readable.
Step 3: Where to Place Your QR Code on a Dance Flyer
Placement matters more than you might think.
A few simple guidelines:
- Keep it near the bottom or bottom right.
- Leave enough white space around it.
- Do not place it over a busy background.
- Add a short call to action like “Scan to Register” or “Scan for Details.”
You want parents to immediately understand what to do.
IMPORTANT! Always Test Before You Print
Before sending anything to print, scan the QR code with your own phone. Have a staff member scan it. Try it on Wi-Fi and cellular. Confirm it links to the correct page. Optimally, the page loads lickity-split.
Testing matters! Printing 200 flyers with a broken link is No Fun at all.
Test like your summer dance program depends on it!
Why This Small Step Can Help Fill Your Dance Programs
A flyer gets attention, but a QR code creates momentum.
Instead of hoping someone remembers your website later, you’re giving them a direct path to registration in seconds.
For busy parents, that convenience can make the difference between “I’ll check it out later” and “Let’s sign up.”
And that is exactly what we want for your dance studio!
Best wishes,
Stacey