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QR Codes & Sharing

Generate QR codes for referral links, save referral passes to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, print referral cards, and share links in-store.

Every referral link in ViralRef comes with a QR code and multiple sharing options. For service businesses like salons, fitness studios, and spas, this makes it easy to promote your referral program in your physical location.

QR Codes

Where to Find Them

Every tracking link has an auto-generated QR code. Affiliates can access theirs from the affiliate portal by clicking on their referral link. You can also view and download QR codes from the affiliate detail page in your dashboard.

The QR code links directly to the referral landing page -- when someone scans it, they land on the signup form tied to that specific affiliate.

Where to Use QR Codes

QR codes work well in physical locations where customers are already engaged with your business:

Reception desk or front counter -- A small sign with the QR code and "Refer a friend, get rewarded"
Table tents -- For restaurants, cafes, or waiting areas
Receipts -- Print the QR code on paper receipts
Business cards -- Add the affiliate's QR code to their card
Flyers and postcards -- Include in any printed marketing material
Mirrors or stations -- Salon chairs, workout stations, treatment rooms
Window signage -- Visible from outside your location

Printing Tips

Download the QR code at the highest resolution available
Make sure there's enough white space around the QR code for scanners to read it
Test the printed QR code with your phone before putting it up
Include a short call-to-action next to the code ("Scan to refer a friend")

Wallet Passes (Apple & Google)

Every affiliate can save their referral card to their phone. In the portal's Save & share offline section, they'll find Add to Apple Wallet and Add to Google Wallet buttons.

What the Pass Shows

Your business name and logo
The affiliate's name, labeled "Referral Ambassador"
Their referral code
A reward line describing what they earn (e.g., "Earn a $25 gift card per referral")
A QR code -- when a friend scans it, they land on the affiliate's referral signup page

The pass uses your business name, logo, and portal accent color automatically. There's nothing to configure on your end.

It's a sharing tool, not a gift card

The wallet pass is the affiliate's referral card -- it doesn't show a gift card balance and isn't redeemed at checkout. Its job is to keep the referral code and QR one swipe away whenever a friend asks.

Printable Referral Cards

Next to the wallet buttons, the Print Card option gives affiliates three print-ready templates, each with their QR code built in:

Business Card (3.5" × 2") -- fits a wallet, easy to hand out
Table Tent (4" × 6") -- for counters, stations, and waiting areas
Flyer (8.5" × 11") -- full-page for windows, notice boards, and events

Every pass and card carries subtle "Powered by ViralRef" branding.

Affiliates have several ways to share their referral link from the portal:

Direct Link

Copy the referral link to share anywhere -- text messages, social media posts, emails, group chats. The link looks like:

https://your-subdomain.viralref.com/r/sarah-abc123

QR Code

Download or display the QR code for in-person sharing.

SMS

Share the referral link via text message directly from the portal. Pre-filled with a short message and the tracking link.

Email

Send the referral link via email with a pre-written message that affiliates can customize before sending.

Promoting In Your Location

For service businesses, the most effective referral promotions happen during or right after the service. Here are patterns that work:

During the Appointment

Mention the referral program while the customer is in the chair, on the table, or finishing their session
Hand them a card with the QR code or text them the link
Frame it around the reward: "If you send a friend our way, you both get a gift card"

At Checkout

Have a QR code visible at the register
Include the referral link on the receipt
Staff can mention it during payment: "We have a referral program -- want me to text you the link?"

In Follow-Up Messages

Include the referral link in post-visit emails or text messages
Pair it with a review request: "Enjoyed your visit? Leave a review and share with friends"

Track what works

Each affiliate's tracking link records clicks and conversions separately, so you can see which affiliates and which sharing methods drive the most results from your Reports page.

Next Steps

Affiliate Portal

See the full portal experience your affiliates get.

Viral Loop

Learn how referred customers automatically become referrers.

Affiliate Portal Bounties & Challenges