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Run a text-to-win competition with a QR code

“Text WIN to 07700 900123” asks people to remember a number, type a keyword and get both right. A QR code does it for them: scan, and a text with the keyword is ready to send. This guide covers how to run a simple text-to-win competition or text-to-join list with an SMS QR code, from setup to the poster.

By Aidan Lowson · Updated

How an SMS QR code works

An SMS QR code stores a phone number and a message. When someone scans it, their phone opens the messaging app with both filled in. They press send, and the entry arrives on your phone like any other text.

  • No mistyped keywords. Every entry arrives in the same format, which makes counting them easy.
  • Works on every phone. iPhones and Android phones both open their built-in messages app. Nothing to install.
  • You get a real number. You can text the winner back directly.

Ideas for text-to-win and text-to-join

  • Prize draws at a market stall, school fair or shop opening: "Scan to enter. Winner drawn Saturday at 4pm."
  • Quiz nights and radio-style questions: one code per answer (A, B or C) so people just scan their choice.
  • Join the list for a club, class or offers: pre-fill "JOIN".
  • Vote for a favourite at a bake-off or talent show, with one code per entry.

Set up your competition in 5 steps

  1. Choose the number. A spare mobile or a business SIM keeps entries out of your personal messages.
  2. Pick a short keyword, like WIN or SUMMER. Adding a word per location (WIN MARKET, WIN SHOP) shows you where entries came from.
  3. Open the SMS QR code generator, enter the number with the country code and type the keyword as the message.
  4. Brand it and download. SVG for posters, PNG for social posts and screens.
  5. Send a test entry from a different phone and check it arrives as expected.

What to put on the poster

  • The prize and the deadline, in the biggest text.
  • "Scan to enter" next to the code, plus the number and keyword in text for anyone who can't scan.
  • "Texts cost your standard network rate", so people know it won't cost extra.
  • Where to find the full terms, such as a short web address.
  • Big enough to scan from where people stand. About 10 x 10 cm for a poster at arm's length, more if it's on a wall across the room.

Keep it fair and above board

This isn't legal advice, but a few basics keep a small competition out of trouble. Check the rules where you live before running anything big.

  • Use a standard-rate number. Charging for entry to a prize draw can turn it into a lottery, which has strict rules in the UK and many other countries.
  • Publish simple terms: who can enter, the closing date, how the winner is picked and when they'll be told.
  • Ask before you market. Only send offers to people who said yes to them.
  • Delete entries you don't need once the winner has been contacted.

Prefer chat? The same idea works with a WhatsApp QR code. See WhatsApp QR codes for small businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the text?

The person entering, at their normal rate. On most mobile plans that means it is free for them. Use a standard mobile number, not a premium-rate short code.

Is the entry sent automatically when someone scans?

No. Scanning opens the phone’s messaging app with your number and the keyword filled in. The entrant presses send.

Can I use WhatsApp instead of SMS?

Yes, a WhatsApp QR code works the same way with a pre-filled message. It suits audiences who live on WhatsApp, but SMS works on every phone without an app.

Can I text entrants with offers afterwards?

Only if they agreed to it. Entering a competition is not the same as signing up for marketing, so ask separately, for example “Reply YES for offers”, and keep a record.

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