What if a simple scan could turn your packaging into a personalized experience, transform a pop-up booth into an interactive game, or help you build community in a brand-new city?
That’s exactly what three creators discovered when they started using Bitly QR Codes to bridge the gap between their physical and digital presence. From turning unboxing moments into brand experiences to creating scavenger hunts that convert browsers into buyers, these entrepreneurs found that QR Codes aren’t just convenient, they’re powerful tools for deepening customer relationships and driving business growth.
Meet Ally, Monica, and Melissa—three creators who transformed simple interactions into memorable brand moments, one scan at a time.
Ally Blaire: Turning packaging into customer experiences
Florida-based artist and small business owner Ally Blaire turned her passion for crafting into AllyBlaireCo, a vibrant brand offering handmade stationery, cheerfully designed punch-needle kits, and positive, colorful designs. Known for her playful, anxiety-affirming design and brand, Ally has built a loyal following across Etsy, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
When it came time to rethink her packaging, Ally realized it could be more than just a delivery method—it could be an extension of her unique brand experience. She embedded Bitly QR Codes into the unboxing experience as a way to surprise and delight customers. Her thank-you cards double as art prints and include custom Bitly QR Codes that unlock discount codes and easy-to-download digital freebies, turning every package into an interactive surprise. Customers now look forward to both the products in the box and discovering the unique, interactive extras.
Ally also includes exclusive video tutorials in her punch needle kits, each linked by a Bitly QR Code. When customers receive their kits, they can scan the code on the instruction sheet to watch her custom step-by-step videos. By pairing handmade goods with exclusive interactive content, Ally enhances the customer experience and builds stronger connections with her community.
For Ally, QR Codes are more than a marketing tactic—they’re part of her creative toolkit, allowing her to extend her artistry beyond the product itself and build lasting connections with her customers.
Monica Razak: Turning pop-up events into interactive experiences
For Monica Razak, what started as a scrunchie DIY project has blossomed into Monica’s Collective, a sustainable, handmade “homebody” goods business that sells candles, apparel, and creative lifestyle content. Through her YouTube vlogs, Instagram reels, and physical pop-up shops, Monica invites her audience behind the curtain of entrepreneurship—sharing the wins, the challenges, and the passion that fuels her craft.
At pop-up events and markets, Monica wanted her booth to feel like more than just a place to shop. She designed a scavenger hunt powered by Bitly QR Codes, with each code hidden throughout her booth unlocking a small surprise—a discount code, a fun fact about her shop, or a clue to the next code’s location. What could have been casual browsing became an immersive, playful game that kept shoppers engaged, sparked conversations, and turned first-time visitors into new customers and fans of her brand.
Monica’s strategic use of QR Codes extended beyond events. When she relocated to a brand-new city, she leveraged Bitly QR Codes to build community from the ground up. She printed and posted flyers with custom Bitly QR Codes in coffee shops, gyms, and community centers. Every scan led curious locals directly to her shop’s online announcement, making it easy for them to discover her brand and visit her new storefront location.
For Monica, QR Codes aren’t just about convenience—they’re a creative marketing tool that transforms everyday touchpoints into moments of connection, helping her build brand awareness, spark curiosity, and form deeper ties with her customers.
Melissa Carnegie: Connecting sneakerheads and creating community
Melissa Carnegie (also known as Melissa Chanel) is a lifestyle content creator, sneaker enthusiast, and entrepreneur whose journey began over a decade ago with her blog, MelissaChanel.com. Today, she’s built a thriving platform and community—most notably with her business Kicks & Fros, a space that empowers Black and Brown women to embrace their individuality in sneaker culture. Melissa has always believed that personal style can be a tool for self-expression, and her events reflect that spirit of community and creativity.
Community is everything to Melissa. At her sneaker pop-ups and events, she wanted to create more than just a table with products. By embedding Bitly QR Codes into the experience, she made it possible for attendees to scan for style inspiration before customizing their “kicks” or sneakers, shop exclusive merch in real-time, or access tips for sneaker care. Every Bitly QR Code became a doorway to new interactive content, helping people engage with her brand while keeping her events fun and high-energy.
This approach transforms how Melissa connects with her community. Bitly QR Codes allow her to make in-person events feel interactive, digital, and alive. By combining style with technology, she’s creating memorable experiences that keep her community coming back, scan after scan.
From passive moments to active engagement
Ally, Monica, and Melissa demonstrate three powerful approaches creators can use to deepen customer relationships with Bitly QR Codes: enhancing product experiences (Ally’s packaging and tutorials), gamifying physical interactions (Monica’s scavenger hunts), and building community connections (Melissa’s interactive events and Monica’s local outreach).
What unites their success is a simple principle: They transformed passive moments—unboxing, browsing, attending—into active engagement opportunities. Each QR Code became a bridge between their physical presence and digital content, creating memorable experiences that strengthen customer loyalty and encourage sharing.
Whether you’re shipping products, hosting events, or building community in a new market, Bitly QR Codes can help you create these connection points.
Feeling inspired? Get started with Bitly for free and begin transforming everyday interactions into memorable brand moments.
