Complete Guide to QR Code Tracking and Analytics
Master QR code tracking to measure performance, understand user behavior, and optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.
Tracking QR code performance is essential for measuring campaign success, understanding user behavior, and optimizing marketing efforts. Without analytics, you're operating blind, unable to determine which QR codes work, which don't, or how to improve results.
Why Track QR Codes?
QR code tracking provides valuable insights that help you make data-driven decisions, optimize campaigns, and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
Measure Performance
Understand which QR codes generate the most scans, conversions, and revenue. Identify top-performing campaigns and channels.
Optimize Campaigns
Use data to improve placement, messaging, and targeting. Test different approaches and double down on what works.
Understand Users
Learn when users scan, from where, and on what devices. Identify peak engagement times and user preferences.
Demonstrate ROI
Show stakeholders the value of QR code campaigns with concrete metrics and conversion data. Justify marketing spend with data.
Tracking Methods
1. Google Analytics UTM Parameters
UTM parameters are tags added to URLs that provide detailed tracking in Google Analytics. This method works with static QR codes and provides comprehensive analytics.
UTM Parameters Include:
- utm_source: Where the traffic comes from (e.g., "qr-code")
- utm_medium: Marketing medium (e.g., "print", "poster")
- utm_campaign: Campaign name (e.g., "summer-sale-2025")
- utm_content: Specific content identifier (e.g., "menu-qr")
- utm_term: Keyword (optional, for paid search)
Our UTM Builder tool makes it easy to create trackable URLs with proper UTM parameters. Simply enter your destination URL and campaign details, and the tool generates a trackable link ready for your QR code.
Example:
https://example.com/product?utm_source=qr-code&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=summer-sale
2. URL Shorteners with Analytics
URL shorteners like Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly provide built-in analytics dashboards that track QR code scans without requiring Google Analytics setup.
Benefits:
- Easy to set up and use
- Built-in analytics dashboards
- Click tracking and geographic data
- Some services offer QR code-specific features
- Can update destination URL without changing QR code
3. Dynamic QR Code Services
Dynamic QR code services provide editable QR codes with built-in analytics. These services allow you to change the destination URL after creation and provide detailed tracking dashboards.
Features:
- Editable destination URLs
- Built-in analytics dashboards
- Scan location tracking
- Device and browser information
- Custom landing pages
Key Metrics to Track
Essential Metrics
- •Total Scans: Total number of QR code scans
- •Unique Scans: Number of unique users who scanned
- •Scan Rate: Scans per time period or per material distributed
- •Conversion Rate: Percentage of scans that result in desired actions (purchases, sign-ups, etc.)
- •Geographic Data: Where scans occur (city, country)
- •Device Information: Mobile vs desktop, operating system, browser
- •Time Patterns: Peak scanning times, days of week
- •ROI: Revenue generated vs campaign costs
Setting Up Tracking
Step 1: Choose Your Tracking Method
Select the tracking method that best fits your needs. For most businesses, Google Analytics UTM parameters provide the best combination of features and cost (free).
Step 2: Create Trackable URLs
Use our UTM Builder tool to create trackable URLs. Enter your destination URL and campaign details, and the tool generates a properly formatted URL with UTM parameters.
Step 3: Generate QR Code
Use the trackable URL to generate your QR code. The QR code will encode the trackable URL, allowing you to measure performance in Google Analytics or your chosen analytics platform.
Step 4: Set Up Analytics Dashboard
Configure your analytics platform to track the UTM parameters. In Google Analytics, create custom reports or use the built-in Campaign reports to view QR code performance.
Analyzing QR Code Data
Once tracking is set up, regularly analyze data to identify trends, optimize campaigns, and improve results.
What to Look For:
- Which QR codes generate the most scans
- Peak scanning times and days
- Geographic patterns
- Device preferences
- Conversion rates by campaign
- User behavior after scanning
Best Practices
- Use Consistent Naming: Create clear, consistent UTM parameter values for easy analysis
- Track Everything: Set up tracking for all QR codes, even test campaigns
- Regular Reviews: Analyze data weekly or monthly to identify trends
- Test and Optimize: Use data to test different approaches and improve results
- Document Campaigns: Keep records of which QR codes correspond to which campaigns
Getting Started
Start tracking your QR codes today using our free UTM Builder tool. Create trackable URLs in seconds and begin measuring campaign performance immediately.
Start Tracking Your QR Codes
Create trackable URLs and measure QR code performance with our free tools.
Use UTM Builder