Can QR codes be tracked?
In modern-day marketing, QR codes are an interactive tool for reaching users. They are easy to print and to use. Scan it with your camera app and get a handy little short URL that you can clock on. But can we find out what happens after someone scans a QR code? What’s under the hood of QR code analytics?
What are the tracking options?
The tracking options of a QR code largely depends on how the link inside it is set up. There’s two ways to set it up, so it’s important to know the difference between static and dynamic QR codes.
Static QRs
Static QR codes are the most basic ones. They’ve been around forever. And they are the ones frequently available from free online generators. With them, the final URL is embedded directly into the QR code, and users are taken to that URL destination right after scanning. Because users go straight to the link, they bypass any intermediate tracking or analytics systems. You can’t implement any postback tracking, then.
This means that if you create a static QR code, you cannot see the scanning process or gather any user data. With static QR codes, you can’t:
- count how many times the code has been scanned
- find out the location users are scanning it from
- measure how long users enage with the content
- change the target link after the code has been created (and what if your domain gets flagged or banned? No good!)
A static QR code simply redirects users to a set URL. While this might work for one-time tasks or quick links, it is not suitable for any self-respecting marketer.
Dynamic QR codes
Enter dynamic QRs (like, the ones that we offer). Dynamic QR codes are built using a different logic. Instead of having the final link right in the code, they use a middle link that connects to a tracking system.
When someone scans the code, they first go through a tracked link. Here, all the marketing data is recorded. After that, the users are sent to the destination URL. This extra step allows for important data collection, and gives control over every interaction.
This extra step allows for important data collection. But, this begs the question:
What data can be collected?
Number of scans
This simplest of metrics shows you how many times the QR was scanned. It tracks interest over time, and helps understand how well campaigns are doing.
User geography
Knowing where users are scanning from helps assess how effective placements are, so you can adjust your hyperlocal offers.
Devices and operating systems
Use this data to optimize landing pages for popular devices. You can also use it to identify user experience issues and inform design decisions.
Time cohorts
Looking at when users scan the QR code reveals the most active days and times. Which can be very important for an offliney tool like a QR code.
Post-click behavior
Depending on your setup, you can (maybe) see what users do after clicking. If you want to track them, you now have the ability to do so. Track away!
How is this implemented in modern services?
Unified infrastructure
QR codes are created as an extension of a tracked link, meaning users don’t need to set up separate analytics or connect extra tools. QR codes and short links work together, making sure your traffic flows through them, smoothly.
Dynamic management
One huge advantage is that you can update your landing pages without needing to make a new QR code. This is especially useful for print ads, packaging, and outdoor media. Because, you know, you can’t reprint the QR code if your site goes down.
This is crucial for print advertising, packaging, and outdoor media.
Centralized analytics
All QR code interaction data is collected in a single interface. This includes the number of scans, clicks, user parameters, and activity dynamics.
Scalability
Platforms like Cut0 are designed to handle large traffic volumes. So, you can create separate QRs for different channels and segments, launch parallel campaigns, test hypotheses, and compare results.
Static QR codes are basic and useless. However, dynamic QR codes turn each scan into a measurable event. They allow for tracking, and they improve conversions. Dynamic QRs also provide necessary data for better decision-making. So, use them. FOR FREE.
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