A Quick Response code (QR code or QRC) is a type of barcode, but it is also used as a marketing tool to increase traffic to your web site, boost sales, and help market your business. They may seem a novelty at this point, but they’ve been used in Japan since 1994.

These barcodes get your customers interacting with your website or products by generating interest. In order to get the information in the code, your customer has to scan it with a smartphone.

Like any other marketing campaign, you want some statistics on how well your QR code campaign is working for you. QR code tracking helps you with this problem.

There are several ways you can track your QR code campaigns including full QR generation and tracking services, manual analytics, and shortened URL tracking. Most methods are free to use; however, extra features may end up costing you money.

Generation & Tracking Services
Several websites offer QR code generation and tracking services. These full featured QR vendors provide several packages to fit your budget. A few QR vendors available include PercentMobile, Sparqcode, and Ventipix.

Their analytic services integrate into your online account. Once you generate your code, you can return to your account to see the statistics on how your QR code marketing campaign is performing for you.

Manual Analytics Tracking
Manual analytics tracking for your QR code campaigns is possible with a little tech knowledge. For your own website, you can add a campaign to your existing analytics account to monitor traffic coming from your QR codes.

For QR codes not linking to your website, you need to set up a 301-redirect page. Make sure you embed your analytics code into this redirect page in order to track incoming traffic. Your analytics provider can answer specific questions on how to set up tracking QR codes through their services.

Shortened URL Tracking
Shortened URLs assist your customers by eliminating the need to type long or involved URLs into their web browser. Services such as bit.ly and goo.gl allow you to track your shortened URLs. Simply use these shortened URLs in your QR code and you can track them with your bit.ly or goo.gl analytics.

Regardless of the method you choose for monitoring your QR code campaigns, you need to keep track of your QR codes. Underperforming QR codes or inaccurate QR codes may end up costing you business or traffic if you do not monitor them. You can always change QR code data on the back end to make sure it is current and accurate.

Related articles

• Everything a Marketer Should Know About QR Codes (hubspot.com)
• 4 Mistakes Marketers Make With QR Codes (hubspot.com)
• QR codes demystified (theheuristicmarketer.wordpress.com)