Track Your Marketing Campaigns with UTM Links + QR Codes

QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE Incorporated.

If you're putting QR codes on flyers, postcards, menus, or event badges, you can measure which placements work best by adding UTM parameters to your URL before generating the code. This five-minute guide shows how to do it using The Dollar Web's QR Customizer.

What are UTMs (and why they matter)

UTM parameters are tags at the end of a URL that your analytics tool (e.g., GA4) uses to attribute traffic. When someone scans your QR code, the visit shows up with the source, medium, and campaign you defined.

• utm_source — where the QR is placed (e.g., flyer, postcard, table_tent)
• utm_medium — the channel (use qr)
• utm_campaign — the initiative (e.g., grand_opening, fall_fundraiser_2025)
• utm_content (optional) — variant details (e.g., front_desk, version_a)

Step-by-step: Build a trackable QR code with QR Customizer

1. Choose your destination page. Use the exact landing page you want scanners to reach (promo, RSVP, menu, signup). Ensure it's fast and mobile-friendly.

2. Open QR Customizer, paste your URL, and (optionally) add UTMs.

   • Paste your base URL into Enter text or URL.
   • Click 📊 Tracking & Marketing (Optional) to expand the UTM builder.
   • Set UTM Source (dropdown with common placements; "custom" adds your own), UTM Medium is auto-filled to qr, add UTM Campaign, and optional UTM Content.
   • Review the Final URL with tracking preview—the app builds the URL correctly whether or not your base link already has query parameters.

3. Style your QR (and mind scanability).

   • QR Color — choose your brand color (keep high contrast against the background).
   • Transparent background — enable for overlays; note that JPEG downloads can't be transparent.
   • Add Logo to Center (Optional) — upload your logo or pick from the icon grid, then adjust Logo Size (%) and Opacity. (Tip: start around 20–25%.)
   • File name and Download size — set a clean filename and choose output dimensions.

4. Generate, test, and download.

   • Click Generate QR Code to render with your current settings.
   • Test scans on at least two phones/camera apps.
   • Download as PNG (supports transparency) or JPG (no transparency).

5. Place & proof. Keep a clean "quiet zone" around the code. For hand-held items, ~1–1.25″ squares scan reliably; go larger for posters.

Smart UTM naming (copy this scheme)

• utm_source = the asset (e.g., flyer, postcard, menu, banner, pew_card)
• utm_medium = qr
• utm_campaign = your initiative (fall_fundraiser_2025, grand_opening)
• utm_content = location/variant (front_desk, checkout_counter, version_a)

View results in GA4

• Reports → Acquisition → Traffic acquisition
• Switch primary dimension to Session source/medium or Session campaign
• Add secondary dimension Session manual ad content for utm_content

Track sessions, engagement, and your key conversion events (e.g., signups, purchases) to see which placements work.

Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

• Tiny codes: Increase physical size and contrast if scans fail.
• Busy backgrounds: Don't overlay on patterns; preserve a quiet zone.
• Inconsistent UTM casing: Use lowercase (flyer ≠ Flyer in reports).
• Broken links after exporting: Scan the final print/PDF before going live.
• Over-styling: On-brand colors are great—never sacrifice contrast.
• Oversized logos: If scanning is unreliable, reduce the Logo Size (%) in QR Customizer until cameras read the code instantly (20–25% is a safe starting point).

TL;DR

1. Paste your URL into QR Customizer.
2. Open Tracking & Marketing (Optional) to add UTMs and confirm the preview.
3. Style your code (color, transparent background, optional center logo).
4. Generate, test, and download PNG/JPG.
5. Measure in GA4 and double-down on the placements that win.