How To Use QR Code Tracking For Business

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are 2D barcodes readable by smartphones or QR code readers. There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic, each with its unique advantages and features. QR code tracking is a powerful tool for monitoring and measuring marketing campaigns. A QR code with analytics helps you gain valuable insights into the performance of your marketing campaigns.

QR Code Creator gives you access to the website’s QR code tracking metrics to view the total and unique scans. Tracking the scanned time of your QR codes helps determine when your campaigns are most effective. Knowing where your QR code scans are coming from can help determine which areas are most receptive to your campaigns. Identifying which operating systems are used to scan your QR codes can help optimize your campaigns for the most popular platforms.

Businesses can also easily track and analyze QR code performance using Google Analytics. You can optimize your operations and achieve greater efficiency using QR code creator systems.

We will provide an overview of QR codes, including their history, types, and uses. Following that, we will discuss the importance of QR code tracking and how it can assist businesses in monitoring the success of their marketing campaigns. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of using a QR code tracker and its statistics, including scan numbers, time, country, city, browser, and operating system. Our final topic will be how businesses can quickly analyze QR code performance using Google Analytics and optimize their operations using QR code tracking systems.

Check out the outline of this blog:

1. QR Codes: What They Are and What They Do
2. What are the types of QR codes?
3. Why does QR Code Tracking matter?
4. How does QR code tracking work?
5. Tracking QR Codes in Google Analytics
6. How to Take Advantage of the QR Code Tracking System
7. Best Practices for Implementing Trackable QR Codes
8. Real-life examples of trackable QR code marketing

Let’s get started!

QR Codes: What They Are and What They Do

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are 2D barcodes readable by smartphones or QR code readers. A Japanese company named Denso Wave first developed the technology in 1994 to track parts in vehicle manufacturing. As a result, QR codes are now widely used by various industries and in several applications, such as advertising, product packaging, and event management.

QR codes consist of black and white squares arranged in a square grid on a white background. They can contain various information, such as website URLs, contact information, product details, or promotional offers. To scan a QR code, a user must point their smartphone camera at the code and use a QR code reader app to decode the information.

QR codes have several advantages over traditional barcodes. The advantage of QR codes is that they can store more information in a smaller space and be read from any angle. As well as being customizable with different colors and designs, they can also be used to expand the reach of marketing and advertising campaigns.

What are The Types of QR Codes?

There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic, each with unique advantages and features.

Static QR Codes (non-trackable)

Static QR codes are untraceable and permanent codes that users cannot edit after creation. A fixed amount of information is contained within the Static QR code, like social media accounts, contact information, website URLs, or any other type of static data. You can scan these Static QR codes multiple times or use them for only one time, like tickets or coupons.

Dynamic QR Codes (trackable)

Dynamic QR codes are barcodes that allow you to store and share data. Unlike traditional static QR codes, they are known as trackable QR codes and can be updated. Trackable QR codes are helpful for businesses that frequently update their promotional materials or for individuals who want to share information that may change over time.

Why does QR Code Tracking matter?

QR code tracking is a powerful tool for monitoring and measuring marketing campaigns. By scanning a QR code, companies can track the number of people who have interacted with their content and the time and location of each interaction. With the help of tracking QR code scans, businesses can monitor the success of marketing campaigns, understand users’ needs and preferences, and make changes accordingly.

For example, if one of your campaigns goes viral in a particular part of the world, you’ll know exactly where the traffic comes from. This can be beneficial for identifying target markets and optimizing your budget for these regions. You’ll also be able to track metrics like total scans, unique users, average time spent on the page, and more. This kind of data can help you understand which content types resonate with your audience and allow you to optimize your strategy accordingly.

Additionally, QR code tracking can measure the effectiveness of different marketing channels, such as email, social media, and print advertising. Businesses can maximize ROI by tracking the performance of each channel. Without a doubt, future progress depends on it.

How does QR code tracking work?

A QR code with analytics helps you gain valuable insights into the performance of your marketing campaigns. By tracking the location, total scans, operating system, time, and browser of users who scan your QR codes, you can better understand who engages with your content and how they interact with it.

When your business’s trackable QR codes are scanned, QR Code Creator will automatically provide you with the following analytics in your dashboard:

Scan numbers

QR Code Creator gives you access to the website’s QR code tracking metrics to view the total and unique scans. Analyzing scanner numbers can help you modify or compare your strategy with other QR code metrics.

Time

Tracking the scanned time of your QR codes helps determine when your campaigns are most effective. Using this information can help you adjust your campaigns to maximize their impact.

Country & City

Knowing where your QR code scans are coming from can help determine which areas are most receptive to your campaigns. Location analytics can help you target your campaigns more effectively and ensure you reach the right audience.

Browser

You can optimize your campaigns by understanding which browsers are most used to scan QR codes. This feature can help ensure your content is accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Operating system (OS)

Identifying which operating systems are used to scan your QR codes can help optimize your campaigns for the most popular platforms. OS analytics can help ensure your content is accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Tracking QR Codes in Google Analytics

Businesses can also easily track and analyze QR code performance using Google Analytics. Google Analytics will better understand your target audience by showing where and how they interact with your codes.

Here are the steps on how to track QR codes using Google Analytics:

1. Create a unique landing page on your website where the QR code will redirect when scanned.
2. Get a UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) tracking code for your landing page using Google’s Campaign URL Builder.
3. Generate a QR code for your landing page using QR Code Creator.
4. Print or display the QR code in your desired location (e.g., on a poster or brochure).
5. When someone scans the QR code, they will be redirected to your landing page, and Google Analytics will track the visit as a campaign.
6. Visit the Acquisition > Campaigns > All Campaigns report in Google Analytics to view campaign data.

How to Take Advantage of QR Code Tracking System

You can optimize your operations and achieve greater efficiency using QR code tracking systems. Here are some ways to make the most of QR code tracking systems:

1. QR Codes for Inventory Tracking

QR codes are valid for tracking inventory in real-time. This method can help businesses keep track of stock levels and identify which items are selling well and which items need reorders.

2. QR Codes for Asset Tracking

QR codes can track assets such as equipment, vehicles, and other valuable items. Using QR codes for asset tracking can help businesses track where their assets are located and identify any potential issues with asset management.

What is Object Tracking with QR Codes?

Object tracking with QR codes is a method of tracking objects using QR codes. The type of QR code contains information about the object, such as its location, size, weight, and other characteristics. It allows you to track the object’s movements and whereabouts. Object tracking with QR codes is becoming increasingly popular in the logistics and supply chain industries, as it allows more efficient tracking of goods and materials.

3. QR Codes for Commercial Tracking

Using QR codes for commercial tracking assists in tracking commercial activities such as sales, marketing, and customer service. In this way, businesses can monitor their performance, identify potential customer service issues, and identify potential opportunities for improvement.

4. QR Codes for Attendance Tracking

You can track employee attendance with QR codes. This method can help businesses track who is coming and going and identify potential employee attendance issues.

How do you use QR codes for attendance tracking?

Here are 5 simple steps that you can monitor attendance:

1. Provide each employee with a unique QR code.
2. Place the QR code in a visible location in the workplace.
3. Instruct employees to scan the QR code when they arrive and leave the workplace.
4. Use a QR code reader app to scan the QR codes and track attendance.
5. Monitor attendance data in real time and take appropriate action if needed.

Best Practices for Implementing Trackable QR Codes

With this knowledge of QR code tracking, let’s discuss best practices for setting up a well-functioning tracking system.

First and foremost, make sure your QR codes are visible. Having codes that stand out will help to draw attention to them and increase the odds of people scanning your code. You should also pay attention to the size of your codes—the bigger they are, the easier they’ll be to scan.

Secondly, use trackable URLs as redirects when you link your QR codes to web pages – this way, you can track who’s scanned your codes and where they went afterward.

Thirdly, test out different metrics before you launch a campaign – this way, you can refine and optimize your tracking methods later on. Finally, keep testing and tweaking your strategies – this will enable you to identify what works best for your audience and help ensure an effective QR code tracking system.

Real-Life Examples of Trackable QR Code Marketing

The following examples demonstrate how brands use trackable QR codes as a marketing tool:

H&M & Smart Mirrors

Do you know how the fashion brand H & M increases sales with QR codes? H&M offers smart mirrors as a new shopping experience. With the QR code on the mirror, customers can order outfit suggestions directly from the online shop. Furthermore, the mirror allows customers to take selfies, and customers can download pictures with QR codes.

Starbucks & QR Code Rewards

The Starbucks QR code strategy is a traditional but effective way of boosting coffee sales. Using QR codes for rewards is a popular strategy in the company. Customers can access these QR codes via email, social media, or in-store displays. They can redeem rewards like free drinks, discounts, and merchandise by scanning the code with their smartphones.

Starbucks also uses personalized QR codes as part of its marketing strategy. Customers can scan a QR code at the store to view order history and customized rewards. Additionally, customers can pay for purchases with the code, eliminating the need for cash.

Glass Dance QR Bar

Have you heard of the “QR Bar”? It is the nickname of the Glass Dance bar in Japan that takes orders using a QR code. Ordering via your phone allows you more time to consider your options and less pressure to decide rather than by talking to the bar staff. As a result, you don’t have to wait in line for your turn to order or call the waiter for assistance.

Conclusion

Overall, QR code tracking offers businesses an easy and effective way to monitor and measure the performance of their marketing campaigns. This technology allows businesses to gain a competitive edge, maximize ROI, and achieve tremendous success.

FAQs

Ankita Sharma

Ankita is the Senior SEO Analyst as well as Content Marketing enthusiast at The Next Tech. She uses her experience to guide the team and follow best practices in marketing and advertising space. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Science (Mathematics). She’s taken quite a few online certificate courses in digital marketing and pursuing more.

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