Trackable QR Codes with UTM Parameters

UTM parameters help attribute QR scans to real-world campaigns. Add them to your URLs so analytics can segment traffic by source, medium, and campaign.

What are UTMs?

• utm_source (required): Where the traffic comes from (e.g., flyer, sticker, poster)
• utm_medium: The marketing medium (e.g., qr, print, event)
• utm_campaign: Campaign name (e.g., spring_launch)
• utm_content (optional): Creative variant (e.g., blue_poster)
• utm_term (optional): Usually for paid keywords; often unused for QR

Example
https://example.com/?utm_source=poster&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=spring_launch&utm_content=blue_a1

Step-by-step: Create a trackable QR

1. Decide on UTM values (source, medium, campaign, optional content).
   

2. Build the URL with parameters (ensure proper encoding for spaces/characters).
   

3. Open the QR Generator and paste the full URL: /qr-generator
   

4. Choose high contrast, add a logo if desired, and increase error correction to “H.”
   

5. Export SVG (print) or PNG (digital) and test scans.
   

Short clip (10–30s):

Checking analytics

• GA4: Look for sessions with your UTM values under Acquisition reports.
• Test: Scan the code on your phone; confirm that the landing page URL contains UTMs and events are recorded.
• Naming: Keep consistent naming conventions for easy filtering.

Tips

• Shorten long URLs if needed (but keep UTMs intact).
• Use distinct utm_content for each creative variant to compare performance.
• For print, prefer SVG and ensure a sufficient quiet zone around the QR.

Related:

• Create a QR Code with Logo: /posts/qr-code-with-logo-step-by-step
• QR Codes for Print — Best Practices: /posts/qr-codes-print-best-practices