Google Analytics Integration
Track QR code traffic in Google Analytics for deeper website insights.
Our built-in analytics show you scan counts, locations, and devices. Google Analytics shows what people do after they land on your site—bounce rates, conversions, the full journey. Use both together for the complete picture.
UTM Parameters
UTM parameters are tags you add to URLs that Google Analytics recognizes. When someone scans your QR code and visits a URL with UTM tags, GA knows the traffic came from your QR campaign.
https://yoursite.com/summer-sale?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=flyer&utm_campaign=summer2024
The Five UTM Parameters
| Parameter | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| utm_source | Where traffic comes from | qr, qr-code |
| utm_medium | Marketing medium | print, flyer, packaging |
| utm_campaign | Campaign name | summer-sale-2024 |
| utm_content | Differentiate variations | blue-flyer, store-a |
| utm_term | Keywords (optional) | Usually skipped for QR |
How to Set It Up
Step 1: Build your destination URL with UTM parameters. Google's free Campaign URL Builder makes this easy.
Step 2: When creating your QR code, use the full URL with UTM parameters as the destination.
Step 3: In GA4, go to Reports → Acquisition → Traffic Acquisition and filter by your utm_source (e.g., "qr") to see traffic from your QR campaigns.
Best Practices
Be consistent: Pick one naming convention and stick with it. Don't mix qr, qr-code, QR, and qr_code across campaigns—you'll fragment your data.
Be specific: utm_campaign=summer-sale-2024-flyers is much more useful than utm_campaign=campaign1.
Use utm_content for A/B testing: If you have the same campaign on different materials, differentiate them: utm_content=flyer-blue vs utm_content=flyer-red.
Document your conventions: Keep a spreadsheet of your naming patterns so everyone on your team uses the same ones.
Does URL Length Matter?
For dynamic QR codes, no. The QR code encodes our short redirect URL, not your full destination URL with all its parameters. The destination can be as long as you need.
For static codes, longer URLs create denser patterns. Consider using a URL shortener if the static code becomes too complex.
Common Issues
Traffic showing as "direct": Make sure the full URL with UTMs is entered in your QR code's destination. Check that any redirects in your setup preserve the UTM parameters.
URL already has parameters: Add UTMs with & instead of ?:
yoursite.com/page?id=123&utm_source=qr
No traffic in GA: Verify Google Analytics is installed on your landing page. Give it 24-48 hours for data to appear.
Common Questions
Can I track scans without UTMs? Our built-in analytics track scans automatically. UTMs are for tracking in Google Analytics specifically.
Can I change UTMs on a dynamic QR code? Yes. Update the destination URL in your dashboard—the QR code itself doesn't change.
Do UTMs work with redirects? Usually yes. Most redirect systems preserve UTM parameters. Test yours to be sure.