In a nutshell: QR Code analytics provide marketers with detailed insights into scan behavior, user demographics, and campaign performance. By using dynamic QR Codes with tracking capabilities, businesses can measure offline-to-online conversions, optimize placement strategies, and achieve measurable ROI from their QR Code campaigns. This comprehensive guide covers essential metrics, tracking methods, and actionable strategies to maximize your QR Code marketing success.
Marketers aren’t using QR Codes at just one touchpoint anymore. A study by Billy found they now show up across many channels: Email (47%), product packaging (46%), events (43%), print ads (40%), and in-store displays (40%).
Think about it: you’re in your favorite coffee shop, checking out the menu. Then you spot a small QR Code in the corner. You scan it, and just like that, you’re on a page full of offers, updates, or maybe even a loyalty program.
But here’s what’s exciting: there’s more going on behind the scenes. That simple scan unlocks powerful data.
In all my years working with QR Codes, I’ve come across this question a lot: Can QR Codes be tracked? The answer is yes, this is where QR Code analytics comes in.
In this guide, we’ll break down how QR Code analytics helps you understand what your customers do, how they interact, and what works best in your campaigns.
QR Codes used to be basic black-and-white squares. Not anymore. They’ve become tools that connect your offline and online efforts.
With over 11 million QR scans expected in the US by 2025, the need to track their performance is growing fast.
QR Code analytics means collecting and studying the data from each scan. This shows you where, when, and how people are engaging. You get to see what’s working and what’s not, making it easier to improve your strategy.
For marketers, it’s a game-changer. Especially if you struggle with tracking results from physical campaigns. QR Code analytics finally lets you link the real world with your digital goals.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make every scan count!
A. What are QR Code analytics and how do they work?
QR Code analytics is all about tracking what happens when someone scans your QR Code. It helps you understand how your audience interacts with your content, so you can improve what works and fix what doesn’t.
Every time someone scans a QR Code, it quietly collects helpful data in the background. This includes:
- When the scan happened (date and time)
- Where it happened (city or region)
- What device was used (phone, tablet, etc)
- And even what action the user took after scanning
Here’s how the process works:
- Scan Detection: When a QR Code is scanned, the QR platform records the scan request.
- Data Collection: The system automatically logs scan details like time, location, device type, and browser.
- Reporting & Insights: All this data is compiled into clean, visual reports. These show trends, scan volume, user behavior, and more, helping you improve future campaigns.
To get these insights, you’ll need to use Dynamic QR Codes. These codes can be updated even after printing and allow full tracking. Static QR Codes, on the other hand, are fixed and don’t offer analytics.
In short, QR Code analytics turns a simple scan into a smart marketing tool, so you can make data-backed decisions with ease.
Did you know that 20% of B2B marketers now use predictive analytics to optimize their campaigns and get better ROIs? Source: gitniux.org
QR Code analytics have changed the game for modern marketing, offering deep insights that can dramatically improve your strategies. Here’s why it’s so important:
B. Why QR Code analytics matter more than ever?
QR Codes have moved far beyond simple link sharing. Today, they’re powerful marketing tools, and when combined with analytics, they unlock a whole new level of insight.
Here’s why QR Code analytics are a game-changer for modern marketing:
1. Track campaign success in real-time
Know exactly how many people scan your QR Codes and when. These real-time insights help you see what’s working and what needs a tweak.
2. Understand audience behavior
Analytics reveal scan patterns like location, time, device, browser, and more. This helps you learn when and where your audience is most engaged.
3. Improve targeting
See which locations or customer segments engage the most. Use this to tailor your content and focus your efforts where it matters.
4. Make smarter budget choices
Why waste budget on low-performing materials? Use scan data to double down on what’s working and cut what’s not.
5. Enhance user experience
If a QR Code has low scans, it could be due to poor design or bad placement. Analytics help you identify and fix such issues fast.
6. Connect offline to online
Track how physical media (posters, flyers, packaging) drive digital actions like website visits, downloads, purchases, etc., giving you full-funnel visibility.
7. Personalize your campaigns
High scans from a certain city? Offer localized content. Analytics help you tailor messages that feel personal and relevant.
8. Adapt on the Go
With dynamic QR Codes, you can change content or links anytime based on performance – no reprinting needed.
The take: Can you see who scanned your QR Code?
Yes, QR Code analytics give you a lot of helpful data, but they don’t show personal details like names or phone numbers.
That’s because modern platforms (like Scanova) follow strict privacy rules, including GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001:2022 compliance.
Here’s what you can see:
- Type of device used (iOS, Android, etc.)
- Browser and operating system
- Approximate scan location (like city or region)
- Time and date of each scan
- Number of total and unique scans
- Patterns in user behavior (like time on page, clicks, or repeat scans)
Here’s what you can’t see:
- Personal names or email addresses
- Phone numbers or contact info
- Exact addresses or GPS-level data
- Any private info, unless users give it willingly
Big Data analytics for the healthcare industry could reach $79.23 billion by 2028. Source: explodingtopics
Want to collect leads? You can! Just use a form after the scan. Many brands add a landing page or sign-up form right after the QR Code is scanned. As Daniela Gutierrez from Hitachi Vantara shared,
“We have increased our leads by 10x with Scanova.”
Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes: Which one tracks better?
If you care about analytics, dynamic QR Codes are the clear winner. Here’s why:
| Feature | Static QR Codes | Dynamic QR Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Tracking | ❌ None | ✅ Full tracking |
| Content Updates | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Change anytime |
| Location Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ City/region-level |
| Device Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Conversion Tracking | ❌ Manual only | ✅ Automated |
| Cost | ✅ Often free | ✅ Worth the ROI |
Static QR Codes are good for simple, one-time uses like linking to a fixed website or sharing contact info. But they can’t be updated and don’t offer insights.
Dynamic QR Codes offer:
- Scan tracking
- Editable links
- Conversion data
- Advanced features like A/B testing or conditional redirects
C. How QR Code analytics help you track what matters?
A QR Code isn’t just a bridge between offline and online. It’s also a smart tracking tool that tells you how well your campaigns are doing.
When someone scans your QR Code, it quietly collects valuable data. This helps you see what’s working, where people are engaging, and how to improve.
Here are the key QR Code metrics you should track:
1. Total scans: See how many times your QR Code has been scanned. It’s the simplest way to measure interest.
2. Unique scans: This shows how many different people scanned your QR Code. It helps you understand the true reach of your campaign.
3. Time of scans: Know when users are most active. These insights help you time your promotions for better engagement.
4. Location of scans: Find out where your QR Codes are getting scanned, right down to the city or even the venue. Use this to target high-performing regions.
5. Device type: See whether people are scanning with Android, iOS, or something else. This helps you optimize your content across devices.
6. Operating system: Go deeper and check if users are on iOS, Android, or a desktop OS. This ensures your linked content runs smoothly for your top users.
7. Scan frequency: Learn how often individual users scan your QR Code. High repeat scans might mean strong interest or maybe users need help finding info.
8. Browsers used: Track the most common browsers, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, that users are using to access your content. This helps ensure your landing pages load well across platforms.
9. User behavior: Event tracking tells you what users do after scanning:
- Time spent on the page
- Clicks and bounce rates
- Conversion rates
These insights show how engaging and effective your content really is.
10: Referral sources: If your QR Code leads to a webpage, event tracking helps you see where your visitors are coming from, social media, email, or another campaign.
Together, these metrics help you build better, smarter campaigns. Instead of guessing, you get real data that helps you improve performance, prove ROI, and stay ahead.
And remember, only Dynamic QR Codes can give you this level of insight. So, if you’re serious about tracking and optimizing, make sure you’re using the right kind of QR Code.
The Take: What analytics can you get from QR Codes?
QR Code analytics provide comprehensive data points that help marketers understand user behavior and campaign effectiveness:
Core metrics available:
| Metric Category | Data Points | Business Value |
| Scan Volume | Total scans, unique scans, repeat scans | Campaign reach and engagement |
| Demographics | Geographic location, device type, OS | Audience insights and targeting |
| Temporal Data | Scan date, time, day of week | Optimal timing and scheduling |
| Engagement | Time on site, bounce rate, conversions | Content effectiveness and ROI |
D. How to set up QR Code analytics using Scanova?
1. Create a QR Code
- Go to Scanova. Click on Create QR Code
- Select the Website URL category from amongst other QR Code categories.
- Enter the link you want to encode in the QR Code. You can also go for Advanced Settings in the same step
- Here, you can tick the Conditional Redirection and select the redirection method Country, Device, and Operating System
- Once selected, click on Add Condition, followed by selecting the required field and the corresponding URL
- Now, click Continue
- On the page that loads, name the QR Code and click Create QR Code
- Next, you’ll see the preview of the QR Code along with the Edit Design button
- If you click on it, you’ll see the QR Code design options that allow you to add a logo and color to your QR Code.
Note that a customized QR Code attracts more scans than a black-and-white one. Hence, to attract maximum scans, design your QR Code.
- Once your QR Code is ready, say after you design it, you can preview it. If everything looks fine, proceed to download.
- To download the QR Code, you need to create an account. Here, Sign Up to get started with a 14-day free trial.
- Once you Sign Up, click on the download icon. A pop-up will appear prompting you to specify QR Code image size and format. Once you enter the details, click Export
That’s it. Your QR Code for the website URL is now ready! Simply test it once before you go ahead with mass-printing.
2. Reach out to your target audience
Now that you’ve created the QR Code, add it to your promotional material. It could be flyers, banners, brochures, or magazines.
And make sure you follow QR Code best practices, such as adding an appropriate instruction (call-to-action statement) with it. For example: Scan here to visit our website.
It will convey to the audience what they need to do or what to expect after scanning the QR Code.
Finally, hand out the promotional material to your target audience. And wait for some time to gather the data.
3. Track analytics
You’ll have to log in to your QR Code generator’s website to track the scanning activity.
Using Scanova for a demo, here’s how you can do it:
a. Log in to your Scanova account
b. Go to the dashboard and click Analytics
c. On the next page, select the QR Code(s) along with the period for which you want to monitor the analytics
d. Once done, click Get Analytics
That’s it. You’ll then be able to view the tracking data. When it comes to QR Code technology, tracking the right metrics can provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness and reach of your campaigns.
Marketing analytics influence 53% of companies’ marketing decisions. Source: Gartner
E. Integrating QR Code analytics with other marketing tools
Integrating QR Code analytics with other marketing tools can supercharge your campaigns, offering deeper insights and more seamless tracking.
Here’s how to make the most of this integration:
1. CRM systems
- Unified data: Combine QR Code analytics with your CRM system to create a comprehensive view of customer interactions. Track the entire customer journey from QR Code scan to conversion.
- Personalized marketing: Use the data to segment your audience and tailor follow-up communications, like targeted emails or special offers, based on their interactions.
2. Marketing automation platforms
- Automated campaigns: Set up workflows that trigger automatically when someone scans a QR Code. For example, a scan can initiate a welcome email series or a special promotion.
- Behavior-based targeting: Feed QR Code interaction data into your automation platform to deliver more personalized and timely content based on user behavior.
3. Analytics tools
- Unified reporting: Integrate QR Code data with tools like Google Analytics to get a complete view of your marketing efforts across all channels.
- Deep insights: Analyze how QR Code scans impact website traffic, conversions, and overall user engagement, giving you a fuller picture of your marketing performance.
4. Email marketing tools
- Enhanced tracking: Add QR Codes to your email campaigns and track their effectiveness. See which emails drive the most scans and refine your strategy accordingly.
- Follow-up actions: Use scan data to trigger follow-up emails, offering more information or exclusive deals to those who engage with your QR Codes.
5. Social media platforms
- Campaign boosting: Share QR Codes in your social media posts and ads, then track engagement to see which platforms and posts drive the most interaction.
- Audience insights: Combine QR Code data with social media analytics to better understand your audience and improve your social media strategy.
6. E-commerce platforms
- Streamlined shopping: Include QR Codes on product packaging or in-store displays to link directly to product pages. Track scans to see which products are most popular.
- Purchase behavior: Analyze how QR Code scans correlate with sales to refine your marketing and sales tactics.
7. Event management tools
- Engagement tracking: Use QR Codes on event tickets or promotional materials to track attendee engagement and participation.
- Real-time updates: Provide attendees with real-time updates and personalized content by linking QR Code scans to your event management system.
8. Advertising platforms
- Performance measurement: Incorporate QR Codes into your print and digital ads to measure their effectiveness. Track which ads generate the most scans.
- ROI calculation: Combine QR Code data with ad spend to calculate the return on investment for your advertising campaigns.
9. Content management systems (CMS)
- Content access: Use QR Codes in physical publications to link to digital content. Track scans to see how users engage with your online materials.
- Engagement metrics: Monitor how QR Code scans drive traffic to your website and use this data to improve your content strategy.
10. Implementation tips
- API integration: Use APIs to connect your QR Code analytics with other marketing tools, ensuring seamless data flow enhanced by a semantic layer for consistent data interpretation.
- Custom dashboards: Create dashboards that aggregate data from QR Code analytics and other tools for a comprehensive view of your marketing performance.
- Continuous review: Regularly analyze the integrated data to identify trends, measure campaign success, and make data-driven decisions for optimization.
F. Who should definitely use QR Code analytics?
QR Code analytics aren’t just for tech teams – they’re useful for anyone trying to engage users, drive actions, or prove impact.
Whether you’re running a business, promoting a product, or hosting an event, this data helps you understand what’s working.
Here’s how different teams and industries can benefit:
| Who | How They Use QR Code Analytics |
|---|---|
| Marketers & Advertisers | Track scan rates, test different creatives, and measure ROI across offline and digital campaigns. |
| Retailers & Restaurants | Understand which in-store signs or product tags get the most engagement. Spot peak shopping hours and top-performing offers. |
| Event Organizers | Use QR Codes for check-ins, material distribution, and live session tracking. Improve event layouts and session planning with real-time insights. |
| E-commerce Brands | Place QR Codes on packaging or receipts to track interest in loyalty programs, upsell offers, or product tutorials. |
| Healthcare Providers | Monitor patient engagement with QR Codes on brochures, posters, and medication packaging. Improve health info delivery. |
| Real Estate Agents | Use QR Codes on signs or flyers to track property interest. Know which listings attract more attention and when. |
| Educational Institutions | Track student participation and engagement with learning materials. Optimize lesson plans based on usage trends. |
| Nonprofits & NGOs | Track how well donation or awareness campaigns perform using print or event-based QR Codes. Adjust outreach based on region. |
| Government Agencies | Use QR Codes to spread public info. See how many people engage with specific programs or health campaigns. |
| Content Creators | Know which platforms or posts are driving the most QR Code traffic. Track engagement for better cross-platform promotion. |
| Logistics & Manufacturers | Track inventory movement, product activations, or warranty signups using embedded QR Codes. Improve transparency and efficiency. |
| Tourism & Museums | Enhance visitor experiences by offering digital tours or extra info. Use scan data to improve signage and content. |
G. When should you use QR Code analytics?
QR Code analytics shine when you’re trying to turn offline interactions into measurable digital actions. They help you see how real-world engagement turns into online behavior.
Here are some key moments to use QR Code analytics:
- Marketing Campaigns
Run a new ad or promotion? Add a QR Code and track how many people engage with it. You’ll get data on what channels and creatives drive results. - Product Launches
Place QR Codes on packaging, posters, or store displays. Track which products attract the most attention and use the data to shape your go-to-market strategy. - Events & Conferences
Add QR Codes to passes, booths, or banners. Monitor which sessions or stalls get the most traffic, and see how long attendees stay engaged. - Customer Feedback & Surveys
Place QR Codes at checkout counters or on receipts to collect feedback. Use analytics to spot trends in response times, regions, or scan frequency. - Retail & In-Store Promotions
Use QR Codes on shelf talkers, posters, or product tags. Learn what triggers customer interest and which offers perform best. - Print Media Campaigns
Embed QR Codes in flyers, brochures, or magazine ads. Track how well your print content drives traffic compared to digital. - Logistics & Inventory Tracking
QR Codes on shipments help you monitor product flow. Use analytics to detect delays, bottlenecks, or frequent scan locations. - Education & Training
Place QR Codes in study guides or classroom posters. Analyze usage to see which materials are most helpful and when students engage. - Healthcare & Public Info
Add QR Codes to prescription leaflets or health posters. Track how often patients access further info, and what formats work best. - Real Estate
Use QR Codes on window displays and open house signs. Know which properties spark the most interest, and refine listings accordingly. - Tourism & Attractions
Enhance physical spaces with digital layers like adding QR Codes for extra stories, AR experiences, or maps. Use scans to learn what visitors explore most. - Restaurants & Cafes
Digital menus via QR Codes aren’t just convenient, they also show you what’s popular. Track when people order and what gets the most views. - Fundraising & Nonprofits
QR Codes on donation forms, posters, or event flyers help track which campaigns perform best and where support is coming from. - Corporate Training & Onboarding
Embed QR Codes into guides or checklists. See which teams engage with training and where improvements are needed.
H. Key benefits of using QR Code analytics!
QR Code analytics go far beyond simple scan counts. They give you real, actionable insights that can change how you run campaigns, engage customers, and improve your results.
Here’s what makes them so powerful:
- Track Performance in Real-Time
See what’s working now – not just after the campaign ends. Adjust strategies instantly based on what the numbers tell you. - Understand Your Audience
Know where your audience is, when they scan, and what device they’re using. Use this to tailor messaging and format. - Improve Engagement
Spot patterns in scan behavior. Use high-performing CTAs, visuals, or placements again and drop the ones that flop. - Get More ROI from Less Spend
Instead of spreading your budget thin, focus on what works. Use scan data to reallocate spend to high-converting materials. - Deliver a Better Experience
If a QR Code isn’t getting scans, maybe it’s too small or poorly placed. Use insights to fix these issues quickly. - Bridge the Online-Offline Gap
Track how a flyer leads to a website visit, or how packaging triggers a purchase. Finally, connect the dots between channels. - Scale Easily
Use QR Codes across thousands of locations or products. Analytics will tell you what’s performing best, without the need for surveys. - Comply with Privacy Standards
Modern platforms like Scanova ensure data collection follows rules like GDPR and ISO, so you get insights without risking compliance.
I. Best Practices: Making the most out of QR Code tracking data
Tracking data is just the first step. To truly benefit, you need to use it smartly. Here are the top practices to get more from your QR Codes:
Keep Testing & Evolving
The best campaigns are never one-and-done. Keep learning, testing, and evolving your strategy with each scan.
Set Clear Goals
Decide what you’re measuring: sales, signups, feedback, or traffic. Without goals, data has no direction.
Use Dynamic QR Codes
Unlike static codes, dynamic ones let you change the URL and track every scan without needing to reprint anything.
Add UTM Parameters
Tag your links with campaign data. This helps you trace where the traffic goes and how it behaves once there.
Design for Mobile
Most scans happen on phones. Make sure your landing page loads fast, looks great, and is easy to use on small screens.
Place QR Codes Where People Look
Use eye-level spots, product packaging, or receipts, not hidden corners. High visibility = higher engagement.
Run A/B Tests
Try two designs or different CTA texts. Track which performs better and apply those learnings to future campaigns.
Monitor Performance Often
Check metrics weekly or monthly. If something dips, act quickly instead of waiting until the campaign is over.
Be Transparent About Data
Let users know what info you collect and why. Building trust improves scan rates and form fills.
Integrate with Tools You Already Use
Connect Scanova with Google Analytics, your CRM, or marketing platforms to get deeper insights across channels.
Act on What You Learn
Don’t just watch the data – use it well. Change QR Code placements, improve your content, and repeat what works.
Use Feedback Loops
If your QR Code leads to a form or survey, use that user input to improve future offers, copy, or content formats.
J. FAQs: QR Code analytics
1. What are QR Code analytics?
QR Code analytics refers to the tracking and analysis of data related to QR Code scans. This data includes metrics such as scan rates, scan locations, time of scans, and user demographics.
2. How do QR Code analytics work?
QR Code analytics work by embedding tracking mechanisms within QR Codes. When a user scans the code with a QR Code reader app, the app collects data about the scan and sends it to a designated analytics platform for analysis.
3. What types of data can be collected with QR Code analytics?
QR Code analytics can collect various types of data, including the number of scans, the location of scans (such as geographical location or physical location), time and date of scans, device types used for scanning, and user demographics (if available).
4. What can QR Code analytics be used for?
QR Code analytics can be used for a variety of purposes, including measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, tracking customer engagement, understanding user behavior, optimizing QR Code placement, and evaluating the success of specific QR Code initiatives.
5. How can QR Code analytics help businesses?
QR Code analytics can help businesses make informed decisions about their marketing strategies, product offerings, and customer engagement initiatives. By analyzing QR Code data, businesses can identify trends, track campaign performance, and tailor their approach to better meet customer needs.
6. Are QR Code analytics secure?
QR Code analytics platforms typically adhere to industry-standard security protocols to protect user data and ensure privacy. Businesses need to choose reputable analytics providers and comply with relevant data protection regulations to safeguard user information.
7. Can QR Code analytics integrate with other analytics platforms?
Yes, many QR Code analytics platforms offer integration with popular analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or marketing automation platforms. This allows businesses to consolidate QR Code data with other marketing data for comprehensive analysis.
8. How can I get started with QR Code analytics?
To get started with QR Code analytics, you’ll need to choose a QR Code generation and analytics platform that meets your needs. Once you’ve generated QR Codes and deployed them in your marketing materials or products, you can track and analyze scan data using the analytics dashboard provided by your chosen platform.
9. Are there any best practices for using QR Code analytics?
Yes, best practices for QR Code analytics include setting clear objectives, providing value to users through QR Code content, optimizing QR Code placement, tracking relevant metrics, and regularly analyzing data to make informed decisions and refine your approach.
10. What are some common challenges with QR Code analytics?
Common challenges with QR Code analytics include ensuring QR Code visibility and scannability, accurately tracking user interactions across different devices and platforms, and interpreting data to derive actionable insights that drive business results.
Summing Up
QR Code analytics can unlock powerful insights, helping you track engagement, optimize campaigns, and make smarter marketing decisions.
But to get the most out of it, you need the right tool. That’s where Scanova comes in. With dynamic QR Codes, real-time tracking, detailed reporting, and privacy-compliant data collection, Scanova makes it easy to turn every scan into action.
Whether you’re a marketer, event planner, or business owner, Scanova gives you everything you need to track performance, boost ROI, and scale your strategy with confidence.
Ready to take your QR Code campaigns to the next level? Start with Scanova today.
If you’re still reading, you’ve learned everything about QR Code analytics. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.