In this article, we’ll show you how to use QR codes to track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns—both online and offline. You’ll learn how conversion tracking with QR codes works, what data you can collect, and why tools like SimpleQR are becoming essential in modern marketing.
QR Codes seem “unmeasurable”? Let’s bust that myth.
Marketers today want to measure everything: clicks, impressions, time on site. But when it comes to offline campaigns—like flyers, events, or OOH advertising—they often hit a wall: “You can’t track that.”
That’s simply not true. QR codes are making a comeback—not as a gimmick, but as a real, measurable conversion tool. If used right, they can become a powerful asset.
Why are QR Codes hot again?
Just a few years ago, QR codes were seen as outdated black-and-white boxes. Today, they’re a staple of high-performance marketing.
Why do marketers love them?
- Everyone can scan them. No app required, no barrier to entry.
- They’re cheap, fast, and transparent. You can launch them in minutes.
- They work without cookies. That makes them future-proof against privacy and legal changes.
- Perfect for omnichannel strategies. They connect physical assets (e.g., flyers, booths, ads) to digital analytics.
According to QRCodeChimp (2024), 36.4% of mobile phone users in Europe scan at least one QR code every week. That’s a clear sign of the growing popularity of QR codes as everyday engagement tools—and their massive potential in data-driven marketing.
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What exactly can you track with QR Codes?
When integrated with a tool like SimpleQR, marketers gain access to a detailed set of analytics that enable smarter campaign management:
- Scan and click counts — a basic engagement metric that shows how many users actually reacted to the QR code.
- Scan location — by country, city, and even device type (e.g., iOS vs Android). Crucial when testing multiple placements.
- Interaction time — specific day, hour, and time of day the code was scanned. Helps identify the best timing for future campaigns.
- Click-through rate (CTR) — lets you compare the effectiveness of QR codes to other channels like email, display ads, or social media.
- Post-scan actions — such as newsletter sign-up, PDF download, contact form submission, product purchase, or event registration. This data can be integrated into your CRM or marketing automation platform.
This kind of insight allows not only for evaluating the success of individual campaigns, but also for dynamic optimization, audience segmentation, and planning across the entire sales funnel (TOFU, MOFU, BOFU).
Thanks to this, QR codes are no longer just link bridges—they become real-time data sources for understanding user behavior and offline campaign performance.
Real-life examples: campaigns that convert with QR Codes
QR on a Flyer + UTM
Each printed flyer can include a unique QR code with assigned UTM parameters (e.g., utm_source=flyer2025&utm_campaign=spring). This allows for precise tracking of how many people scanned the code from a specific source, when they did it, and what they did next.
This approach enables not only the evaluation of different print formats (A4, folded, single-sided), but also the optimization of content and design for future campaigns.
QR in outdoor campaign + heatmap
In an outdoor campaign, QR codes were placed on billboards and citylights across three districts of a major city. Each location had a unique QR code with its own UTM parameters. Data analysis showed that one of the locations generated over half of all scans and registrations.
These results were visualized as a heatmap, which helped reallocate the budget to the most effective areas for the next campaign.
QR in email campaign + personalization
An email campaign featured dynamically generated QR codes—each recipient received a unique code tied to their email address. When scanned, the system tracked the exact time, device type, and user behavior: whether they downloaded an e-book, signed up for a demo, or filled out a contact form.
Thanks to CRM integration, the sales team received real-time information about who interacted with the offer. This helped reduce response times and improve the effectiveness of follow-up actions.
How to use SimpleQR in practice
Simple setup, big results:
- Create branded QR codes in a few clicks – customize with logo, color, and CTA.
- Configure UTM parameters and enable conversion tracking.
- Dashboard shows the data – scans, locations, devices, timestamps.
- Integrations with GA4, CRM systems, and email platforms.
You don't need technical knowledge—just an intuitive interface and ready-made templates.
SimpleQR supports QR code generation for various industries, including marketing, events, hospitality, and education.
Case: QR in retail – Tesco’s Clubcard campaign
In the UK, retail giant Tesco used QR codes in physical stores to promote its Clubcard loyalty app. The codes were placed near checkout counters, on leaflets, and printed receipts. Once scanned, users were directed to a landing page where they could download the app and activate a discount coupon.
Each QR code was paired with UTM parameters, which made it possible to track the source of interaction based on store location and the promotional material. The collected data was later analyzed to tailor future promotions to consumer behavior.
Campaign Results:
- 30% increase in app downloads within a month.
- 45% of users who scanned the QR code activated the promotional offer.
- Engagement rate doubled compared to previous email campaigns.
This shows that QR codes can be a powerful tool not only for lead generation, but also for re-engaging existing customers and bridging offline campaigns with mobile applications.
Start measuring campaign performance today
You don’t need to be a data analyst to track offline campaign performance. All it takes is a QR code, the right tool, and the willingness to learn from the results.
Start measuring with us – create your first branded QR code using SimpleQR
Download a free e-book with step-by-step instructions or launch the SimpleQR demo.
Veriori is a technology company specializing in solutions based on QR codes. It offers both simple tools for creating and managing QR codes – like SimpleQR – and advanced anti-counterfeiting systems, such as SecuredQR.
Veriori’s technologies support brands in marketing, product protection, and digital customer communication. Their solutions are used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, education, manufacturing, and culture.
