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Free UTM Builder for QR Codes

Generate UTM-tagged URLs for your printed QR code campaigns. Track flyers, business cards, yard signs, and more in Google Analytics.

Build Your UTM Link

Generated URL

Fill in the required fields above to generate your UTM link…

Quick Presets for QR Campaigns

Click a preset to fill recommended UTM values for common printed QR code use cases.

UTM Best Practices for QR Codes

  • Use lowercase and underscores for all UTM values (e.g. spring_sale, not Spring Sale). Google Analytics is case-sensitive.
  • Set utm_medium=print for most printed materials. Use outdoor for signage and wraps.
  • Use unique utm_campaign names for each campaign so you can compare performance over time.
  • Use utm_content to differentiate placement—e.g., "card_front" vs "card_back" or "store_downtown" vs "store_airport".
  • Pair UTM tracking with a dynamic QR code so you can update the destination without reprinting.
  • Follow QR code sizing guidelines to ensure your printed codes scan reliably.
  • Never include personal information (names, emails, phone numbers) in UTM parameters. They're visible in URLs and analytics reports.

What Each UTM Field Means

utm_source

Where the traffic comes from. For QR codes this is usually the physical medium: "flyer", "business_card", "yard_sign".

utm_medium

The marketing channel. Use "print" for paper materials, "outdoor" for signage, or "event" for trade shows and conferences.

utm_campaign

The specific campaign name. Use descriptive, consistent names like "spring_sale_2026" or "grand_opening".

utm_content

Differentiates variations. Use this to A/B test designs ("version_a" vs "version_b") or track placement ("front_door" vs "counter").

utm_term

Originally for paid search keywords. For QR campaigns, you can repurpose it for any extra segmentation dimension you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are UTM parameters?

UTM parameters are tags you add to a URL so analytics tools like Google Analytics can tell you exactly where your traffic came from. They include utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign, utm_content, and utm_term.

Do UTM parameters work with QR codes?

Yes! When you encode a UTM-tagged URL into a QR code, every scan is attributed to the correct source in your analytics. This is the best way to measure offline-to-online campaign performance.

What should utm_medium be for printed materials?

Use "print" for most printed materials like flyers, business cards, and posters. For outdoor media like yard signs or vehicle wraps, "outdoor" is more descriptive. Consistency is key—pick a convention and stick with it.

Should I use different UTMs for different locations?

Yes. Use utm_content or utm_campaign to differentiate locations. For example, utm_campaign=spring_sale and utm_content=store_downtown vs utm_content=store_airport. This lets you compare performance by location.

Will UTM parameters affect my SEO?

No. Google treats UTM parameters as tracking tokens and ignores them for ranking purposes. However, use canonical tags on your landing pages to prevent duplicate content issues if the same page is accessed with different UTM strings.

How do I track QR code scans vs website sessions?

UTM parameters track website sessions in Google Analytics. For scan-level data (device type, location, time), use a QR tracking platform like QRTracker that records each scan independently before redirecting to your UTM-tagged URL.

Can I shorten the UTM-tagged URL?

You don't need to! QR codes can encode long URLs without any problem—the QR code just gets slightly denser. If you're using a dynamic QR code from QRTracker, the tracking URL is already short.

Can I change the destination URL later?

Not with UTM parameters alone—they're baked into the URL. But if you create a dynamic QR code with QRTracker, you can change the destination anytime without reprinting the QR code.

What's the difference between utm_content and utm_term?

utm_content differentiates variations of the same campaign (e.g., two different flyer designs). utm_term is traditionally used for paid search keywords but can be repurposed for any additional segmentation you need.

Should I put personal information in UTM parameters?

Never. UTM parameters are visible in the URL and in analytics reports. Never include names, email addresses, phone numbers, or any personally identifiable information (PII). Use anonymous identifiers instead.

Related Resources

Ready to Track Your QR Campaign?

Create a dynamic QR code with your UTM-tagged link and get real-time scan analytics—device types, locations, and more.