Take magazine readers from the page to your site
To use a QR code in a magazine ad, paste your landing page into the Magazine Ad template in Studio. It adds UTM tags (source qr, medium magazine) so your web analytics can report these visits separately. Download the code as SVG or PDF for the publisher. Because the code is a short link, you can change the landing page during long print lead times, and scan counts by day show when readers respond. Give each publication its own code to compare them.
Why the printed version falls short
Readers rarely type a URL from a magazine page
Print ads are hard to measure
Visits from the ad are mixed in with other web traffic
Long lead times mean the landing page may change before the issue is out
Different publications are hard to compare
Magazine Ads with CirculateQR
A link code in a magazine ad opens your page with no typing. Scans are counted, visits are tagged as coming from the magazine, and you can change the page after the issue prints.
- Readers scan and land on your page
- Visits tagged with UTM medium magazine
- Scan counts by day once the issue is out
- Change the landing page after the issue has gone to print
- Separate codes for each publication or issue
- Your logo and colors in the code on the Studio plan
How to set it up
Paste your landing page
Open the Magazine Ad template in Studio and paste the page readers should see, such as the product or offer in the ad.Tag the campaign
Keep source qr and medium magazine, and name the campaign or issue.Design and export
Pick colors that suit the ad, then download SVG or PDF for the publisher. Test a printed proof before the deadline.Compare results
Watch scans once the issue is out. If you run in several titles, give each one its own code and compare them.
Useful extras
Campaign Tags
UTM source, medium and campaign values let you report magazine traffic separately in Google Analytics or a similar tool.
Branded CodeStudio+
Put your logo in the center of the code and use your brand colors.
A/B TestStudio+
Split scans between two landing pages by percentage to see which one works better.
Tracking Pixel
Fire a Meta Pixel or GA4 tag when the code is scanned, before the reader is redirected.
A plan badge means that plan or higher is needed. Paid marketplace templates show their one-time price. Compare plans
CirculateQR vs printed url and plain qr code
No typing needed
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed URL
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✓
Scan counts by day
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed URL
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- ✗
UTM campaign tags
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed URL
- △
- Plain QR code
- ✓
Change landing page after print
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed URL
- △
- Plain QR code
- ✗
Your logo in the code
- CirculateQR
- Studio
- Printed URL
- ✗
- Plain QR code
- △
| CirculateQR | Printed URL | Plain QR code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No typing needed | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scan counts by day | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| UTM campaign tags | ✓ | △ | ✓ |
| Change landing page after print | ✓ | △ | ✗ |
| Your logo in the code | Studio | ✗ | △ |
✓ yes · ✗ no · △ partly or with extra work
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which magazine a scan came from?
Create a separate code for each publication or issue and name it. Each code has its own scan counts.
Does it track purchases?
CirculateQR counts scans. With UTM tags on the link, your web analytics tool can show what those visitors did on your site, including purchases if you track them there.
Will the code scan on glossy paper?
Usually, if it has strong contrast and enough clear space around it. SVG or PDF gives the sharpest print. Test a proof before the issue goes to press.
Can I change the page after the magazine is printed?
Yes. The code goes through a short link, so you can edit the destination in Studio and publish again.
Will the code still work months later?
On a paid plan, yes, while you subscribe and for 14 days after you cancel. On the free plan, codes pause 14 days after publishing, so use a paid plan for print runs.
Related pages
More for Marketing & Brand
Features used here
Guides
Start with the Magazine Ad template
The template opens in Studio with starter content filled in. Change the text, pick a design and download. The free plan needs no card.