Find out which print ads people scan
To track a print ad with a QR code, use the Print Advertising template in Studio. Paste the page the ad should open, such as an offer or booking page. The template adds UTM tags (source qr, medium print) so the visits show up as a campaign in Google Analytics. Make one code per poster or publication to compare them. The code goes through a short link, so you can change the destination after printing, and every plan shows scans by day, device and approximate city.
Why the printed version falls short
A printed web address has to be read, remembered and typed
You can't tell a busy poster from an ignored one
Print visitors blend in with everyone else in your web analytics
A changed offer or a typo means reprinting
Comparing placements comes down to guesswork
Print Advertising with CirculateQR
Put a link code on posters, flyers and billboards. Each scan is counted, visits carry your campaign tags, and you can change the page the code opens after the ad is printed.
- People reach the right page without typing
- Scans over time for each code
- UTM source, medium and campaign tags on every visit
- One code per placement to compare them
- Change the destination after printing
- Print-ready PNG or PDF files, or SVG for basic codes
How to set it up
Paste the destination
Open the Print Advertising template in Studio and paste the page the ad should open.Name the campaign
The UTM tags start as source qr and medium print. Set the campaign name to match the ad so visits are easy to find in Google Analytics or a similar tool.Make one code per placement
To compare posters, flyers or publications, generate a separate code for each and name it after where it will run.Print and compare
Download PNG or PDF for your designer, or SVG for basic codes. Once the ad is out, compare scans by day, device and approximate city.
Useful extras
UTM tags
Source, medium and campaign are added to the link on every plan, so print traffic is easy to separate in your web analytics.
Editable destination
Point the code to a new page when the offer changes, without reprinting.
Expiry date
Stop the code working after the promotion ends. Scanners then see a neutral 'not active' page.
A/B splitStudio+
Send a share of scans to a second page to see which one people respond to.
A plan badge means that plan or higher is needed. Paid marketplace templates show their one-time price. Compare plans
CirculateQR vs printed web address and printed promo code
No typing needed
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed web address
- ✗
- Printed promo code
- ✗
Counts people who looked, not only buyers
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed web address
- △
- Printed promo code
- ✗
UTM campaign tags
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed web address
- △
- Printed promo code
- ✗
Change destination after printing
- CirculateQR
- ✓
- Printed web address
- ✗
- Printed promo code
- ✗
Ties to sales
- CirculateQR
- Through your analytics
- Printed web address
- △
- Printed promo code
- ✓
| CirculateQR | Printed web address | Printed promo code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No typing needed | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Counts people who looked, not only buyers | ✓ | △ | ✗ |
| UTM campaign tags | ✓ | △ | ✗ |
| Change destination after printing | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ties to sales | Through your analytics | △ | ✓ |
✓ yes · ✗ no · △ partly or with extra work
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell which poster or flyer a scan came from?
Yes, if each placement has its own code. Name each code after where it's printed and compare their scan counts. A single code can't tell placements apart.
Will CirculateQR show me sales from the ad?
It shows scans. The UTM tags let your own analytics tool connect those visits to purchases or sign-ups, so sales are measured there, not in CirculateQR.
What do the scan analytics include?
Time, device type, operating system, browser, phone language, and approximate city and country from the network. There's no GPS location. Bot scans are flagged and left out.
Can I change where the code goes after printing?
Yes. Edit the destination in Studio and publish again. The printed code stays the same.
How long does the code work on the free plan?
Dynamic codes on the free plan stay live for 14 days after publishing, then pause until you upgrade. For an ad that runs longer, use a paid plan, or make a one-time $5 payment to keep a single code live.
Related pages
More for Events & Entertainment
Features used here
Guides
Start with the Print Advertising 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.