The Official Rinard Media QR Code Generator

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What is a QR Code?

QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using smartphones. These square-shaped marvels can store various types of information, from simple text to website URLs, contact details, and more.

How Does a QR Code Work?

When a user scans a QR code with their smartphone camera or a QR code reader app, the encoded information is instantly accessible. The process works as follows:

  1. The camera or app recognizes the QR code's unique pattern.
  2. It decodes the information stored in the code's matrix.
  3. The user's device takes action based on the code's content (e.g., opening a webpage).

For marketers, this often means directing users to a specific webpage, which is where UTM parameters come into play.

Types of QR Codes

  • Static QR Codes: These contain fixed information that can't be changed after creation. (Our tool above creates these)
  • Dynamic QR Codes: Allow you to edit the destination URL without changing the QR code itself. Also lets you track metrics pertaining to user scans and activity)
  • vCard QR Codes: Contain contact information that can be directly saved to a phone's address book.
  • WiFi QR Codes: Enable quick connection to a WiFi network without typing the password.
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What does UTM mean?

UTM stands for Urchin Tracking Module, named after Urchin Software Corporation, which Google acquired in 2005. Don't let the technical name intimidate you - UTMs are simply tags added to a URL to help you track the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

What UTMs Do I Need to Use?

While there are five standard UTM parameters, our QR code generator focuses on three essential ones:

  1. Source (utm_source): Identifies where the traffic is coming from (e.g., billboard, flyer, business card)
  2. Medium (utm_medium): Indicates the marketing medium (e.g., qr, print, mail)
  3. Campaign (utm_campaign): Specifies the specific campaign or promotion (e.g., summer_sale, new_product_launch)

The other two parameters, which you can add manually if needed, are:

  1. Content (utm_content): Used to differentiate similar content or links within the same ad.
  2. Term (utm_term): Used for paid search to note the keywords for the ad.

How Does a UTM Work?

When someone scans your QR code and visits your website, the UTM parameters are passed along with the URL. This information is then captured by your analytics tool, allowing you to see exactly which QR code and campaign drove that traffic. For example, a URL with UTM parameters might look like this:


https://www.yourwebsite.com/landing-page?utm_source=summer_catalog&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=back_to_school_2024

How to Use Our QR Code Generator

  1. Enter your destination URL
  2. Fill in the UTM parameters:
    • Source (e.g., summer_catalog)
    • Medium (e.g., qr)
    • Campaign (e.g., back_to_school_2024)
  3. Customize your QR code design (optional)
  4. Generate your QR code
  5. Download and place it in your marketing materials

Best Practices for QR Codes with UTM Tracking

  • Keep it Simple: Use short, descriptive terms for your UTM parameters.
  • Be Consistent: Develop a naming convention for your campaigns and stick to it.
  • Test Before Launch: Always scan your QR code to ensure it works correctly.
  • Provide Context: Let users know what to expect when they scan your QR code.
  • Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your analytics and refine your approach based on the data.
  • Ensure Mobile-Friendliness: Make sure your landing pages are optimized for mobile devices.
  • Use High-Contrast Colors: For better scannability, use dark-colored QR codes on light backgrounds.

Are QR codes safe to use?

Generally, yes. QR codes themselves are not inherently dangerous. However, as with any link, be cautious about scanning codes from untrusted sources. Our generator creates safe, non-malicious QR codes.

Can I track how many times my QR code has been scanned?

While our generator doesn't provide direct scan tracking, using UTM parameters allows you to see how many visits your website receives from each QR code through your web analytics tool.

What's the ideal size for a QR code?

The minimum size should be 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches). For print materials, a good rule of thumb is to make your QR code about 10% of the size of the print area.

Can I use emojis in my UTM parameters?

While technically possible, it's not recommended. Stick to simple alphanumeric characters to ensure compatibility across all systems.

How do QR codes differ from barcodes?

QR codes can store much more information than traditional barcodes and can be scanned from any direction. They're also designed to be read by smartphones, making them more versatile for marketing purposes.