Set up privacy-respecting QR codes

QR codes, the square barcodes you scan with a phone, can connect print to your website without tracking people. Here is how I set them up so I can see which piece worked and still protect privacy.

Plan the destination

• Choose a clean URL on your own domain using HTTPS (a secure connection). Avoid query strings, tags or IDs.
• Create one short, human readable path per print piece, such as /menu-card.
• Set that path to redirect on your server to the final page. A redirect forwards the visitor automatically after the first request.
• Keep control on your domain. I avoid third party shorteners so nothing extra is added that I did not approve.

Create the QR code

• Use a generator that produces a static code, meaning the image directly encodes your URL with no third party redirect.
• Enter the clean URL and test the preview with a couple of different phones before you save it.
• Export to SVG for print, or a high resolution PNG if SVG is not available. SVG is a vector format that stays sharp at any size.
• Use high contrast, leave a white margin called a quiet zone around the code, and do not stretch or crop it.
• Print the plain text URL under the code so people can type it if they prefer.

Measure without tracking people

• Watch visits to the vanity path, meaning the short path you created for print, in your website analytics or server logs. Analytics count page hits. Server logs are automatic request records.
• Use a unique path per piece so you can compare which one gets more interest over time.
• Do not add UTM tags, which are tracking labels added to a URL, or unique IDs. If you see any appear, remove them in your redirect rules.
• Keep the landing page content and headline consistent with the print piece so visitors know they are in the right place.
• Run a small test. Hand out a few pieces, scan them yourself, then confirm your logs show the path.

Check when done

• The QR scans open with HTTPS and load quickly on common phones.
• The redirect lands on the correct page and the address bar shows your domain.
• Your analytics shows hits to the vanity path from your test scans.
• The printed URL under the code matches the QR exactly.

If you want help, I can design print pieces with clear QR targets through Content & Media > Print Design, align them with your look using Content & Media > Logo & Branding, and plan the campaign with Marketing > Plans.