How to track QR code scans

Tracking QR scans tells you whether your menu tent, estate board, or van sticker actually gets used — not just whether it looks good. Free-QR.co.uk records redirects so you can see totals and trends in your dashboard.

What gets measured

Each time someone scans your dynamic short link (e.g. https://free-qr.co.uk/r/yourcode12345) and we redirect them, that counts as a scan. You typically see:

• Total scans over time
• Per-QR breakdown when you run multiple codes
• Recent activity to spot spikes after campaigns

Exact metrics depend on your plan; Free includes 7 days of history, with longer retention on Pro and Pro+.

What you can learn

Restaurants

Lunch vs dinner scan patterns — adjust staffing or lunch promos. Compare table stickers near the door vs back wall.

Property boards

Spikes after a price reduction or new photos suggest board placement is working. Quiet boards may need repositioning or a larger QR.

Events

Track poster variants (A/B destinations) during ticket campaigns — see events guide.

Limits and privacy

We log redirect events for your analytics, not a full marketing profile of each visitor. For UK GDPR context when landing pages collect personal data, read QR codes and UK GDPR.

WiFi QR codes do not use redirect analytics in the same way — they encode network credentials directly.

Improve performance

1. Increase size if scans are low but footfall is high (sizing guide)
2. Add a short CTA: “Scan for menu” beats a bare code
3. Ensure landing pages load fast on mobile 4G
4. Use dynamic URLs so you can fix broken destinations without reprint

Getting started

Create a live QR from the builder, distribute print, then open Dashboard → your QR → Analytics. Compare weeks after menu or offer changes to see impact.