How to Track QR Code Scans for Free Using URL Shorteners

You’ve designed a beautiful, eye-catching QR code for your business card, flyer, or product packaging. You know it’s a great way to bridge the physical and digital worlds, but now you have a big question: Is anyone actually scanning it?

Most people think you need a complex, expensive service to get QR code analytics. The truth is, while dynamic QR codes offer built-in tracking, you can easily track QR code scans for free even with a static QR code. This guide will walk you through a simple, effective workaround using a popular tool you might already know: a URL shortener like Bitly. We’ll show you how to get valuable data on your QR code’s performance without spending a dime.

The Difference: Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Before we dive into the tracking method, it’s important to understand the two main types of QR codes.

• Static QR Codes: These codes store the destination URL directly in the pattern of the code itself. Once generated, the URL cannot be changed. This is a permanent, reliable, and free solution, but it lacks built-in tracking. This is the type of code you create with our free QR code generator. They never expire and are perfect for long-term use.
• Dynamic QR Codes: These codes use a redirect URL that can be changed at any time, even after the code has been printed. The key feature of dynamic codes is that they often come with a dashboard that provides detailed analytics on scans, location, time of day, and more. However, these services are almost always a paid subscription.

Our mission is to empower everyone with a powerful, free tool. By using a clever workaround, you can get the best of both worlds: a free, permanent static QR code with the ability to monitor its performance.

The Secret: Using a URL Shortener for QR Code Analytics

The “hack” to get qr code analytics on a static code is to not link directly to your final destination (e.g., your website) but instead to an intermediary link created by a URL shortener.

When a user scans your QR code, they are first sent to the URL shortener’s link. The shortener then logs the click before immediately redirecting the user to your intended destination. This simple step allows the URL shortener to act as your tracking dashboard.

Here’s the process in a nutshell:

1. Create a unique shortened URL for your destination page.
2. Use that shortened URL to generate your static QR code.
3. Place your QR code in the real world.
4. Monitor the scan data (clicks) from your URL shortener’s dashboard.

Let’s walk through this process step-by-step using Bitly, one of the most popular and reliable free URL shortening services.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Bitly QR Code with Tracking

Using a service like Bitly is a fantastic way to create a bitly qr code that you can actually track.

Step 1: Create Your Shortened Link

First, you’ll need to create your shortened URL.

1. Go to Bitly.com: Head over to their website and sign up for a free account.
2. Paste Your Long URL: In the dashboard, you’ll find a field to paste your original, long URL (e.g., https://qrcodesforfree.com/blog/).
3. Shorten the Link: Bitly will instantly generate a unique, shortened link for you (e.g., bit.ly/3gH7jKq). This is the link you will use for your QR code.
4. (Optional) Customize Your Link: You can often customize the end of your shortened link to make it more memorable (e.g., bit.ly/qrcodesforfree-blog).

Step 2: Generate Your QR Code

Now, with your new shortened link in hand, it’s time to generate your static QR code.

1. Visit Our Free QR Code Generator: Go to qrcodesforfree.com.
2. Enter Your Shortened URL: Paste the bit.ly link you just created into the URL field.
3. Customize Your Code: This is the fun part! You can now customize your QR code to match your brand. Change the colors, choose different dot and corner styles, and even upload your company logo to the center of the code for a professional look.
4. Download Your QR Code: Once you’re happy with the design, download your high-resolution QR code in your preferred format (PNG, JPG, or SVG).

Step 3: Place Your QR Code and Start Tracking

With your finalized QR code, you’re ready to put it to work.

1. Integrate the Code: Add the QR code to your marketing materials—business cards, brochures, posters, product packaging, etc.
2. Monitor Your Analytics: As people scan your QR code, each scan will register as a “click” on your Bitly link. Simply log in to your Bitly dashboard to see the total number of scans.
3. Analyze the Data: The free Bitly plan gives you basic but incredibly useful data: the total number of clicks, where the clicks came from (country level), and the time and date of the scans. This is all the essential information you need to measure the effectiveness of your QR code campaign.

Best Practices for Your Trackable QR Code

To get the most out of your efforts, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Unique Links: If you’re using QR codes on multiple materials (e.g., one on your business card, another on a flyer), create a separate, unique Bitly link for each one. This allows you to track which source is generating the most scans.
• Give a Clear Call to Action: Always include a brief instruction next to your QR code, such as “Scan to visit our website” or “Scan for a discount.” This encourages people to use it.
• Test Your Code: Before you print thousands of flyers, always test your finalized QR code with a few different phones and QR code scanner apps to make sure it works perfectly.
• Promote It! A great QR code is only as good as its visibility. Make sure you place it prominently where your audience can see and scan it easily.

Conclusion

You don’t need a fancy, expensive subscription to get valuable insights into your QR code’s performance. By using a free static QR code and pairing it with a free URL shortener like Bitly, you can track qr code scans free and gain the QR code analytics you need to make informed marketing decisions. This simple strategy gives you the power to monitor your campaigns, test different creative approaches, and ultimately measure your return on investment.

Ready to get started? Create a free, customized, and trackable QR code for your next project in just a few clicks. Our easy-to-use, no sign-up required generator provides you with a powerful tool for your business or personal use, with no hidden fees and no expiration dates.

Create Your Free QR Code Now!