How to Create a URL QR Code
URL QR codes are the most common type of QR code - they direct users to websites, landing pages, videos, or any online content. Learn how to create effective link QR codes that drive traffic and engagement.
What is a URL QR Code?
A URL QR code (also called a link QR code or website QR code) encodes a web address that opens in the user's browser when scanned. This is the simplest and most versatile QR code type - perfect for directing people to product pages, promotional offers, video content, social media profiles, online menus, registration forms, or any web-based destination.
URL QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital marketing. They appear on business cards, product packaging, posters, magazine ads, billboards, restaurant tables, retail displays, and anywhere you want to drive offline audiences to online content.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your URL QR Code
Step 1: Prepare Your Destination URL
Before creating the QR code, ensure your destination URL is correct and ready:
URL Preparation Checklist:
- ✓ Test the URL: Visit it in a browser to confirm it loads correctly
- ✓ Use HTTPS: Secure URLs (https://) are more trustworthy than http://
- ✓ Mobile-optimize: Verify the page displays correctly on mobile devices
- ✓ Shorten if needed: Long URLs create complex QR codes - use URL shorteners for better scannability
- ✓ Add tracking: Include UTM parameters to track QR code performance in analytics
Step 2: Go to GoCreateQR
Visit GoCreateQR.com in your web browser. No account creation or email required - start generating immediately.
Step 3: Select the Link Tab
The Link (URL) tab is selected by default since it's the most common QR code type. Look for the 🌐 icon.
Step 4: Enter Your URL
Paste or type your complete URL into the input field:
URL Format Examples:
✓ Correct formats:
https://www.yourwebsite.com
https://yourwebsite.com/products/item-123
https://bit.ly/yourlink
✗ Problematic formats:
www.yourwebsite.com (missing https://)
yourwebsite (incomplete URL)
💡 Pro Tip: URL Shorteners
If your URL is longer than 50-60 characters, use a URL shortener like bit.ly, tinyurl.com, or create your own branded short domain (yourco.me). Shorter URLs create simpler, more scannable QR codes. Example: https://www.yourcompany.com/products/summer-sale-2025-limited-time-offer → yourco.me/summer
Step 5: Customize Your QR Code (Optional)
Click "Advanced Settings" to customize appearance and technical settings:
- Color Templates: 8 pre-designed color schemes or custom colors. Maintain high contrast (dark on light).
- Error Correction: Level M (15%) for most uses, Level Q (25%) for outdoor/high-wear, Level H (30%) if adding a logo.
- Size: Default works for most cases. Increase for large prints like posters.
- Format: PNG for digital use (websites, presentations), SVG for print (business cards, signs).
Step 6: Generate and Download
Click "Generate QR Code". Your QR code appears instantly in the preview. Download as PNG or SVG. The QR code is static - it works forever without depending on any service.
Step 7: Test Your QR Code
Always test before mass production:
- Display QR code on your computer screen
- Scan with your phone's camera app
- Verify it opens the correct URL
- Check that the page loads quickly on mobile
- Test on both iOS and Android if possible
- If printing, test a physical print sample at actual size
Common Use Cases for URL QR Codes
Product Packaging & Labels
Purpose: Drive customers to product instructions, videos, reviews, or related products
Example URLs:
- • Product manual: yourco.me/manual-123
- • How-to video: youtu.be/productdemo
- • Customer reviews: yourco.me/reviews
- • Warranty registration: yourco.me/register
Marketing Materials
Purpose: Convert offline viewers into online engagement
Example URLs:
- • Special offer landing page: yourco.me/spring-sale
- • Event registration: eventbrite.com/your-event
- • Download app: yourco.me/app
- • Contest entry: yourco.me/contest2025
Restaurant & Hospitality
Purpose: Provide menus, ordering, reviews, and reservations
Example URLs:
- • Digital menu: yourrestaurant.com/menu
- • Online ordering: doordash.com/yourrestaurant
- • Leave a review: g.page/yourrestaurant/review
- • Make reservation: opentable.com/yourrestaurant
Business Cards & Networking
Purpose: Direct contacts to portfolio, LinkedIn, or company website
Example URLs:
- • LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/yourname
- • Portfolio website: yourname.com
- • Company about page: yourcompany.com/about
- • Calendar booking: calendly.com/yourname
Retail & Point of Sale
Purpose: Provide additional product info, sizing, or promotions
Example URLs:
- • Size guide: yourstore.com/sizing
- • Style inspiration: instagram.com/yourstore
- • Join loyalty program: yourstore.com/rewards
- • Shop online: yourstore.com/shop
Advanced URL QR Code Techniques
Adding UTM Tracking Parameters
UTM parameters let you track QR code performance in Google Analytics. Add these to your URL to see which QR placements drive the most traffic:
UTM Parameter Structure:
https://yoursite.com/page?utm_source=qrcode&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring2025
- utm_source: Where QR is placed (qrcode, poster, businesscard)
- utm_medium: Marketing medium (print, digital, packaging)
- utm_campaign: Campaign name (spring2025, product-launch)
- utm_content: Specific placement (location-A, version-B) for A/B testing
Creating Multiple QR Codes for A/B Testing
Test which placements, designs, or call-to-actions perform best:
- Different locations: Create unique URLs for each placement (storefront vs checkout counter)
- Different offers: Test "10% off" vs "Free shipping" with separate tracking URLs
- Different designs: Test black vs colored QR codes with utm_content parameter
- Analyze results: After 2-4 weeks, review analytics to see which performed best, then scale winners
URL QR Code Best Practices
✓ Do: Keep URLs Short
Shorter URLs = simpler QR codes = faster scanning. Use URL shorteners for long links. Aim for under 50 characters.
✓ Do: Mobile-Optimize Landing Pages
95% of QR scans happen on mobile. Ensure destination pages load fast (<2 seconds), are responsive, and have clear CTAs.
✓ Do: Use HTTPS
Secure URLs build trust. Some browsers warn users about non-HTTPS sites, which can prevent conversions.
✗ Don't: Use Temporary URLs
Ensure URLs remain active for the lifetime of printed materials. Don't use URLs that expire or redirect to generic homepages later.
✗ Don't: Link to PDF Files Directly
PDFs can be slow to load and hard to read on mobile. Instead, link to a webpage that offers PDF download or displays content in mobile-friendly format.
Troubleshooting URL QR Codes
Problem: QR Code Goes to Wrong Page
Solution: Check for typos in the URL. Verify you copied the complete URL including https://. Test by pasting URL in browser first.
Problem: Page Loads Slowly After Scanning
Solution: Optimize landing page images, enable caching, use a CDN. Test page speed with Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for under 2-second load time.
Problem: Page Not Mobile-Friendly
Solution: Use responsive design. Test with Google Mobile-Friendly Test tool. Ensure text is readable without zooming and buttons are large enough to tap easily.
Conclusion
URL QR codes are the simplest yet most powerful tool for connecting offline audiences to online content. By following best practices - using short URLs, mobile-optimizing landing pages, testing thoroughly, and tracking performance - you can create QR codes that effectively drive traffic and conversions.
Whether you're linking to a product page, promotional offer, social media profile, or registration form, URL QR codes provide a seamless bridge between physical and digital marketing channels.
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