QR Codes for Offline Marketing
Quick Answer
Generate QR codes for your affiliate links to track offline referrals from business cards, flyers, events, and in-person meetings. QR codes work exactly like regular affiliate links—when scanned, they set the 60-day attribution cookie and track all purchases within the first 12 months.
Overview
QR codes bridge the gap between offline marketing and online conversions. They're perfect for networking events, printed materials, and face-to-face meetings where typing a long URL isn't practical. Your QR code maintains full tracking capabilities, ensuring you earn your 30% commission on all referred business.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access Your Affiliate Portal
Log into your Affiliate Portal at affiliate.heritageweb.com
Navigate to "Links & Creatives" in the main menu
Select "QR Code Generator"
Step 2: Generate Your QR Code
Choose your base tracking link or create a new campaign link
Add UTM parameters if desired (utm_source=businesscard, utm_medium=qr)
Click "Generate QR Code"
Select your preferred size (minimum 1 inch square for print)
Step 3: Download and Test
Download in your preferred format (PNG for print, SVG for scalability)
Test scan with your phone to verify it works
Confirm it redirects to the correct Heritage Web page
Check that tracking shows in your analytics within 5-10 minutes
Best Practices for QR Code Usage
Business Cards
Place QR code on back of card
Include text "Scan for Heritage Web"
Ensure minimum 1-inch size for reliable scanning
Leave white space around code
Event Materials
Use on banners, booth displays, and handouts
Create event-specific QR codes with utm_source=eventname
Display at eye level for easy scanning
Include call-to-action text
Print Advertisements
Size at least 1.5 inches for magazines/flyers
Test print quality before mass production
Include backup short URL below QR code
Track each publication with unique UTM parameters
Important Notes
Attribution Works Identically: QR codes set the same 60-day cookie as regular links. Once someone creates an account after scanning, you earn 30% commission on all their purchases for 12 months.
Mobile-First Experience: Most QR scans happen on mobile devices. Ensure your landing pages are mobile-optimized for best conversion rates.
Track Different Campaigns: Create unique QR codes for different offline channels to measure what works best. Your analytics will show which sources drive the most referrals.
FAQs
Q: Do QR codes expire? A: No, QR codes are permanent. However, the 60-day attribution cookie starts when scanned, and commission eligibility is for 12 months from account creation.
Q: Can I use QR codes for enterprise referrals? A: Yes, but remember to email [email protected] BEFORE the enterprise client signs up to ensure proper bulk attribution.
Q: How do I track which QR code generated a referral? A: Use unique UTM parameters for each QR code. These appear in your Affiliate Portal analytics, showing exactly which offline source generated each referral.
Q: What if someone scans but signs up later? A: The 60-day cookie persists across all Heritage Web domains. As long as they create an account within 60 days of scanning, you'll receive attribution.
Next Steps
Generate QR codes for your most common offline touchpoints
Order business cards with your QR code
Create event-specific QR codes for upcoming networking
Test all QR codes before printing materials
Related Articles
Tracking Offline Referrals and In-Person Conversions
Creating Multiple Campaign Links
Understanding the 60-Day Cookie Window