Landing page vs redirect: When to use each – FreeQR

When you create a QR code in FreeQR, you choose where it sends people. You can build a landing page or redirect to an existing URL. Here is when to use each option.

The quick answer

Choose a landing page if...	Choose a redirect if...
You need to display multiple pieces of information	You already have a webpage you want to send people to
You do not have your own website	Your existing website works well on mobile
You want a link-in-bio style page	You want a single click to reach the destination
You need contact forms or downloads	Speed is critical (one less redirect)
You want everything in one place	You need advanced website features

What is a landing page?

A landing page is a mini website built inside FreeQR. You add components to create your page: text, images, links, contact info, videos, forms, and more.

What you get:

Full control over the content
No external website needed
Mobile-optimized by default
Everything managed in FreeQR
Analytics for page views and engagement

What is a redirect?

A redirect sends QR code scanners directly to a URL you specify. FreeQR's servers receive the scan, then immediately forward the visitor to your destination.

What you get:

Visitors go straight to your existing page
One click takes them to the destination
Your website handles the content
Analytics for scans (but not on-page behavior)

When to use a landing page

You do not have a website

A landing page gives you a professional web presence without building or paying for a website.

Example: A freelance photographer creates a landing page with their portfolio images, contact details, and social media links.

You need multiple pieces of information

Landing pages excel when you want to share several things at once.

Example: A restaurant creates a landing page with their menu, hours, location, phone number, and reservation link.

You want a link-in-bio page

Landing pages work well as a central hub linking to all your online presence.

Example: An influencer creates a landing page linking to their Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, newsletter signup, and online store.

You need to collect information

Use FreeQR's form component to collect emails, feedback, or registrations.

Example: An event organizer creates a landing page with event details and a registration form.

You want to share files

Landing pages can include downloadable documents.

Example: A real estate agent creates a landing page with property photos, details, and a downloadable PDF brochure.

When to use a redirect

You already have a great webpage

If you have a website that works well on mobile, skip the landing page and send people there directly.

Example: An e-commerce store redirects to their product page so customers can buy immediately.

Speed matters

Redirects have one fewer step. The visitor goes directly to your site without seeing an intermediate page.

Example: A restaurant redirects directly to their online ordering system during peak hours.

You need features FreeQR does not offer

Redirects let you use any website functionality.

Example: A software company redirects to their interactive demo that requires custom JavaScript.

You want analytics on your own site

If you track behavior with your own analytics tools, redirect to keep all data in one place.

Example: A marketing team redirects to a landing page on their website where they track conversions with their existing analytics setup.

Comparing the options

Feature	Landing page	Redirect
Requires external website	No	Yes
Number of clicks to content	1	2 (scan + redirect)
Full design control	Within FreeQR components	Your website design
Built-in forms	Yes	No (use your own)
File downloads	Yes	Your website handles
Mobile optimization	Automatic	Depends on your site
Analytics	Scans + page data	Scans only
Content management	FreeQR dashboard	Your website CMS

Can you change your choice later?

Yes. You can switch between a landing page and redirect at any time. Your QR code stays the same. Go to your QR code settings and change the destination type.

Note: If you switch from a landing page to a redirect, your landing page content is saved. You can switch back later and your content will still be there.

Making your choice

Start with these questions:

Do you have an existing webpage that works well on mobile?
Yes: Consider a redirect
No: Use a landing page
Do you need to share multiple pieces of information?
Yes: Use a landing page
No: A redirect might be simpler
Do you need forms, file downloads, or specific FreeQR features?
Yes: Use a landing page
No: Either option works
Is your audience tech-savvy and expecting to go straight to a website?
Yes: Consider a redirect
No: A landing page provides a cleaner experience

Common questions

Can I have both?

You can add links on your landing page that go to external websites. This gives you the best of both: a central hub with quick access to your existing pages.

Which is better for SEO?

Redirects send traffic to your own domain, which can help SEO. Landing pages on FreeQR's domain do not directly benefit your website's search rankings. If SEO matters, use a redirect.

Which loads faster?

Redirects are slightly faster because there is no page to render. However, the difference is usually not noticeable to users.

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