Static QR Codes vs Dynamic QR Codes: Learn the Differences

Dynamic QR Codes are often the top choice for marketers because they are continually editable, trackable, and customizable, making them more versatile than Static QR Codes. Here we’ve covered the pros and cons in both QR Codes.

What is a Static QR Code?

Static QR Codes are QR Codes that can’t be changed once they are created. These are, for example, email and text Codes, which don’t gather any tracking metrics.

What is a Dynamic QR Code?

While Static QR Codes contain fixed information, Dynamic QR Codes have the possibility to be edited after completion. Both the type of QR Code and the content are editable as many times as needed. They use a short URL to send users to the landing page of your desire as well as monitor statistics for information such as the number of scans, location and operating system used.

Depending on your needs, both QR Codes are useful

While Static QR Codes are not ideal for the business or marketing world due to their lack of adaptability, they do function well for personal use because you are likely not tracking your campaign metrics. Nonetheless, if you do use a Dynamic QR Code for personal use, at least the information is still always editable. A few examples of using QR Codes for personal use as outlined below.

On a resume

If you’re a student or new graduate, you’re probably planning to attend some networking events and job fairs. It’s always a good idea to bring your resume to these events in case you find the perfect job and want to apply. Go a step further and make it even easier to get hired by adding a PDF QR Code to your resume. While other applicants will be left in a stack of papers, your resume has already been emailed to the hiring manager with the click of a button.

In an emergency

Quite a unique use of QR Codes can be used during travel or when there’s an emergency. If you have a particular allergy, require important medication or simply want to have information such as your blood type ready for medical personnel, having a vCard Plus QR Code could end up saving lives. Attach it to your keychain or keep a laminated card in your wallet so it’s ready when you need it the most.

Easily display image galleries

When planning your wedding, it’s easy for small things to get lost in the chaos. QR Codes can help in multiple ways for large events such as this. Before your wedding, you can organize the planning and offer a way for guests to RSVP by using an Event QR Code. Once the wedding is finished and you want to share the photos with all the guests, use an Image Gallery QR Code and keep all your photos in one easily accessible place.

Uses of Dynamic QR Codes

Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, have a near endless possibility of use cases because they can be used in so many ways. Though the possibilities are endless, here are some noteworthy examples below.

In the government

Seriously, the government can use QR Codes? Why, yes! Many of us know the feeling of how tough it can be to keep up with a governmental institution’s office hours. They are often changing and are unclear about when they’re closed and open (especially during the holidays). A sign or billboard isn’t easy to fix or update, so why not use a Business Page QR Code instead? This makes it simpler for visitors to understand when this office is open as the hours are being updated, probably relieving a whole lot of grumpy feedback! Furthermore, if you want to improve based on feedback, governmental offices can remove the headache of their already mountains of paperwork by accumulating digital feedback surveys collected from a Feedback QR Code.

Increase app downloads

Let’s say you’re a mobile game company and you’re looking to gain more users. The majority of websites will use the typical download link. But…what if a user is on a desktop? This means they need to get their phone and then find a way to get to that link again or search in the appropriate app store. Nowadays people are lazy and they will find any small reason not to make a purchase. Lessen the effort required for them to begin by adding an App Store QR Code directly to your website so customers can scan it and immediately begin playing.

Gather reviews for your restaurant

According to TripAdvisor, 85% of its users have a higher likelihood of eating at a restaurant that responds to reviews. Reviews are a crucial part of the hospitality industry in general and are a big factor for whether a customer comes to visit you or not. Gathering reviews don’t need to be a difficult process. One method for starting or improving your number of reviews is by using a Rating QR Code. This can be printed on the receipt, menu, as well as a part of the table decoration. Just make sure to respond to the reviews after customers leave them, especially negative ones!

Using dynamic QR Codes has big advantages

We recommend using a Dynamic QR Code in the majority of cases because it has so much flexibility. Here are a few noteworthy reasons:

Monitor important statistics

The biggest reason why you would opt for a Dynamic QR Code is that you can collect all the tracking information from it. These include metrics such as when and where it was scanned, as well as the operating system of the device used. These are the key elements to understanding whether or not your marketing campaign has been successful. This allows you to make necessary adjustments to improve the campaign based on this data.

Add or change information easily

A second extremely important benefit of Dynamic QR Codes is that you can edit then after they’ve been printed. Say you add a new landing page to your website, you’ve decided to change from written content to a video or you want to add further information to the QR Code. All of this is changeable at any point in time and as many times as you need, which saves both time and money.

Possibility to fix mistakes

Maybe the link you’ve added to the first QR Code was the wrong one? Or the wrong PDF was given for download? Dynamic QR Codes erase any sort of worry when it comes to mistakes, once again due to their editability. Instead of having to make a completely new Code, simply edit the Code to fix the mistake and problem solved!

The use of short URLs

Dynamic QR Codes use short URLs, meaning a link that is simpler and smaller than the actual URL Code used to connect the user to whichever information you’d like them to see. The reasoning behind using short URLs is they make scanning and loading times faster. Furthermore, short URLs are often also easier to edit.

Go with the flow in your marketing campaign

It could be that the landing page you need for this particular campaign isn’t finished yet, or there will be upcoming changes to its structure and you want to prepare the campaign so it’s ready for the changes with a quick flip of the switch. For anything that requires changes, QR Code Generator offers tons of options, including changes to the type, structure and informational portion of your Dynamic QR Code.

5 Simple Steps to Create a Dynamic QR Code

#1 Choose a type of Dynamic QR Code

Using QR Code Generator’s software, select the type of Dynamic QR Code required from the list. The type that is suitable depends entirely on the requirements and how you want to use it, but the important note is that all Dynamic QR Codes are editable.

#2 Add the required basic information

Once you have selected the type that is most suitable, fill in the respective information. This could be a website, a social media link, a PDF, and more.

#3 Customize and style

QR Code Generator allows for a high level of customization when it comes to the materials linked to your QR Code. You can add different descriptions, show your logo, and use colors that match your branding style.

#4 Personalize your QR Code

The QR Code you create can also be individually styled. There is the possibility to use various frames, logos, CTAs, and colors. Make sure that your Code is readable against any background elements it could clash with.

#5 Download the QR Code

After your QR Code has been completed, save it to your designs. It can then be downloaded to be placed onto whichever material you’d like to use it for.