Let’s Talk About The Difference Between Dynamic and Static QR Codes.
QR Codes were always cool, even before COVID changed the way the world did business. It wasn’t until we were forced to communicate with commerce in a way that had never been done that the little pixel boxes had their golden moment. Now, QR codes are part of our every day lives. They help us check into hotels, order dinner, sign up for services, and even pick up prescription medicine! But there’s more to QR codes than some may realize – like a code that can transform uses! In this article I’m going to talk about the difference between dynamic and static QR codes. We’ll even cover a few examples of the best way to use them.
What is a static QR Code?
A static QR code is the oldest version of the technology. It’s often used for something with a single use. It’s called static because its purpose can’t change. Once you set up your static QR code you can’t point it to a different URL later. You might be asking yourself why would anyone use a static QR code then. Well, it’s actually got some great benefits. The biggest benefit we see from people using static QR codes is that they’re typically free! If you’ve got an event or a campaign that you only need something simple put together for then a static QR code is going to be great. Here are some examples of great times to use a static QR code:
- A private event that needs an online RSVP
- A convention or expo where you’ve set up a raffle. People can scan your QR code to sign up, you can then take that data later to pick your winner.
- If you have a smaller budget for a marketing campaign like an Every Door Direct Mail project.
- A concert or entertainment event with a single show.
What is a Dynamic QR Code?
Now to explain a bit more about dynamic QR codes and what their benefit is. Dynamic QR codes give you the opportunity to change the URL that the code pulls up when you scan it. This creates a ton of flexibility in your business and marketing efforts. Now unlike static QR codes, dynamic QR codes often do come with a price whether it be a single setup charge or part of a subscription. Dynamic QR codes give an abundance of features outside of just being able to change the destination address. Often with a subscription service you can track data like scan times, total scans, unique scans which says how many times an individual person scanned and doesn’t count multiple scans from a single user, location of users who have scanned your code, and even whether it was an iPhone or an Android! If you’re trying to create long term strategic marketing plans that can track the ROI, dynamic QR codes are the way to go. Here are some examples of a good use of dynamic QR codes:
- Realtors who want to create digital listing flyers instead of paper listings.
- Restaurants who want to change out their menus frequently throughout the week.
- Home contractors who want to create landing pages for different marketing campaigns.
- Tourism departments that want to create standard signage for different events or tours but need to communicate different things for different groups.
The Difference Between Dynamic and Static QR Codes Wrap Up.
The benefits of QR codes are pretty endless and they’re only getting more unique and expanding into new avenues. We’ve had the opportunity to create some amazing projects for our clients using these little squares with a big impact. We even won a national pitch contest and received a grant to help businesses survive during the early months of COVID with our Scan and Love campaign. We’ve helped our restaurant clients with PVC table tents that customers can scan to pull up their mobile friendly website with an easy to read menu. This saved our clients a ton of money as food prices are rapidly changing and printing new menus became a huge burden on their budgets. Now, they just email our staff with price or dish changes and we can update their website for them.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your business grow with QR codes make sure to drop us a line! We look forward to hearing from you.
