Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes:
Differences, Benefits, and What to Choose

What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR Code?

Static QR Codes cannot be edited once created, are not trackable, and cannot be used for online retargeting. Whereas dynamic QR Codes offer you the flexibility to edit your QR Code content as often as required, are trackable, and can let you retarget people online via Facebook Ads and Google Pixel. Moreover, static QR Codes take longer to scan as compared to dynamic QR Codes.

Here’s a table detailing out the differences between static and dynamic QR Codes:

What is a static QR Code?

A static QR Code is a QR Code that, once generated, cannot be overwritten. It can store information that is uneditable. Static QR Codes find a lot of use in instances where either the information need not be updated or for a one-off campaign. You can create different types of static QR Codes, such as:

1. SMS QR Code

An SMS QR Code contains your phone number and the pre-written text message. When customers scan the QR Code, they are redirected to a text message with your phone number and a message ready to be sent.

2. Text QR Code

You can display a simple text, a coupon code, or a serial number using a text QR Code.

3. Wifi QR Code

By placing a Wifi QR Code, you can ease the process of customers typing the credentials. By scanning the QR Code, the Wifi credentials are automatically saved on the customer’s device, helping them connect easily.

When to use static QR Codes?

You can use static QR Codes for personal use if you don’t need to edit the QR Code content and track campaign metrics.

They are ideal for providing detailed information at one-time events and one-off marketing campaigns. The stored data cannot be changed, and you have to recreate a new QR Code to change the information.

Static QR Codes are best for use cases such as:

1. Sharing resume

For individuals who just want to share their online resume or portfolio—Medium, GitHub, or Behance, opting for static QR Codes makes sense as the information may not require constant editing.

You can create a resume QR Code by simply fetching the URL for your portfolio and linking it to a static QR Code. Upon scanning, people will be able to see your work.

2. Direct students to an online course URL

Another use case is to redirect students to URLs of online courses. If you have a course on a third-party platform such as Udemy, Coursera, etc, you can link the URL to a QR Code.

In such cases, static QR Codes work best as the URL for your course might not change on the platform.

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What is a dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR Code is a QR Code that can be edited as many times as needed without having to reprint and redeploy the code. You can redirect to new content, avoid any URL issues, and ensure that the content is accessible to your audience at all times.

You can also customize the QR Code, track, and resize for diverse use cases.

What are the use cases of dynamic QR Codes?

Given their editability and customization, dynamic QR Codes are used for versatile use cases such as:

1. To share updated contact details

With a dynamic vCard QR Code, you can share your updated contact details - name, phone number, website, profile picture, business location, and much more - with customers easily and safely. All users have to do is scan the QR Code and save the details on their mobile devices without having to manually type them.

Moreover, dynamic QR Codes help you avoid reprinting costs if any information on your vCard updates over time. Suppose you change your business location; all you have to do is update the location on your vCard QR Code, which will be reflected in real-time.

2. Showcase personalized content

With dynamic QR Codes, you can redirect users to varied content based on your preferred rule. This gives you greater control and flexibility over the content you choose to share and even provides personalized experiences to boost brand consumer experience.

A popular use case is multilingual QR Codes. Businesses often use this to personalize their website or content experience for a global audience. Based on the device location, the QR Code can redirect the audience to content in their preferred language.

Dynamic QR Code campaigns thus provide businesses flexibility compared to the fixed content that static QR Codes redirect to.

3. To create bulk, custom QR Codes

Using QR Codes on your packaging and inventory isn’t new. Let’s say you have an updated design for a new coffee range, and try to include a QR Code to lead customers to new recipes that they can try.

Amidst your branded design- is a plain black-and-white QR Code.

Not only do they not blend in with the design aspect, but bulk-creating static QR Codes involves leading your audience to a fixed URL. If you plan to change the URL or update it with newer recipes- you won’t be able to.

Cue: dynamic QR Codes. They provide you the ability to bulk generate custom QR Codes, where you get to add your branding design, logo, and even a text below the QR Code This way, not only does your audience notice the QR Code, but also are nudged to interact with it, due to the CTA.

What are the benefits of dynamic QR Codes over static QR Codes?

Static QR Codes suit one-time events and use cases best, but in the long run, your marketing campaigns may benefit from the features of a dynamic QR Code. Here are some benefits of using a dynamic QR Code over static QR Codes:

1. QR Code Editing

Accidentally insert the wrong URL? Or is your website or content being shifted to another URL?

With a static QR Code, once you insert the destination file or URL, you might be unable to change it later. This could come across as a costly mistake for larger marketing campaigns if there is a small error in the URL.

On the other hand, with dynamic QR Codes, you get the flexibility to edit or redirect your QR Codes to new content or just fix the wrong URL. Your efforts don’t go in vain, and your QR Code campaigns run uninterrupted.

2. QR Code customization

Dynamic QR Codes provide a level of customization that sets them apart from static QR Codes.

Compared to the plain black and white design of static QR Codes, dynamic QR Codes allow you to infuse brand elements such as colors, adding a brand logo, a QR Code border and even adding text below the QR Code to provide a preview of the content that the QR Code leads to.

You also get to modify the minor aspects of the QR Code- such as changing its data pattern, the shape of the eyes, create a circle QR Code, and even increasing the logo size.

This helps brands create QR Codes that blend well with their designs and maintain a consistent visual identity across their marketing materials. The infusion of brand elements also enhances brand recall and encourages customers to interact with the content of the dynamic QR Code.

3. QR Code tracking

If you’re running marketing campaigns, it’s an added advantage if you can track metrics on its performance. One of the major features of dynamic QR Codes is the ability to track the number of scans, location, date, device, and time of the scan, and more.

QR Code tracking helps you measure the success of your campaigns so that you can make any necessary adjustments during an ongoing campaign.

If you run campaigns with varying content, you don’t have to reproduce all the promotional material with new QR Codes. Based on analytics generated, you can tweak the content you showcase, letting you save reprinting costs.

You can even integrate your Google Analytics account on the Uniqode dashboard with a single click and get deeper insights into your customers’ demographic.

4. Retargeting

One of the major benefits of dynamic QR Codes is its ability to retarget users online via Google and Facebook ads.

QR Code retargeting allows you to use Google and Facebook pixel tracking on your content and gather data on user behavior and preferences. You can then create targeted ad campaigns to present users with relevant content.

This helps improve conversion rates for your marketing campaigns and drives a higher return on investment as it helps you target missed opportunities and customers who have scanned the QR Code but haven’t converted.

The Final Word: Should I go for static or dynamic QR Codes?

While making the decision to go with static or dynamic- it ultimately depends on your use case.

Are you looking to deploy a QR Code for a one-off instance just to share a website or WiFi credentials? Then, static QR Codes work great. You don’t need software to generate them, just a free QR Code generator will do. The process is hassle-free, and you can download and deploy the QR Code.

But if you’re looking to do anything more than sharing, then dynamic QR Codes are your best bet. With the ability to customize, track, and download in different formats to resize, you can deploy and run QR Code campaigns and even retarget, to boost audience interaction!

With the flexibility to change QR Code destination or content, even after their creation, dynamic QR Codes give businesses an upper hand over static QR Codes.

Still wondering if you should go with static or dynamic QR Codes? Create your first free QR Code or sign up to create your first dynamic QR Code here

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