One of the most frequent doubts that may appear when starting to use QR codes is about the differences between dynamic QR Codes and static QR Codes.
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Main differences between dynamic QR codes and static QR codes
The concept of dynamic QR codes has more to do with marketing than with a code format itself, as the content of a QR code cannot be changed.
In other words, once a QR code is created (whichever it is, as long as those little squares are already generated 😉), its shape has been encoded with a content that is not going to be modified.
The encoded content in a QR code is immovable
You’ll be wondering at this point what’s the main difference between a dynamic QR code and a static one, right? The thing is, the variation basically lies in something external to the QR itself, as it involves the linked URL address instead.
The main purpose of a QR is to provide to the user an URL address or a web that gives access to its contents (a webpage, a hosted file, an app download…).
The main difference between a dynamic QR code and a static QR code is that in dynamic ones it is possible to configure the destination URL. We can redirect the user as much as we want through different URLs without modifying the QR design.
This change is not applied on the QR, as the URL modificationsare managed through the service supplier generated by the QR code.
To sum up, the dynamic QR supplier provides us an URL that can be used to redirect other URLs through a control panel. This is the reason why these kinds of QR are paid, as what we are paying for is not the QR itself but the associated redirection service and its management.
Advantages of dynamic QR codes
The main advantage and its key to success is that you can freely manage the content you want to show to users without the necessity of changing the QR code.
For example, if we print a flyer that shows the user the monthly offers in a dynamic QR, it is possible to update the destination URL with the newest content without changing the QR code on the flyer.
Additionally, the QR supplier provides other added value services to the QR, as, for instance:
- Management panel to apply changes
- Detailed statistics of QR readings
- Number of readings per day/month/year
- Reading geolocation
- Audience data
- Types of mobile devices
- Analysis of the campaign’s success
- Reusable
Disadvantages of dynamic QR codes
- Paid, they are not free
- Used only to code an URL
- They don’t accept text format, text messages, phone numbers, coordinates, etc.
- The QR remains active as long as the service is paid. The withdrawal of the service implies its cancellation, the QR will no longer be functional.
Which kind of QR is recommended to use?
Recommended use of dynamic QR
- During the development of marketing projects in which there isn’t an ultimate URL, a landing page or final contentsyet.
- In projects where the content to show is subject to time. For instance, a monthly offer,product on sales,discount coupon, news highlight, etc.
- During marketing campaigns, in order to analyze the results.
- For QR codes that will be printed on different formats, like posters, flyers, catalogues or banners with different purposes that may change over time.
- Downloading content from webpagesthat may change over time. For instance, an application, price lists, catalogues, etc.
Recommended use of static QR
- For QR text codes, text messages, phone numbers, WIFI networks or geocoordinates.
- For static webpages and URLs, like a company one.
- For physical support printings, in which content has continual validity.
Generating your first dynamic QR
In order to create this post and also to try the features of the dynamic QR codes, I’ve used the uQR.me platform, as it offers the possibility to create a QR code and test all its functions for free (which is pretty good
).
To generate your dynamic QR you only need to sign up for the service. You won’t need anything else than your e-mail address and a password; it’s not necessary to write down your bankcard information. In few minutes you will have a QR at your disposal, already activated and operating.
The managing panel is very intuitive and easy to use. The main options of generating, configuration and statistics are just one click away and they include an online support service for the user, in case of any doubt.
Dynamic QR codes pricing
As it’s a paid service that relies on every company, each supplier offers different pricings and plans, depending on its commercial policy.
In general, suppliers differentiate three levels of user:
- Individual user/small project: around 5 € per month (uQR.me offers a dynamic QR code for free).
- Professional user/medium project: around 8-20 € per month.
- Professional companies/big-multiple projects: around 35-45 € per month.
Every plan logically offers different features and functionalities, in ascending order according to our needs.
If you have worked with dynamic QR codes and want to explain your experience with a supplier, share your impressions on the comments section! If you have any doubt, please use our support forum.
