CardEx Blog

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Differences, Advantages, and Choosing the Right One

What is a Static QR Code?

A static QR code is one that cannot be overwritten after creation. It can store information that is not subject to editing. Static QR codes find wide application in cases where information does not require updating or for one-time campaigns.

When to Use Static QR Codes?

  • Personal Use

You can use static QR codes for personal purposes if you don't need to edit the QR code's content and track campaign metrics.

  • One-time Marketing Campaigns

They are ideal for providing detailed information in one-time events and marketing campaigns. Saved data cannot be changed, requiring the creation of a new QR code to update information.
Dynamic QR Codes Allow:

  • Editing even after printing
  • Tracking QR scans and analytics
  • Retargeting users online
  • Using a short and clear URL
  • Spending less time on scanning
  • Conducting various campaigns based on a set schedule
Static QR Codes:

  • Cannot be edited after creation
  • Cannot be used for online retargeting
  • Contain long URLs
  • Take more time to scan
  • Cannot conduct different campaigns

Advantages of Dynamic QR Codes Over Static Ones

Track and Measure Data
The priority of every company is to track its marketing campaigns and measure statistics. With every scan of a dynamic QR code, you can track the number of scans, location, date, device, and time of scanning, among other details. Tracking the QR code helps you assess the success of your campaigns, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments.
Edit Your Current Campaigns
If you run campaigns with different content, a dynamic QR code provides greater flexibility. You don't need to reproduce all advertising materials since you can edit your campaigns in real-time based on generated analytics, ultimately saving on reprinting. Moreover, you can change the URL and run different campaigns with the same QR code.
Connect Offline and Online Marketing Channels
Use dynamic QR codes through traditional marketing channels such as flyers, print ads, billboards, and TV ads to enhance customer service. By placing dynamic QR codes, you can also track your customers' preferences in your advertising campaign at any time. Connect your customers' online and offline worlds through QR code marketing.
Boost Print Marketing Efficiency
Dynamic QR codes also enhance the efficiency of your print marketing materials by showing the number of scans, as well as the location, date, and time of scanning.
Speed Up Scanning with Dynamic QR Codes
Since dynamic QR codes only contain a placeholder URL, not the actual URL, even if the QR code contains a lot of data, it still looks simple to the eye and not overly loaded. Because the QR code contains less data, it also scans much faster, providing an extremely smooth user interface.

3 Key Use Cases for Dynamic QR Codes

Share Your Updated Contact Information Every Time
With a dynamic QR code business card, you can easily and securely share your updated contact information with clients—name, phone number, website, profile photo, company location, and more. Users simply need to scan the QR code and save the details on their smartphones without entering them manually. Moreover, dynamic QR codes help you avoid the cost of reprinting if any information on your business card is updated over time.
Increase App Downloads Using One QR Code for All App Stores
By using a QR code for dynamic app downloads, users can directly download your app without resorting to manual searches in the App Store.
Implement a Contactless Restaurant Menu
As contactless menus became the norm during COVID-19, their benefits ensure they will stay for the long term. With a dynamic QR code menu, you can conveniently share your restaurant menu based on operating hours and in multiple languages. All customers need to do is scan the code and access the desired menu.

Final Considerations: Should You Choose a Static or Dynamic QR Code?

Static QR codes are recommended only for personal or one-time campaigns that do not require editing or tracking. Moreover, online retargeting is not available for static QR codes.

Dynamic QR codes are recommended for all types of marketing campaigns as they provide flexibility in changing the destination or content of the QR code even after creation. This eliminates the need for reproduction and reprinting of QR codes.

Additionally, dynamic QR codes offer comprehensive tracking of QR scans, helping you fine-tune and optimize your marketing campaigns accurately. You can also retarget people who have scanned your QR code but have not converted.

Decided to see what dynamic QR codes can do? Start with a digital business card by CardEx!
Digital Business Cards