Table of Contents
From Static to Dynamic
Back in 1994, QR codes had only one purpose; to track vehicle parts during manufacturing. No online capabilities, no customization tools, no statistics; zero, zip, zilch, nada. Today, this type is known as static. Before we jump into dynamic QR codes, let’s talk about the former.
Static QR codes: baby steps
There was a time when QR codes only displayed a piece of text. Gradually, more options were introduced such as the ability to link them to a website or a vCard, or to send an SMS or an email. Good but not enough; although these QR codes could show offline and online content, they couldn’t be updated or changed; thus the term static. Static QR codes are still a thing and you may be wondering why. Well, because regardless of their limits, most QR code generators offer them for free, which is great if you want to know what the fuss is all about, and, as we have mentioned before, they can show a piece of text; an offline content basically. If you don’t care about a custom QR code design or tracking and only seek to display a serial number or a product description, for example, static QR codes are for you. However, if you DO care and want more, enter…
Dynamic QR codes: the natural evolution
There are many things that make dynamic QR codes the preferred type to use. Arguably the most important one is that their content can be updated or changed entirely. This means that for example, you can start by linking your QR code to your personal blog and later change it to point to a YouTube video or a vCard for your business card. Speaking of which, if you use the latter and move to a new place or get a new job, you can update the information and keep using the same QR code with your personal information. In a sense, dynamic QR codes are recyclable. But there’s more!
Dynamic QR codes can be used in the physical world… and the digital as well
Dynamic QR codes, instead of encoding the content like static ones, encode a short URL which links to said. This is what makes dynamic QR codes, well, dynamic. The short URL can show your domain rather than the standard one provided by the QR code generator, and, most importantly, can be used alongside the QR code.
Dynamic QR codes can be customized
Another thing that separates static from dynamic QR codes is the fact that they can have a custom design. And not just by adding a logo or choosing the base color of the QR code; you can actually change the shape of its patterns. Yet another great feature to take into consideration when choosing which type of QR code to use; do you want yours to pass unnoticed, or do you want it to be a crowd-pleaser that can also boost your brand identity? Perhaps the following and final point will settle the score.
Dynamic QR codes can be tracked
Knowing how to implement a QR code endeavor is crucial. Knowing how well it is performing… well, that can’t be done with static QR codes, let me tell you. The last thing to delve into regarding dynamic QR codes is the fact that they can be tracked. QR code generators offer a plethora of statistical data such as number of scans, geolocation, mobile device/browser used, etc. All this information can be put into good use if your marketing campaign revolves around QR codes.
Dynamic QR codes FTW
All in all, dynamic QR codes, as mentioned before, are the natural evolution of this technology that is still standing tall after all these years. They can have their content updated or changed, they can be customized and they can be tracked. In one fell swoop, the dynamism of these type of QR codes has left the static ones in the dust.
Create dynamic QR codes with uQR.me
uQR.me has been up and running since 2010. Our QR code generator is one of the very first. In fact, it was born out of the need to not only allow the creation of dynamic QR codes but also boost their uses. So, are you ready to create your own dynamic QR codes? Click here to access uQR.me’s 14-day trial of the Professional plan and start creating
