A few things that had to be possible for QR codes to ubiquitously used around the world, compared to when the technology was first invented:​

  • Enough people got access to smartphones
  • QR code scanning technology came included natively in most smartphones
  • QR code technology and website user experience matured enough that it became easy for businesses to use them, and for users to enjoy scanning them.

How QR codes work ?

Using a matrix of 2D block patterns, QR codes can store over 7000 characters. The more information a QR code has, the more complicated the pattern gets.

This is the QR code for the text: “1”

This is the QR code for the text: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”

The more characters the QR code has, the more complex it’s matrix of squares get.

What is a static QR code?

A static QR code is the simplest kind of QR code, where the data you want to share is embedded in the code matrix itself. Thus, the information when scanned is fixed (hence the term “static”)

When should a Static QR code be used?

It is best used for sharing information that does not change once printed. Once it’s generated, it can be used immediately without needing further software to maintain it. Similar to a traditional barcode, but being able to handle many more characters.

Compared to a Dynamic QR code, this is cheaper. Just print and you’re ready to go. Below are some examples of how they can be used.

Static QR code use cases​

  • Phone numbers, addresses, personal websites e.g. on a name card
  • Product codes / unique IDs for physical products
  • Short-term marketing campaigns with physical venues
  • Tickets for entertainment venues

Downsides of Static QR codes​

  • The data cannot be changed. If you make a mistake in the qr code, and you’ve already printed it out somewhere, you can’t fix it without reprinting everything again.
  • Cannot track the number of scans. How many people are actually scanning your QR code? Was the codes you printed worth the investment? With static QR codes, you have no way of figuring this out.

What is a dynamic QR code?

A dynamic QR code stores a short URL link. When you scan it, the short URL link then redirects to the actual content you wish to show. The hosting and management of these links and where it redirects to is often done via a QR code provider.

When should a dynamic QR code be used?

  • When you need to change the content in the QR code. This allows you to just print the QR code once, and change the content as you need to.
  • When you want to track where, and how often the QR codes are being used. The QR code link can be configured to show different content based on time of day or location, and more.

Dynamic QR code use cases

Because of the many things dynamic QR codes can do, there are lots of ways it can be used:​

  • Restaurant Menus, Product catalogues
  • Medical records, Vaccine certificates
  • Location check-ins
  • Survey forms
  • Exhibitions, where you can scan differently located QR codes for more information, audio, and other content.
  • Payment gateways (WeChat, Alipay, PayNow, etc)
  • Offline Advertisements

and more!

How to best use Dynamic QR codes?

There are many providers of this technology, so choosing between the different options can be difficult:​

  • Choose a platform that fits your use case - QR codes have a lot of options in terms of customization: colours, patterns, logos, privacy features and more. Make sure the vendor you choose has the right mix of features that will best serve your customers’ needs.
  • Focus on user experience Do your QR codes take a really long time to redirect, or load the content you wish to serve? Do they contain intrusive ads or track data without your knowledge? All of this will affect how your users experience your brand when they interact with your content.
  • Make the best out of your Analytics You can technically use Google analytics to set up analytics for your QR codes. However, a well designed analytics platform can help you quickly understand the performance of your QR codes at a glance, hassle-free. At Qburb, we fully believe in this, and provide powerful analytics out of the box.
  • Choose a reliable partner. Some QR code providers will stop supporting your dynamic QR code URLs once your subscription with them terminates. This effectively locks you in with the vendor until you reprint all your QR codes again. This can be a huge disruption to your business.

At Qburb, your QR codes will never stop working even when you stop paying for a Qburb subscription. That allows you use QR codes without worrying if they expire after some time.

Give Qburb , the most powerful qr code generator, a try today, to see how dynamic QR codes can empower your business.