What are the different types of QR codes?

QR codes have gained in popularity for their ability to efficiently and effectively convey information through print or digital output. Not all QR codes are created equally, however, as you have a choice between dynamic QR codes vs. static QR codes. To make the most of your QR code campaigns, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two.

Below, we’ve included examples of each type of QR code, along with possible use cases and benefits, so you can choose between dynamic QR codes vs. static QR codes for your needs.

Static and dynamic codes are the two primary types of QR codes. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences.
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Static QR codes

Static QR codes are just that: static. This means once you create a static QR code, you cannot edit it and would need to reprint and redeploy the code if you have any changes. Static QR codes also do not collect any tracking data.

Potential use cases of a static QR code would be one-off campaigns or other instances where you won’t need to update the stored data, such as:

A QR code that leads people directly to an intended website.
An email or SMS QR code that allows people to quickly scan the code and text or email you.
WiFi passcodes and other static information you want to provide to customers.

Dynamic QR codes

In contrast, dynamic QR codes, offered by companies like Flowcode, may be edited at any time after completion and are capable of capturing and measuring data such as the number of downloads, operating systems used, and locations.

Use cases of a dynamic QR code may include:

Create a dynamic vCard to share your most updated contact information with customers; they simply scan the code and save your business name, phone number, website, location, and other pertinent information on their smartphone.
Create a dynamic app download QR code to send users directly to your app and download it in their smartphone’s app store.
Now a pandemic norm, dynamic QR code restaurant menus allow you to share your ever-changing menu with guests.
Integrate QR codes with TV campaigns; Flowcode is the only QR platform designed for TV, CTV, and digital video.

Which is better: static or dynamic QR codes?

Given the flexibility of dynamic QR codes, these types of codes are often preferable for modern marketers with evolving campaigns and priorities. With QR code platforms like Flowcode you have the ability to gain real-time data on customer engagement and preferences and quickly improve your campaigns for better results. Consider the benefits:

Retargeting.Use dynamic QR codes to understand who is scanning your codes so that you can retarget your customers online with more relevant ads. Improve your PPC campaigns and convert more engaged leads into paying customers.
Coupon redemption.The ability to track how many people are scanning your coupons or vouchers opens up a world of possibilities for you as a marketer. For example, you can now tell how effective your coupons were in driving traffic to your website. You can also create unique coupon codes based on the scan location if you want to run a campaign where each store has its own unique offer.
Offline tracking.Track where your customers are engaging with your marketing efforts and make better decisions with the information you have gathered. Dynamic QR codes allow you to track campaign effectiveness by location so that you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

Static Vs. dynamic QR code payment

Additional use cases for each type of QR code include the ability to collect payment from customers. Here’s the difference between static vs. dynamic QR code payment:

With static QR code payments, customers must enter the payment amount upon scanning the code. If you have one-time offers or seasonal promotions, a static QR code might be sufficient, but you will not be able to edit the code once you’ve created it.
Dynamic QR code payments allow customers to scan your code and make a payment without the need to input the payment amount or any other data. This makes them ideal for taking in-person payments, where it might be challenging to enter details accurately.

What Is the most common type of QR code?

While static QR codes may have their usefulness, dynamic QR codes are quickly becoming much more commonplace. Dynamic QR codes provide a greater level of flexibility than static codes, allowing for real-time tracking, editing, and monitoring that enables you to optimize engagement with every campaign.

At Flowcode, we provide all the tools you need to connect your online and offline businesses. Head over to our free QR code generator to create a dynamic code now.

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