What are QR Codes? Essential Marketing Tools

There are two types of QR Codes – Static QR Codes and Dynamic QR Codes

In today's digitized world, Quick Response (QR) codes have become ubiquitous, adorning posters, product packaging, business cards, and much more. These enigmatic square patterns, comprising black modules arranged in a square grid on a white background, serve as gateways to a realm of digital information. But what sets them apart? Let's delve into the intricacies of QR codes, particularly Static and Dynamic QR codes, to understand their distinctive functionalities and applications.  At GRAPHtography, after we create your QR Code, we can custom it with your brand colors, and for further customization, we can create it with your logo in the center of the code grid.

Dr. McCawley's static QR Code, featuring his icon at the center, is visible in his office and during events. It enables swift information scanning, saving vital details directly to users' contacts directory on their phones. To experience this Static QR Code, use your cell phone camera to scan the QR code if you're viewing this on a computer.

Static QR Code:

A static QR code refers to a type of Quick Response (QR) code that contains fixed information embedded within the code itself. It represents a one-time, unchangeable set of data encoded into the QR code image. Typically used for information or data that never needs to change - think, Set It and Forget It.

Key characteristics of a static QR code include:

1. Fixed Data: A static QR code contains unalterable information such as a website URL, text, contact details, or a specific set of data. Once created, the encoded information cannot be changed without generating a new QR code.

2. Permanent Use: It is designed for long-term or permanent use cases where the encoded information remains constant and does not require frequent updates.

3. Simplicity and Ease of Creation: Static QR codes are simple to generate, requiring minimal effort to encode the desired information into the QR code format. Numerous online QR code generators offer easy-to-use tools for creating static QR codes.

4. Limited Functionality: Due to their fixed nature, static QR codes lack dynamic capabilities, such as the ability to redirect to different web pages or update information dynamically based on changing circumstances.

5. One Time Fee: Since it’s a Set It and Forget It option, and there are no tracking abilities to measure its performance, Static QR codes are a one-time fee of $50.

Common uses of static QR codes include:

- Linking to a specific website or landing page.

- Sharing contact information like a business card.

- Displaying text-based information, such as instructions or product details.

- Providing fixed information for promotional materials, signage, or advertisements.

- Downloadable files

- Links to Events or Promotions

While static QR codes serve their purpose for displaying unchanging data, businesses or individuals seeking more dynamic functionalities, such as the ability to update information or track interactions, may opt for dynamic QR codes. Dynamic QR codes allow for changes or redirection of content without the need to create new codes, providing more flexibility in various marketing, advertising, or information-sharing applications.

Blaster Brothers uses a sign like this as part of his trade-show display, for customers to scan and save his contact details to their phone. Completely Branded Dynamic QR Code. Click the image to view Blaster Brothers on Facebook

Dynamic QR Code:

A dynamic QR code is a type of Quick Response (QR) code that differs from its static counterpart in that it allows for the encoding of variable, updatable information. Unlike static QR codes, which contain fixed data that cannot be changed once created, dynamic QR codes offer versatility by enabling modifications to the encoded content without having to generate a new QR code image.

Key characteristics of dynamic QR codes include:

1. Changeable Content: Dynamic QR codes can be updated and modified, allowing for alterations to the encoded information even after the QR code has been created and distributed.

2. Versatility: They offer flexibility in various applications where the encoded information might need to be updated regularly, such as marketing campaigns, event promotions, inventory management, or menu updates for restaurants.

3. Tracking and Analytics: Dynamic QR codes often come with built-in analytics features that allow users to track and analyze the QR code's performance. This is a great tool for tracking specific marketing campaigns to judge if the advertising investment was worth it. Analytics includes monitoring scan rates, location-based data, time of scans, and user interactions, providing valuable insights for marketing and engagement strategies. You’ll receive a monthly screenshot (pictured below) of the previous months’ analytics.

4. Annual Fee: Given the capacity to modify its data and receive monthly analytics screenshots for tracking performance, Static QR codes incur an annual fee of $100/per year.

Common uses of dynamic QR codes include:

- Marketing campaigns that require frequent updates or tracking user engagement.

- Event promotions with changing schedules or additional information.

- Product packaging for inventory management or tracking.

- Menu updates for restaurants or cafes.

- Digital tickets or boarding passes that may require updates or changes.

Dynamic QR codes provide greater flexibility and functionality compared to static QR codes, making them a preferred choice for businesses and individuals seeking real-time content management, tracking capabilities, and adaptability for various evolving needs and applications. 

QR Codes on Business Cards

A vital option to track engagement is adding your custom qr code to your business cards like Salty Dog Sweet Treats. They have chosen to have their QR Code go directly to their Linktree landing page. Check it out here.

QR codes, whether Static or Dynamic, serve as invaluable tools for information dissemination and engagement in our digitally-driven era. While Static QR codes excel in presenting unchanging data, Dynamic QR codes offer versatility, adaptability, and analytical insights that cater to evolving needs across various industries. Understanding their differences allows businesses and individuals to leverage the most suitable QR code option, optimizing their utility and impact in the digital landscape.

QR Codes are the magic behind Digital Business Cards

Call GRAPHtography today to learn about more about your QR Code Options.