#1 Dynamic QR Code Generator: Change the URL not the QR

For those looking to quickly get started:

What is a dynamic QR Code generator?

A dynamic QR Code generator is a solution that helps create editable QR Codes, which means, one can change the QR Code link, without changing the QR Code. A Dynamic QR Code generator also helps track the QR Code performance in real-time.

Looking for the best dynamic QR Code generator for your industry? Read on to find out.

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I couldn’t help but notice questions around QR Codes on various marketing community forums.

Can you redirect a QR Code?

How do I change the content of QR Codes?

Have a similar concern? Or something else? With this guide I aim to address all queries around dynamic QR Codes, creating marketing campaigns in 2021 and selecting the best dynamic QR code generator. So if you want to :

Boost engagement on offline marketing material
Increase offline-to-online conversion using QR codes
Measure the effectiveness of offline marketing campaigns and fine-tune campaigns
Turn offline footfalls to online visitors
Bring back customers to your store

Then you’ll love this new guide!

What is a dynamic QR code?

A dynamic QR code is editable, and it has the potential to change the QR Code destination to a landing page or linked action – even after printing and distributing. This flexibility is in terms of the time (varies based on season, day of the week, or a one-time launch) and device used for scanning.

Using a dynamic QR Code Generator to create dynamic QR codes helps you rotate campaigns linked to it without needing to reprint the QR Code and redistribute.

In simple terms, a dynamic QR Code is also a changeable QR Code.

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of dynamic QR codes?

How do dynamic QR codes work?

When you create a dynamic QR code on Beaconstac –

A standard short URL is assigned to your dynamic QR code
This short URL redirects to different landing pages based on time, location and scanning smartphone. This can be modified from the Beaconstac dashboard
Once the dynamic QR code is printed and distributed, consumers scan these visual codes to see extremely relevant campaigns.

Consumers could either use their smartphone camera or a scanner app to scan the QR Code

Do dynamic QR codes look different from other QR Codes?

No, they don’t. Dynamic QR Codes look just like a normal QR Code, but they work differently. Having said that, you can customize your dynamic QR Codes with colors, logos, and shapes. Here are few inspirations for a dynamic QR Code –

Dynamic QR Code - examples and inspirations

Do dynamic QR codes for marketing work in 2021?

QR codes have seen a resurgence in its usage in the last couple of years. This massive upturn can be attributed to two major factors –

Apple’s decision to integrate QR code scanning capabilities in native camera apps. (Android followed)
Major consumer brands like Google Pay, Snapchat, Amazon, Bing search, PayTM, and BookMyShow made scanning a QR code a phenomena

The pandemic has also pushed QR Codes to the prominence given how we are moving towards a contactless world. Using a dynamic QR Code generator, restaurants can power contactless menus that they can keep changing on the fly. Establishments can keep updating contactless visitor forms in compliance with their local and state governments. Businesses can make up for a reduced workforce by using a dynamic QR Code generator to create dynamic QR Codes that assist with sales, product demos, reveal product information, help to upsell to users, and even re-order after purchase.

Dynamic QR Codes vs Static QR Codes

Black-and-white QR codes that redirect to a fixed URL are something that most of us would have experienced by 2021.

But dynamic QR codes take this to the next level.

Dynamic QR codes vs Static QR codes in detail

Differences between static QR codes and dynamic QR codes

Static QR codes	Dynamic QR codes
Once created, the destination URL cannot be changed	Have the flexibility to change the URL linked to it – even after printing and distributing
Stores the data directly in the QR code graphic	Stores a short dynamic URL on the QR code graphic
QR codes that store complex data look extremely dense	These QR codes are lesser dense images and are more reliable to scan.
One cannot track the performance of a static QR code	The performance of a dynamic QR code can be tracked

Dynamic QR Code generator basics

What makes a great dynamic QR Code generator?

You will come across innumerable generators on your quest for the best dynamic QR Code generator. But how are you going to find the best one?

You should look for features that can help in your marketing, promotions, or brand awareness campaigns.

Below are 8 must-have features of a dynamic QR Code generator that will tick all the right boxes of your checklist.

– Flexibility of changing the URL of the QR Code
– Unlimited URL changes
– Ability to change URLs based on a schedule
– Offer consumers the ability to view the URL in their language
– Interchangeable QR Code type
– Basic and advanced customizations
– Provide robust and advanced analytics
-Extends QR Code lifetime

These are the 8 main features of a great dynamic QR Code generator. Let us explain why each feature is important.

Flexibility of changing the URL

Imagine a scenario where your promotional materials are ready for print, but your landing page is still under development. It can set your campaign back if you wait for the landing page to be completed. In this case, a dynamic QR Code generator can come to your rescue.

You can have a dummy URL attached to the QR Code or link it to your existing website. Once the landing page is complete, you can switch the URL in seconds.

Unlimited URL changes

Let’s say your product/service offering changes every month or every week. The QR Code you generated for the same also should change its URL. But if it doesn’t have unlimited change capabilities, you might end up with a disabled QR Code. The best dynamic QR Code service lets you change the URL an infinite number of times.

Scheduling URL changes

Another important advantage of a dynamic QR Code generator is its scheduling feature. It lets you set up your landing page URLs according to the time of the day or day of the week. Having this feature saves a lot of time and resources as you don’t have to change the URLs manually.

Multi-lingual QR Codes

Let’s say you are working on a campaign for many locations with different languages. You may think of creating separate QR Codes for each location.

But what if the QR Code can display information based on the language setting of the smartphone? Wouldn’t that be nice? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about creating multiple QR Codes for each location. You will then be able to serve information based on the location.

Interchangeable QR Code type

Assuming that you have many marketing collaterals for your campaign. These include printed PDFs, landing pages, and pictures. A dynamic QR Code generator that allows you to change the QR Code type after creation is perfect for such a campaign.

You can start off with one type of QR Code and later change it to another.

Basic and advanced customization

Black looks good on Batman, not on a QR Code. Simple black and white QR Codes are a thing of the past. This is the age of personalization with advanced customization and a QR Code should also represent the same. Dynamic QR Code generators should allow you to modify each element of the QR Code to align with your branding or offer templates to easily customize your QR Code.

Robust and Advanced Analytics

Most QR Code Generators give you basic analytics – location, time, and date of the scan. The best QR Code Generators offer robust analytics and deeper insights into the audience. You should be able to export reports to feed into your CRM, view users by device, day and location. You should also have the option to integrate an analytics tool like Google Analytics to get more information about users that are scanning your dynamic QR Code.

Extends QR Code lifetime

Dynamic QR Codes extends the lifetime of the generated QR Code since the user destination can be edited and replaced with a new destination without replacing it with a fresh QR Code each time.

A single dynamic QR Code can redirect the user to any destination and can be deployed with the agility to retask the QR Code as and when required.

Chapter 2: Advantages of dynamic QR codes

#1. Make on-going modifications to a QR code campaign based on analytics

High traffic restaurants and supermarkets often want to change their offers and prices dynamically based on how the offer performs. With detailed QR Code tracking and analytics, measure scans, when the scan took place, where and with what device. Fine-tune campaigns for maximum success with the same QR Code but linking it to a different URL.

#2. Save time & marketing dollars by changing campaigns rather than reprinting marketing material

Cosmetic brands and F&B brands have great opportunities for engaging with a customer for an elongated time duration via a QR code on the product or the packaging. Be it a new product launch, month’s special, re-ordering, or a season’s special, rotate campaigns linked to a QR code and re-engage with your existing customer base.

With dynamic QR codes, one can plan flexible marketing campaigns to boost conversion and make it extremely relevant. Also, save time and hundreds of dollars!

#3. Fix typos or mistakes conveniently

One might make a mistake while entering a URL, phone number on a vCard, or an email address. In the case of a static QR code, the only option is to re-create a QR code, re-print and re-distribute. On the other hand, dynamic QR codes are easy to edit or update.

#4. Dynamic QR codes can be scanned quickly

Dynamic QR codes have short URLs assigned to them that redirect to desired destinations. This means that it stores fewer characters as compared to a static QR code that stores data directly. As a result of which, dynamic QR codes can be scanned faster and easier.

#5. Ease of use: How to read dynamic QR Codes?

You know how to use a dynamic QR Code generator. But do you know how to scan dynamic QR Codes?

Reading or scanning a dynamic QR Code isn’t all that different from a static or regular QR Code. Just aim your smartphone’s camera at the QR Code and you will see a link pop up. Click on the link to trigger the associated action.

It is the variable nature of the information that separates between a static and dynamic QR Code. A static QR Code will always show the same results after each scan. While the dynamic QR Code can be generated to show different results each time you scan it, based on the location or your smartphone’s language setting.

#6 Unconstrained freedom to design QR Codes

Dynamic QR Codes are typically decluttered – since they are relatively small in size and precisely structured.

Dynamic QR Codes leverage short URLs that prompts them to be scanned quickly, thus allowing more features to be included in one single dynamic QR Code. Static QR Codes purports design limitations due to its inability to accommodate more data, deeming it to be cluttering.

#7 Plan marketing campaigns in real-time

Marketing campaigns require constant fine-tuning to deliver a successful campaign. With dynamic QR Code campaigns, you can modify the contents of the campaign in real-time.

Link the QR Code redirect to your website or a landing page to modify, respond, and evaluate the campaign metrics even if it is already printed.

Chapter 3: Dynamic QR code – Use cases

I have identified some of the most common industries that can leverage dynamic QR codes. Nevertheless, almost all industries can borrow from these use cases and build a powerful QR code campaign.

#1 FOR RESTAURANTS

Use QR Code menus to prevent diners from coming into contact with physical menus during the pandemic. [A guide on how to make and use QR Codes as restaurant menu]
Use QR codes on pamphlets and standees and rotate campaigns based on the time of the day and day of the week
Use QR codes on menus to prompt offers based on the season or festival. For eg, cold coffee options in the summer and hot chocolate in the winters.
Update the same QR codes put up on restaurant windows and strategic billboards to reveal flash deals and limited offers
Use dynamic QR codes instead of multi-fold physical menus. This lets you update the menu from time to time
Create an interesting wall of curiosity that helps you engage with your diners. Deliver engaging content on a scan – chef in action, virtual tour of the kitchen, nutritional information and food talks, MasterChef episodes to grow the appetite, and more.
Use a QR code to allow users to connect to your WiFi. Dynamic QR code allows you to update the password whenever you choose to change it.

#2 FOR REAL ESTATES

Updating contact details on a business card can be a nightmare and especially for real estate agents, where they are in the business of getting found. Some of them opt for sticking labels on business cards, while the others have to get new ones printed. The first option spoils the aesthetic and the latter compromises with the older customer base.
Instead of doing all this, add a dynamic QR code generator on the business card that gives you the flexibility to update information whenever you need to.
Use QR codes on real estate brochures. This ensures that Irrespective of when a prospect scans the dynamic QR codes they will see the available properties in their city. This can also help you generate leads from marketing material, such as brochures. Allow users to view available properties only after a lead gate.
Place dynamic QR codes on sale signs. This makes sure that potential buyers can scan and find information about a property 24×7 – even when you are not around to walk them through the property.
Add dynamic QR codes to local newspapers or magazine ads. This ensures that you switch the destination URL to a default homepage once the campaign is over.
You can also use dynamic QR codes to navigate potential buyers to the property or your office. Update it when you change your office or want to sell another house!

#3 FOR CBD COMPANIES

Most reputable CBD companies in recent times have either switched or are switching to QR codes on packaging to ensure abiding by CBD regulations. Not just that, adding a QR code to a physical product unlocks a host of marketing and communication opportunities for the brand.

With a dynamic QR Code on product packaging, CBD companies link to required certifications of analysis and other required information such as expiration date, the concentration of CBD, etc. This also allows companies to measure engagement with product packaging.

#4 FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

Gaining exposure and brand recognition on social media not only boosts sales and revenue, but also helps the brand in putting themselves on the global map.

Creating dynamic QR Codes for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help businesses of any size to scale up their marketing efforts and have more followers.

Create a dynamic QR Code for the social media platform of your choice, and link the QR Code to a landing page, portfolio, or even use it simply as a like button to promote your business.

#5 DYNAMIC QR CODES IN AUSTRALIA

QR Codes in Australia has gained immense popularity over the last few years. The dynamic technology went from being a notable marketing tool to being used in most verticals – payments, retail, grocery, restaurants, and even transportation.

In the year 2020, the term “QR Codes” was searched 60,000 times by Australians, and according to Google Trends, the key term gained momentum from April 2020 to December 2020, with the most searched terms being COVID QR Code, SA QR Code, NSW QR Code app, and QLD QR Code amongst others.

Some of the most commonly searched terms for dynamic QR Codes in Australia are contact tracing, service NSW, Google Lens, contactless check-in, and more.

With the dramatic increase of QR Codes in everything from product labels to two-factor authentication in Australia and other parts of the world, it is clear that QR Codes are not going anywhere, but here to stay.

Chapter 4: Factors to consider while selecting the best dynamic QR Code generator

While making a smart choice for your business, consider that following factors –

The dynamic QR Code should be customizable. It should have all the required design options
They should be trackable
Allows downloading in multiple formats
Allows creation of different types of dynamic QR Codes – website, SMS, email, call, app download, and more
BONUS FEATURES
An added benefit is to be able to create dynamic QR Codes in bulk
The dynamic QR Code generator must have a QR Code API that automates QR Code creation

Based on this, you may be able to choose a decent dynamic QR Code generator. But how do you know that it will work for your industry?

Here’s what you should look for based on your industry:

CPG

Right off the bat, for a CPG company, a dynamic QR Code is crucial. Often the packaging redesign happens months before the campaign is launched. Having a dynamic QR Code helps them change it to the actual URL once the campaign is live.

But is creating a dynamic QR Code enough? No.

A long term trusted solution

The packaging with the QR Code can be in circulation for months or even years after the campaign expires. Here’s where the security aspect comes into play. Using any solution that allows you to create dynamic QR Codes isn’t the same as choosing a trusted solution that you know will ensure your campaign’s domain is still up and running or help you redirect it to your website.

Too often companies have QR Codes on their packaging that leads users nowhere, a broken link, or to a malicious website (if a hacker snaps up the campaign domain). This negative experience can dissuade users from scanning QR Codes again.

More than just scan analytics

Google is slowly phasing out the use of third party cookies which spells bad news for CPG companies. The ability to tailor the product and marketing campaigns based on users that purchase the product is a crucial element to selling more of the same product and cross selling.

Most generators will give you scan analytics – the number of scans, clicks and CTR. But what you need is the ability to integrate Google Analytics, export data to feed into your CRM and the ability to view location data.

Using your own custom domain on the QR Code campaign and collecting user data with their consent is also a great way to build zero party data.

Chapter 5: How to create dynamic QR codes and build a campaign?

How to create and edit Dynamic QR Codes

How to create a dynamic QR Code campaign?

Creating a Dynamic QR Code is as easy as creating a static one. Follow these steps to create a dynamic QR Code –

Step 1 – Select the type of QR Code you are looking to create

Step 2 – Embed the URL

Step 3 – Customize the dynamic QR Code to increase customer engagement

Step 4 – Download your dynamic QR Code!

Step 1: Select the type of QR Code you are looking to create

(Make sure you select options available under the “dynamic QR Code section”. Let’s say you want to create a QR Code for a website.

Step 2: Input the website URL

For eg, the campaign landing page for the current month is freshbakes[dot]com/October-favorites. Your QR Code ready by this step. However, if you are looking to customize the QR Code, proceed to the next step

Step 2: Add the details - URL, contact details or location

Step 3: Customize the QR Code to increase engagement

Get creative with the QR Code color, the background color, logo in the center, data patterns, custom eye shapes, and more. Here’s a QR Code customization guide from our in-house design team that might be helpful.

Step 4: Download your dynamic QR Code. It’s that easy!

Step 4: Download your dynamic QR code in any HD print format

How to update/modify a dynamic QR Code campaign?

There are multiple experiments you can run with a dynamic QR Code campaign. Here are a few of them –

[Daily or Weekly update] Rotate campaigns based on the hour of the day
[Seasonal update] Update campaigns for the festive months or launch dates
[One-time update] Update your personal information, a new office address, phone number or a website link

Let’s talk about each of the above-mentioned cases individually.

#1. Dynamically update a campaign – daily/weekly

As a business, the offers you push on weekends are very different from the weekday offers. Also, the offers for breakfast are different from the dinner offers. With Beaconstac “schedules” to can create timed campaigns and link them to QR Codes. This campaign delivery automation not just makes the offering more helpful and engaging, but also increases sales.

These campaigns could be business websites, mobile landing pages created on Beaconstac (markdown cards), or forms.

Need to change the campaign mid-month? You can! Just edit the schedule and you are good to go.

#2 & #3. Dynamically update campaign – seasonal or one-time

Your QR code could be linked to one of the following –

Website
Markdown card
PDF to QR Code
Feedback form
Location
Image
MP3
App download, or
vCard

To update the information simply follow the steps below –

(Let’s take a vCard QR Code for example)

Step 1: Click on “Edit” the QR Code

Step 2: Skip to “Setup” on the progress bar

Step 3: Edit the field you want. Let’s say, the mobile number

Step 4: Finish and save changes

Chapter 6: How to build high converting campaigns with dynamic QR codes

There’s no right or wrong way to build a high converting QR Code campaign with Dynamic QR Codes. But, there are some actionable tips based on marketing experts and past campaigns.

Here are 3 things you should keep in mind to create a high converting Dynamic QR Code campaign:

#1. Add your logo: A branded QR Code gets far more scans than one without a QR Code. It also instills trust in your consumer and is real for brand awareness. Upload a square version of your logo for the best results.

#2. Add a CTA: A call-to-action that shows exactly what the QR Code is intended for can not only greatly increase the number of scans but also target the right audience. For instance, if you have 50% off on women’s jeans, only the intended audience will scan the QR Code and avail the offer and you don’t risk disappointing other consumers.

#3. QR Code design: For your QR Code to have more scans, it should stand out from others. Design your QR Code by changing the elements of the QR Code to align it with the rest of your branding. You can use a template if you’re unsure of where to start or adopt a trial and error approach to design your QR Code.

Why dynamic QR Code generators are a must during the COVID-19 pandemic

QR Codes are an ideal tool to connect the offline world to the online world.

Especially in 2020 (Covid-19) when the focus entirely on creating a touch-free world, dynamic QR Code generators have a major role to play. Since the information and restrictions change quite often, dynamic QR Codes can be updated as frequently as required.

Dynamic QR Codes for restaurants –

As a result of the pandemic storm, restaurant operations and menus are limited to basics. Using static QR Codes will force reprinting them when restaurants decide to resume operation in full swing. However, with a dynamic QR Code generator, you can create a code that keeps up with you. You can change the menu on the fly.

Dynamic QR Code generators for the CPG industry –

Consumer brands, especially the ones built on the DTC model, are looking to build establish multiple touchpoints with consumers. With dynamic QR Codes, the brand has the flexibility to show a different message/campaign each time the consumer scans. Explore how brands like Nestle and Puma use dynamic QR Codes for their marketing campaigns.

Using a dynamic QR Code generator ensures you save time and money since a dynamic QR Code costs much lesser than changing the marketing material and can be reused multiple times. This is especially important when it comes to print marketing and outdoor advertising.

Businesses prefer a dynamic QR Code generator due to the opportunity of collecting first-part data. With Google Analytics integration and native analytics, you can run A/B tests on your audience by switching out variables in real-time if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I create a dynamic QR Code for free?

You can sign up for a free 14 day trial to use Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code Generator and create dynamic QR Codes for free. Choose the type of dynamic QR Code you want to create, fill in the relevant details, customize it and your dynamic QR Code is ready.

2. Which is the best dynamic QR Code Generator?

Look for a dynamic QR Code Generator that offers quality customer support, flexibility to customize your QR Code, data privacy and security, and an easy-to-use interface. Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code Generator meets all these minimum requirements.

3. Can I use an API to use the dynamic QR Code Generator?

Yes, you can automate the process of creating dynamic QR Codes by using our API. This allows you to focus on your campaign rather than creating QR Codes manually. You can create QR Codes directly from a Google Sheet as well using our Zapier integration.

4. Can you change the URL of a QR Code?

Yes, you can, but only with dynamic QR Codes. Static QR Codes do not have the flexibility to change the URL once created. With dynamic QR Codes, the URL can be changed even after they have been created without affecting the campaign.

To change the URL of the QR Code, simply login to the dashboard, go to the created QR Code and edit the URL.

5. How to generate a dynamic QR Code for B2C invoices?

To create a dynamic QR Code for B2C invoices, the following parameters are a must –

Taxpayer’s name
Supplier UPI ID or payment details
Payment reference link
Invoice number, provided by the supplier
Date of the invoice generated
Bank account details of the payee and the bank’s branch details
CGST, SGST, IGST, Cess, if any

Implementing dynamic QR Codes on B2C invoices will help the government get hold of B2C transactions and also promotes the digitalization of payments. Choose between form QR Code and PDF QR Code to create dynamic QR Codes for B2C invoices.

Author Details
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Author Details

Monika Adarsh

Product Marketing Manager – Beaconstac

I am fascinated by tech-driven marketing. Love to read & write about entrepreneurship and tech-driven business strategies for B2B and B2C companies. Have b(e)acon and eggs for breakfast and always up for doughnuts!

https://www.beaconstac.com/qr-code-generator

[email protected]