Table of contents
- What is a dynamic QR Code?
- Static vs. dynamic QR Codes
- How do dynamic QR Codes work?
- Digital-first businesses prefer dynamic QR Codes
- How to create a dynamic QR Code
- How to modify a dynamic QR Code
- Choosing the best dynamic QR Code solution
- 8 examples and inspirations for a dynamic QR Code campaign
- 5 tips to make your dynamic QR Code campaign a success
- Dynamic QR Code pricing
- Frequently asked questions
What is a dynamic QR Code?
A Dynamic QR Code is a type of editable QR Code that lets you change the content or the destination URL even after creating or printing the QR Code. Unlike static QR Codes, dynamic ones include beneficial features such as tracking QR Code scans and performance and customizable QR Code designs.
Difference between static and dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR Codes are editable in nature as they follow a redirection mechanism, unlike static QR Codes, which have the information directly encoded. These QR Codes are preferred over static ones as they offer QR scan tracking, online retargeting on Google and Facebook, and are faster to scan.
Learn more about Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes.
How do dynamic QR Codes work?
QR Codes are encoded versions of a URL or information. In a regular QR Code, the data is directly encoded into squares and dots and redirects straight to the destination URL upon scanning.
However, a dynamic QR Code works differently. Instead of pointing directly at the information, it points at a short URL. You can later decide where the short URL should redirect.
“We print hundreds of thousands of flyers, brochures, etc., each year, and knowing that we have access to dynamic QR Codes means that we don’t have to worry about reprinting when our URLs change. Customer service has also been a real plus.”
Jonathan D, Director of Digital Communications.
4 Top benefits of dynamic QR Codes that make them the preferred choice for digital-first businesses
#1 Flexibility to edit the code as many times as required
#3 Track and analyze QR Code scans
#4 Make future expansion a breeze
The 2020 pandemic changed the way consumers consume information. And, a brand’s digital presence is not a choice anymore. QR Codes have been instrumental in connecting the physical brand’s assets, such as stores, flyers, and products to digital experiences. But the question is, why is a dynamic QR Code and by that extension, a dynamic QR Code generator preferred. Is a static QR Code not good enough? The short answer is, no. Let’s understand why that is the case.
Create Standout Dynamic QR Codes
Boost your marketing campaigns with customizable dynamic QR Codes.
Benefit 1: Editable QR Codes keep your campaigns up-to-date
Think of a coffee packet with a dynamic QR Code. This QR Code can link to cold coffee recipes in the summer, steaming cappuccino & mocha recipes in the winter – not to forget – keeping up with the Dalgona coffee trend! Basically, a dynamic QR Code empowers you with the flexibility to change QR Code destination or content as per your requirements. Starting with a static QR Code might be limiting as you scale up, but that’s not the case with dynamic QR Codes.
Benefit 2: Dynamic QR is faster to scan
Smooth CX is the key to loyal customers. Imagine if your consumer was struggling to scan your QR Code. She would not only miss out on the designed experience but also have an unpleasant experience with your brand.
Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, are shortened URLs converted into QR patterns. Given that the URL is short, the data patterns are not as dense as regular QR Codes. Scant data patterns make it easy for cameras and QR scanners to detect them. This not just makes your QR Codes look cleaner but also amplifies the consumer experience.
Benefit 3: A dynamic QR Code is trackable
QR Code is a call-to-action button on the physical world. And just like any other campaign, it’s essential to measure to improve them. The regular static QR Codes lack that capability. With dynamic QR Codes, you can track the scans, monitor user behavior, and know consumers better.
Here are 3 different ways to track QR scans with Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code solution:
- Head to the Beaconstac dashboard and check out the analytics for your dynamic QR Code. This is the easiest way to track scans and attribute numbers to certain GPS locations, devices, or even time slots.
- However, if you attribute scans to certain campaigns, and push data into your existing CRM, you can add UTM parameters to the link. (You can create campaign UTM links here).
- You can also connect the Beaconstac dashboard with Google Analytics using our integration and understand your user’s demography and interests better.
Benefit 4: A dynamic QR Code makes future expansion a breeze
Static QR Codes are limiting. Once you add them to a packaging or marketing collateral, you cannot reuse them. That’s not ideal for growing businesses. You are launching new campaigns, announcing new stores, and testing new product positioning every month or even week.
Instead, if you use dynamic QR Codes, you can always upgrade your offering, location, contact details, and more to what’s most relevant.
Looks like dynamic QR Codes are the way ahead. Are regular QR Codes dead?
For businesses, absolutely! Performance tracking and campaign personalization are the pillars of any successful digital marketing campaign. And so is the case with dynamic QR Codes.
Static QR Codes are often restricted to individual use cases such as job applicants linking to portfolios or students submitting an assignment.
How to create a dynamic QR Code
Generating a dynamic QR Code is easy and intuitive with Beaconstac’s QR Code solution. Here’s how:
- Step 1. Go to Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator
- Step 2. Navigate to ‘QR Codes’ on the left
- Step 3. Click on ‘Create QR Code’ to get started.
- Step 4. Choose the QR Code type
- Step 5. Fill in all relevant information for the type of QR Code chosen
- Step 6. Customize the QR Code
- Step 7. Save and download the QR Code
1. Go to Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator and log in to the dashboard.
Note: To create dynamic QR Codes, you need to sign up for a 14-day free trial (no credit card required).
2. Navigate to ‘QR Codes’ on the left.
3. Click on ‘Create QR Code’ to get started.
4. Choose the QR Code type.
Under the ‘Dynamic QR Code’ heading, choose the type of QR Code—website URL, QR menu, PDF, app download, vCard, etc.—you want to create.
5. Fill in all relevant information for the type of QR Code chosen.
6. Customize the QR Code.
Customize the design of your QR Code. Try out different templates, eye-balls, brand logos, patterns, and more. Ensure excellent scannability and click on ‘Next’.
7. Save and download the QR Code.
Download the dynamic QR Code in your desired format—PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, and EPS, and use it wherever required.
Note: Test the code to ensure it leads to the correct destination before deploying it.
How to modify a dynamic QR Code once it’s created
Dynamic QR Codes’ biggest advantage is that they can be updated even after their creation. And Beaconstac makes editing dynamic QR Codes a breeze.
Looking for the best dynamic QR Code solution?
Choosing a software or software development company is not straightforward. Bloggers, in their recommendations, gravitate towards the highest affiliate commissions, and companies boast about their features. I am keeping it simple to answer the question – Which is the best dynamic QR Code generator? Let’s look at what people are recommending.
Read more reviews of Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code Generator.
Here are six things that only Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator can do –
With so many QR Code solution options available on the internet that have overlapping functionalities, it’s challenging to pick the one that works for your business. So, instead of comparing features, I thought I’d showcase unique and essential things you can do only with Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator.
#3 Google Analytics integration
#4 Safest dynamic QR Code platform
#6 Customizable and mobile-friendly landing pages
First, an API for creating dynamic QR Codes
Beaconstac is the only QR solution that has an API for dynamic QR Codes. This superpower helps global brands like yours integrate QR Code creation at a large scale with the rest of the marketing process.
Second, retargeting users who scan dynamic QR Codes
Think about the last time you retargeted a user on Facebook after they visited your website. The merits of that are apparent – reminding users what they loved about your brand helps win them over.
The same marketing flywheel is possible with consumers who visited your physical store, attended an event, or used a trial pack of your product.
When users scan Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code in their physical world, it stores a cookie on the user’s smartphone. As a result of this, you can retarget them on most social media channels.
Third, Google Analytics powered user insights
Dynamic QR Codes are the easiest and most cost-effective way to know your users, understand their interests, and even monitor their behavior.
QR Codes themselves don’t track a user. However, when you connect your Beaconstac account to Google Analytics, the website that the user visits is tracked.
As a virtue of the information Google possesses, you can deduce the users’ interests, the gender ratio, and so much more.
Fourth, the safest dynamic QR Code platform
We understand security is a deal maker or breaker, and we take it very seriously. However, one can never be complacent about security measures.
Therefore, we ran our current procedures and systems by security experts. These experts certified us as SOC-2 compliant. SOC-2 compliance, in simple terms, means we are better prepared to handle any threat coming our way.
Fifth, a dynamic QR Code with unlimited scans
To be honest, the number of scans depends on the plan you subscribe to. However, if you are expecting anything more than 100,000 scans, you can upgrade to our Enterprise plan that supports unlimited scans.
If you’re looking at that option, reach out to our sales team, and they’ll indeed work out the best pricing for your needs.
Sixth, dynamic QR Codes coupled with DIY mobile landing pages
Like all great combos – dynamic QR Codes and DIY mobile landing pages – are built for winning campaigns!
Just like you build a drag-and-drop website with Wix or a DIY survey with Typeform, you can use Beaconstac to make a mobile landing page for your QR Code campaigns.
You could choose from templates or build one from scratch. But either way, it doesn’t take more than 10 mins or a developer.
And the reason I say the combo works best is that every time you plan to change the campaign linked to your QR Code, you can build a quick and easy landing page or just change the copy on it. All these changes are implemented in real-time.
8 examples and inspirations for a dynamic QR Code campaign
#1 Contactless restaurant menu
#2 Higher engagement for CPG brands
#3 Interactive learning at schools and universities
#5 Efficient inventory management
#6 Enhanced engagement with prospects for realtors
#8 Connect your audiences’ offline and online worlds
Restaurants use a contactless menu solution via QR Codes
Have multiple digital menus – breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and drinks. But instead of having separate QR Codes for lunch and dinner menus, you could use a dynamic QR Code that redirects based on the time of the day. That means when diners scan the QR Code menu during lunchtime, they only see the lunch menu.
On a certain day of the week (determined by you), you can also automatically redirect diners to a special menu or a trimmed-down menu.
Consumer packaged goods keep their customers engaged with QR Codes
Brands like Cocokind and Lush want to keep their millennial audience engaged by sharing their sustainability story. But these stories evolve. The latest and greatest in sustainability sets new benchmarks every month or every quarter. However, changing the QR Code on the product packaging every month is absolutely impossible. This is where dynamic QR Codes are super useful.
Brands can also keep updating the QR Code on the packaging with the latest YouTube video, or the latest products launched.
Schools & universities use dynamic QR Codes to make learning interactive
Universities and libraries such as Barrhead Public Library use dynamic QR Codes for interactive story walks in their community, show book recommendations, and share videos – all in a rotatable fashion.
Boost app downloads with a single dynamic QR Code for all app stores
Brands, such as Canva, are using QR Codes to promote app downloads. This works great for businesses that have a majority of their website visitors via desktop and want to boost app downloads.
With Beaconstac, you can create a single dynamic QR Code for your app on multiple app stores. Upon scanning, the QR Code will automatically redirect the user to the respective app store based on the mobile OS, eliminating the need for a separate QR Code for each app store.
Efficient inventory management via QR Codes
With barcodes lacking the ability to store large amounts of data and the flexibility to update information in real-time, QR Codes are a much better solution for efficient and effective inventory management.
Using dynamic QR Codes, businesses can ensure faster scans, enhanced inventory accuracy, real-time asset tracking, and much more.
Learn more about how QR Codes can significantly optimize inventory management.
Top realtors use QR Codes to boost engagement with prospects
As COVID struck the real estate industry, top real estate agents leveraged QR Codes to display available properties, offer virtual tours, share contact details to boost engagement with prospects in a safe manner.
Moreover, realtors use dynamic QR Codes to retarget prospects who have scanned the code and taken a specific action but haven’t converted yet.
QR Codes on CBD packaging for better transparency and legalization
Various states in the US, such as Indiana, Texas, Utah, Florida, New York, and Oregon, have made it mandatory to include a QR Code label on CBD packaging. This helps companies become more transparent with details such as product ingredients, certificate of analysis, retailer’s license status, and more.
With dynamic QR Codes on CBD packaging, you can update product information whenever required and keep consumers updated, eliminating the need for reprinting QR Codes on packaging material.
Connect your audiences’ offline and online worlds with QR Codes
QR Codes are a great way to connect the offline and online worlds for your audience. Use QR Codes on flyers, banners, direct mail, and other print marketing material to share discount coupons, videos, campaign landing pages, your business location, app links, and much more, to drive desired business outcomes.
5 tips to make your dynamic QR Code campaign a success
Customize your dynamic QR Code
Gone are the days when the QR Code had to be square-shaped and black and white in color. To make it more appealing and generate more QR scans, it is recommended to customize your dynamic QR Code.
You can get really creative with your QR Code by trying out different templates, eye-balls, data patterns, frames, and more. Additionally, it is recommended that you add your company logo so users can easily identify your brand and trust the QR Code.
Add a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA)
It is crucial to add a clear CTA to your dynamic QR Code that explicitly tells the user what they can expect upon scanning. Moreover, you can make the CTA compelling by talking about the value consumers can expect upon scanning the QR Code.
Some examples of an ideal CTA include ‘Scan to get 50% off’, ‘Scan to download ebook’, ‘Scan to watch the video’, and more.
Ensure perfect sizing for your dynamic QR Code
Simply put, if your dynamic QR Code size is not perfect, users might not be able to scan the code, which in turn, can lead to lost revenue.
Based on where you want to use the QR Code, the sizing varies accordingly. While there is no fixed minimum size for a QR Code, it is recommended for it to be at least 1 cm*1 cm (38*38 resolution).
You can take the 10:1 distance to QR size ratio as a rule of thumb while sizing your dynamic QR Code. For example, for a QR Code on product packaging/business cards, the typical scanning distance is 10-15 cm, so your code should be at least 1-1.5cm * 1-1.5cm.
Distribute your dynamic QR Code wholeheartedly
To ensure maximum scans for your dynamic QR Code, it is important to share it wherever possible. Include it in your print marketing material, email signatures, websites, product packaging, business cards, etc.
Ensure that the QR Code isn’t intrusive or hard to scan in order to prevent a bad user experience.
Automate repetitive tasks with integrations
Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator allows you to integrate with platforms such as –
- Zapier (Learn about automating QR Code campaigns with Zapier)
- Workato and Integromat (Learn about automating QR Code Campaigns with Workato and Integromat)
- Google Analytics (How to integrate Google Analytics with the Beaconstac dashboard)
- Slack (Boost QR collaboration with Beaconstac’s Slack integration)
Whenever someone scans your dynamic QR Code, you can use these integrations to do the following –
- Receive real-time scan notifications on Slack,
- Automatically create a new row with customer data in a Google Sheet,
- Send welcome emails to subscribers, and much more.
Dynamic QR Code pricing
Paid plans for Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code generator start at as low as $5 a month and go up to $99 a month. Depending on your business requirements, you can select the most suitable plan.
Moreover, Beaconstac provides a custom enterprise plan for large businesses with varying security, control, and flexibility needs. Check out our complete range of dynamic QR Code pricing and features.
FAQs about dynamic QR Codes
1. What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR Code?
Static QR Codes always redirect to the same URL, i.e., they cannot be edited after their creation. However, with a dynamic QR Code, you can change the destination URL whenever required.
Also, dynamic QR Codes are trackable and scan faster, while static QR Codes lack these capabilities.
2. Do I need a dynamic QR Code?
If you are looking for QR Codes with editing, tracking, retargeting, and fast scanning capabilities, then dynamic QR Codes are highly recommended.
Static QR Codes are recommended only for one-off marketing campaigns that don’t need to be edited or tracked.
3. Is a dynamic QR Code free?
Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Codes are free to use during the 14-day free trial period. After the trial period expires, you need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue using your dynamic QR Codes (Beaconstac’s QR plans start at as low as $5 a month).
4. What is the purpose of a dynamic QR Code?
It depends on your requirements – a dynamic QR Code can lead to your website URL, business location, app download page, campaign landing page – and much more.
Dynamic QR Codes are preferred over static ones as they can be edited after creation and can be used for online retargeting and tracking.
5. How do you make a QR Code changeable?
To change or edit QR Code contents after they have been deployed, you need to use a dynamic QR Code. Static QR Codes cannot be edited after their creation.
6. How can you tell if a QR Code is dynamic?
Dynamic QR Codes have less dense data patterns and a shorter URL as compared to static QR Codes.
7. How do I create a dynamic QR Code for free?
You can sign up for Beaconstac’s 14-day free trial to create a dynamic QR Code at zero cost. After signing up for a free trial –
- Log in to Beaconstac’s dashboard.
- Go to the ‘QR Codes’ section and choose the QR type you wish to create.
- Enter all relevant information.
- Customize your dynamic QR Code.
- Generate, test, download, and deploy the code.
However, keep in mind that you need to upgrade to a paid plan after the trial period ends to continue using your dynamic QR Codes.
8. Do dynamic QR Codes cost money?
After the 14-day trial period, you need to pay for dynamic QR Codes. Beaconstac offers multiple plans depending on your needs, starting at $5 a month.
9. Are dynamic QR Codes safe to use?
Absolutely! A Dynamic QR Code is a way to trigger an action but with the consent of the user. The user has to interact with a notification initiated to proceed with the link.
10. Is a multi-URL QR Code the same as a dynamic QR Code?
Multi-URL QR Code is not the same as dynamic QR Code. Multi-URL QR Code provides multiple link choices to the user to choose from. Whereas, a dynamic QR Code is a smart redirection.
11. Can dynamic QR Code creation be automated?
Yes, you can automate the process of creating dynamic QR Codes by using Beaconstac’s API. You can also create QR Codes directly from a Google Sheet using our Zapier integration.
12. How do I track a dynamic QR Code?
Login to the Beaconstac dashboard to monitor the performance of your dynamic QR Codes. You can slice and dice the scans by device, location, and campaign.
Monika Adarsh is the Director of Inbound Marketing at Beaconstac where her primary job is to help users find answers to anything related to QR Codes. She works closely with customers to understand QR Code usage trends and build a framework for successful QR Code campaigns. She enjoys documenting her learnings about the QR Code market as posts and playbooks. She also anchors a podcast to uncover ways of using QR Codes in DTC/CPG brands. In her free time, she loves gardening and decorating spaces.
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