QR Codes, also known as quick response codes, are incredibly versatile and useful for marketing campaigns. Today's smartphones can scan a QR Code in seconds using just the camera app, accessing a link or set of URLs you'd like to share with the world.
However, do QR codes expire? And will a code become invalid if you don't pay for it? This QR Code guide will answer these questions and more, as well as which custom QR Codes are best for your circumstances, whether you can use the same QR Code more than once, and how to achieve more QR Code scans.
QR codes come in many different formats, but they will always be either Static or Dynamic. There are multiple differences between Static and Dynamic QR Codes, so let's dig in a little deeper to see what they are.
Also known as free QR codes, Static QR Codes can only be scanned once and there's no data tracking available with them. This is why they're generally free to generate, because as opposed to Dynamic QR Codes, they have limited features.
However, do Static QR Codes expire? The answer to this question is what can give them the edge over Dynamic QR Codes because technically, they don't. However, but you will be limited by the number of times your code can be scanned with free QR Code Generators.
Find out more about Static QR Code technology.
Dynamic QR Codes are different from Static QR Codes as they can be edited, tracked, and integrated with a range of third-party apps. This means they're much more versatile than their static counterparts and they have more uses for marketing purposes.
But does a Dynamic QR Code expire? Well, again, a Dynamic QR Code doesn't technically expire, but if you stop paying for your plan, then scanning your code won't be possible.
Try our QR Generator to make a new QR Code, be it Static or Dynamic.
With our QR Code Generator, you can create Dynamic and Static QR Codes in a matter of minutes. Here's how:
Step 1 - Click 'Create QR Code' and choose from our types of QR Code.
Step 2 - Paste your destination link into the 'URL' field.
Step 3 - Customize your QR Code with different colors, borders, sizes, and images.
And you're done! See? We told you it was simple.
Looking for inspiration about free QR Codes that won't expire? We've got you covered with a comprehensive list. See our guide explaining how to make a QR Code.
Wi-Fi QR Codes are a popular Static QR Code because the information doesn't usually change. This is great for small business owners and individuals who want to share their Wi-Fi details without going through the rigmarole of reading it out every time.
Instead, your Wi-Fi QR Code can be scanned by users in seconds and they'll be given your login details or automatically logged in to use your Wi-Fi.
Find out more about Wi-Fi QR Codes.
Website QR Codes are the most popular option for QR codes, generally speaking. Generating them is as easy as it is with any QR Code type, and when scanned, they can send users to a specific URL or website page that you've chosen. This makes them powerful marketing campaign tools to boost traffic to your website.
Great if you have a domain you're happy with and want to direct people to a page that won't change, you can boost interest in your landing pages quickly with a URL QR Code.
Find out more about URL QR Codes.
Looking to redirect customers to your social media channels? You can do so with a Social Media QR Code. A simple scan is all it takes and users will be sent directly to your social media platform of choice.
As a result, they're all-encompassing, and you can create the following:
Text to QR Codes contain text-based information that is revealed after scanning the code. This makes them a great option for free, or Static QR Codes, because they're generally used for limited-time discount codes or promotional information.
See how to turn Text into QR Codes.
Want to direct users to your email address, or better yet, populate a message for them to leave feedback or get in touch with your business? Out of the different types of QR codes available, Email QR Codes help you achieve this objective the best.
They're also great Static Code options if you have an email address that won't change or you want to gather feedback on something that won't be around forever.
Find out more about Email QR Codes.
Are you an artist looking to share your recent work or a business showcasing a new product? Do it with an Image Gallery QR Code. This is a particularly helpful option for those sharing imagery from an event that will never change, or advertising a new product for a fixed period.
Generate an Image to QR Code.
While a Static QR Code offers a range of options, they're generally used for individuals or businesses running short-lived campaigns.
Dynamic QR Codes, on the other hand, are massively versatile and usually better for longer-lasting digital marketing efforts. They can boost your marketing campaigns massively if you use them intelligently and are a vital tool for any marketer or business owner.
Menus are a prime example of Dynamic QR Codes because they can change frequently throughout the year. Generating a Dynamic Code rather than a Static Code means you can edit information as often as you like without having to print additional physical menus or codes.
This is great for restaurants or cafes just starting out and still experimenting with their offerings, as well as established eateries that have seasonal menus or information that changes a lot.
Generate Menu and Ordering QR Codes.
Have a new product, service, or discount to promote? Generating a Dynamic QR Code helps you achieve just this. You can also use the same code multiple times and change your URL as often as you like, simply because you've chosen a Dynamic QR Code.
Be aware, however, that if you include CTAs on your codes, they can't be changed if they've gone to print onto physical materials. Of course, they can be edited if you have a QR Code online.
Find out more about URL Link QR Codes.
Having an app is a great way to show customers that your business is future-focused. However, if you can't promote your app effectively, it renders it pointless.
Dynamic QR Codes help you advertise your app to a massive audience, which results in more downloads, more visitors to your website, and ultimately, more customers.
Find out more about App Store QR Codes.
A vCard QR Code helps you share information with potential clients and customers. A priceless tool in any business owner's or entrepreneur's arsenal, a Dynamic vCard gives you the power to change contact details that are no longer relevant.
This may be the start of a new position, updated physical address details, or new social media pages to shout about. All of these details, and more, can be altered with ease when you choose a Dynamic QR Code.
Generate a vCard QR Code.
Events, whether online or in-person, can be elevated with the help of QR Code technology. Allowing you to share your event details and update them for future occasions is invaluable as a business, so make the most of it and spread the word with a Dynamic QR Code.
Find out more about Dynamic QR Codes.
Your destination URL is the digital location you'd like your QR Code to be linked to. The ability to update your link is a unique benefit for Dynamic Codes and Static QR Code links are set and cannot be changed.
Data makes the world go round, especially if you're a marketing professional or running a business. With a Dynamic QR Code, you can not only learn which user's phone scanned your code, but also the time, date, location, and more information relating to each scan.
This gives you a lot of control over future campaigns and a better understanding of your audience that can't be achieved with a Static QR Code.
As well as tracking scan data and being able to edit URLs within Dynamic QR Codes, they also have a range of integration possibilities with software like Google Analytics, HubSpot, Canva, and more. You can also set the expiration date of your QR Code, which is an added bonus.
Folders help keep your QR codes in order and easier to manage. Helping you differentiate between the different codes in your locker, you can stay on track and ahead of your competition with Dynamic QR Code technology.
There's no need for a physical QR Code scanner or any QR Code readers when scanning a QR Code. Why? Because pretty much all mobile devices in the modern age can access your destination URL with the built-in camera app.
Some Dynamic QR Code plans have limits, but most of them don’t. This means you can enjoy as many scans as you like of your code, which is great for large-scale campaigns or businesses that have larger customer bases.
While Static QR Codes don't expire, you're better off going for a Dynamic QR Code and keeping your planning running if you're a business running a decently sized campaign.
A Dynamic QR Code not only offers you more versatility but gives you more control and the ability to change campaigns depending on how your customers react to them. They also come with a range of advanced features that really set them apart from the competition.
However, that's not to say that Static QR Codes don't have their place, and as we've covered above, there are lots of potential uses for them in your marketing mix, particularly if you have information to share that you know won't change.
Static QR Codes won't ever expire, but Dynamic QR Codes will cease to function if your plan runs out. You can also set a date for your Dynamic QR Code to expire with a paid plan and access a range of features.
Static QR Codes won't expire, even after your free trial period. This isn't the case if you choose Dynamic Codes, however, which will become inactive if you go for a free trial option. Nonetheless, you can update your plan before your trial ends and enjoy your Dynamic Codes for longer.
You can set expiry dates and time limits for Dynamic Codes with a paid plan. As long as you keep your plan running, they won't expire unless you want them to.
In your QR Code Fusion account, you can look at expired QR codes in your dashboard. If you have a paid plan, you can click reactivate to get your old, expired QR codes back up and running.
With our QR Code Generator, you're options are limitless for the kind of QR Code you can create. Please note, however, that only a Dynamic QR Code can be edited after you've hit download and generated your code.
A QR Code holds digital data within its design, which is generally a URL, website page, app download, or text-based information. Scanning a QR Code accesses this information and reveals it on the user's mobile device.
Free, Static QR Codes don't expire. However, you will be limited to the QR Code scans you can receive in a month. This is because you haven't paid for the QR codes created.
We have free QR Code plans available to create Static QR Codes that can receive up to 250 scans a month. We also have other plans that enable you to choose Dynamic QR Codes that have unlimited scans and advanced functionality.
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