I got a QR code for my VA business! So yep, I had to research it.
Back up; I got a QR code a couple of years ago for my direct sales business. I never used it, but I went ahead with the same QR code generator.
I’m going to tell you about the one I used, while also checking out some options. But first I’m going to tell you about static vs dynamic.
I hope I’m happy with my choice! I haven’t paid for anything yet, but I plan on it because I already made a code and added it to an ad that will go in my daughter’s dance recital yearbook. So I kinda walked myself into a corner, and again, I hope I’m happy with my choice! 🤷♀️😂
QR code – static vs dynamic
Static codes can’t be changed once they’ve been made and printed. On the other hand, a dynamic code can be changed. But why does it matter?
Say you make a code for your business but then you change the website, so you have a new URL. Or maybe you have a direct sales business but you change to a different direct sales company. I mean, face it, some people want your product, but some people want YOU. By changing the URL, your loyal followers can easily follow you to your new business.
I feel like a dynamic code is important so nothing happens to my code! But why would it? I have a website and I don’t plan on changing it. 🤷♀️
Do free static QR codes expire?
Based on my research, static codes do not expire. They only go bad if the URL changes or something physically changes the pattern. I should be fine with a simple, free, static QR code.
Why a dynamic QR code might be better
I already mentioned that you can change the URL that the dynamic code points to. This of dynamic as alive. The code itself doesn’t change, but the destination can.
Another reason you might be interested in the dynamic code is because of the tracking that comes along with it. You can see the total scans and the country and city location of the scans.
Tracking will also allow you to test out code designs. You can see which one performs better. Since you can change the color, framing, and add text and arrows, you might have a code that performs better than others.
Last thought about static vs dynamic codes. If you’re going to print it, for example, on a business card or a print ad, a dynamic code is your safe bet.
Free QR codes from QR Code Generator
I got mine from QR Code Generator. You can do a 14-day free trial. When you click on the plans, scroll all the way down and click on the dropdown “do you offer individual plans?” In the fine print, you can activate their free plan and you’ll get a free dynamic code! Yay!
This will work for most people. The free plan also includes 5 static codes. So if you add another business to your lineup, you can quickly make a new code for free. Remember to follow through with the activation so your code doesn’t expire at the end of your trial!
The paid options start at $9.99/month but I really think the free plan will work for me for now. Though I may add the next tier at $15.99/month at some point so I can offer dynamic QR codes with tracking to my clients.
Free QR codes from QR Code Monkey
QR Code Monkey is another free QR code generator. Oh, this is interesting!
First, I entered my direct sales website address. It said it wasn’t a valid URL. Yikes! I finally typed it into a browser and then copied the URL as it appeared – you know how they re-formulate into something a little different? That one worked.
What is really cool is that I was able to make a gradient color image! Check this out:
Then I clicked to sign up so I can keep this cool-looking code and it said I already have an account. What?? It appears to be the same as the QR Code Generator that I just signed up for this morning!
Sadly, I can’t figure out how to save it. But I did download it so I suppose that I can keep using it. It’ll be interesting to see if this code lasts forever like it says that it will! 🤞
Tip, if you want a gradient code like the one above, follow the link to the QR Code Monkey, make it, and download it. Done. You can’t change it, but you can use it as a free static code.
Free QR codes from The QR Code Generator
I found another free QR code generator, The QR Code Generator. This one appears to be different. You can create a one-time code without ever signing up. If you want a dynamic code, you have to sign up.
I’m constantly signing up for things, so I just want to reiterate that you don’t have to sign up! You can download and keep using the free static code. I would just check it periodically to make sure it’s still working.
Summary
After my research, writing this, and several times re-reading it, my first choice, QR Code Generator, is the one to go with. I say this because you can activate their free plan and have 1 dynamic code as well as 5 static codes. All for free! Just remember to follow through with the activation so your code doesn’t expire at the end of your trial!
Here’s the ad I made for my daughter’s dance yearbook.
I used Canva to make it. I’m kind of chuckling because I really enjoyed making it. 😂 This is what I call “work”.
I spent an hour this morning making this ad, which my business paid for, btw😉.
I decided I should add a QR code, so that’s how this whole post came about. Then while communicating with the owner of the dance studio, she mentioned that she may be contacting me for my services! I call that a good day!
If you’re interested in what I do, you could do it too! Check out this free course I made. It’s delivered for 5 days via email and walks you through the steps of starting your own virtual assistant business. 👍