(YOUR WEEKLY NOTE FROM ANGELINE)

🕗 Reading time: 4.30 minutes

Hi Reader,

Every time I see my coach friends close out their presentation with a QR code— linking to their website, lead magnet, or LinkedIn—I smile. I love that they're giving their audience a way to continue the conversation. They know that merely putting "thank you" is letting that last slide go to waste.

I do want to share this important point about QR codes before you generate your next one: There are two different types: static vs. dynamic, and knowing how to use them will be a game changer.

Static QR code:

The destination (like a website or PDF) is fixed and cannot be changed once the code is printed. Static codes also cannot track how many people scanned them, making them good for situations where you don't need trackability or the ability to update the destination.

Example use cases:

• You add a QR code to your business card that links to your website. Instead of having to type out a web URL with potential typos, they can scan the QR code instead.
• You give handouts at an event with a QR code leading to a permanent welcome video. The video link never changes.
• You create a poster for a single workshop. Once the event passes, the QR code has served its purpose.

Dynamic QR code:

The destination link can be updated even after the QR code is created. Dynamic codes also allow tracking, which means you can see how many scans were made.

Example use cases:

• You host quarterly themed workshops with different sign-up pages. The same QR code on your slides can redirect to each new workshop without regenerating the code. When a new workshop rolls around next quarter, you update the destination URL, not the code.
• You have to submit manuscripts or slides ahead of time (usually for review), and you want to add a QR code to link to your additional resources but those aren't ready yet. You can create a dynamic QR code with your website as the destination for the time being, and update the destination link once your resource URL is ready to be shared.

Here's a simple analogy:

A static QR code is like printing your home address on business cards. Once printed, it always points to that one place. If you move, you need new cards with the new address.

A dynamic QR code is like renting a PO Box with mail forwarding. Everyone sends mail to the same box number, but you control where it gets forwarded. You can redirect mail anytime without changing the box number.

Where to generate QR codes:

For static QR codes, there are many free options. Just search "free QR code generator" and you'll find several websites that will create them at no cost.

For dynamic QR codes, most sites require a subscription. However, I found a site called hovercode.com that includes 3 dynamic QR codes in their free tier. This is what I use personally. Hovercode also generates static codes if you need both types in one place.

A workaround for the tech-savvy:

If you want the ability to change where a QR code points without paying for a dynamic code, there's a workaround. This requires you to have your own website, and you'll use that to handle the redirect.

A redirect is a behind-the-scenes instruction that automatically sends visitors from one webpage to another.

Here's how it works:

1. Generate a static QR code that links to your website with a custom page name such as www[.]amplifysoon[.]com/events.
2. In your website settings, add a redirect so when someone scans the QR code, they'll first land on www[.]amplifysoon[.]com/events and then immediately be redirected to www[.]amplifysoon[.]com/NovWorkshop.

When the next workshop comes around, update the /events redirect to point to /FebWorkshop instead.

The QR code never changes—it always points to www[.]amplifysoon[.]com/events. You're just changing where that event page sends people.

This is the first time I'm writing a tech-forward topic. If you have topics you'd like to see me cover, hit reply and let me know.

Speaking of tech topics, I'm covering QR codes in my upcoming newsletter workshop. I'll also walk you through setting up your first newsletter using Kit. If you've always wanted to start a newsletter but never got around to it, here's your sign!

Build Your First Newsletter Workshop

Workshops:

→ LENGTH: Two 60-minute live workshops
→ TWO DATES: Nov 11 & Nov 13 // 4-5pm US Central Time

Sprint Clinics:
→ LENGTH: 60-minute clinics for your most urgent questions
→ FOUR DATES: Nov 18, Nov 24, Dec 2, Dec 8 // 4-5pm US Central Time

Two workshop days, four sprint clinics, and newsletter mission accomplished. Read more and register here.

If you feel nervous and icky about sending newsletters, let me offer you a reframe.

I look forward to seeing you on the inside!