How Effective Is QR Code on Billboard Advertisement?
In this 21st Century, QR Codes are widely used by shopping centers, billboards, interactive TV, interactive screens, and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) as well as smartphone users, from sharing password-free wifi to making cashless payments. The use of QR codes in Out-of-Home advertising has also become increasingly popular by providing a seamless and interactive experience for consumers with brands.
A Quick Fun Fact
QR Code was actually invented by a Japanese automotive manufacturing company called Denso Wave in 1994, and it was used for scanning and tracking of components during the assembly process.
Before we jump into some serious business "talk", let's take a quick peek at our takeaways and information we have stored for you!
Key Takeaways
What Is QR Code?
Effectiveness Of QR Codes In Billboard Advertisements
How Does It Affect Businesses Positively?
What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of Using QR Codes In Billboard Advertising?
What Are The Alternatives To Include QR Codes?
Summary
What Is QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of 2D barcode that features uniquely generated patterns of black and white squares or pixels set in a grid that stores data for smart devices to read. A QR code can store about 2,000 characters, including alphanumeric characters, GS1 data and binary data. According to Businesswire, 84% of mobile users have scanned a QR code at least once. 72% of people scan a QR code at least once per month, and 32% scan a QR code once a week.
Now, that's interesting right? Keep reading to learn more, peeps!
Effectiveness Of QR Codes In Billboard Advertisements
QR codes have become increasingly popular in billboard advertising due to their ability to boost engagement with consumers. By allowing individuals to scan the code and access online information related to the advertisement, QR codes can provide a more interactive and immersive experience for viewers.
How Does It Affect Businesses Positively?
1. Ability to Measure Effectiveness
One of the key advantages of QR code advertising is the ability to measure its effectiveness. By tracking the number of scans and analyzing user behavior, marketers can gain valuable insights into the success of their campaigns. This allows for more informed decision-making and optimization of future advertising efforts.
2. Brand Awareness
In addition, QR Code promotes brand awareness by incorporating them into promotional materials, marketers can track the number of times their codes have been scanned and where and when they were scanned. With this information, businesses can optimize their marketing strategies and boost future campaigns.
3. Customer Loyalty
Furthermore, incorporating QR codes on billboards can enhance customer loyalty. By offering exclusive offers, discounts, and rewards upon scanning, businesses can incentivize repeated interactions with their brand.
4. Boost Sales
In terms of boosting sales, QR codes on billboards can have a substantial impact. By a simple scan, consumers will be linked to an online store or a webpage where users can place orders and companies are able to seamlessly bridge the gap between outdoor advertisements and purchasing opportunities.
5. Consumer Engagement
As a final point, by leveraging QR codes on billboards marketers are able to encourage consumer engagement. By incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes, surveys, or augmented reality experiences, businesses can captivate the attention of passersby and foster a sense of participation thereby increasing the reach and virality of the campaign.
What Are The Potential Drawbacks Of Using QR Codes In Billboard Advertising?
Despite the numerous advantages, there are a few considerations when incorporating QR codes into your billboard advertising. Thorough research into their feasibility, considering factors like traffic, location, and ad size, is paramount. For a successful outdoor campaign employing QR codes, consult with our Firstboard specialists to ensure it's executed effectively. We offer tailor-made Out-of-Home solutions, aligning with your campaign goals, target audience, budget, and unique requirements. Don't hesitate, request a consultation today!
1. Take Time To Read The QR Code
One of the main barriers to scanning QR codes on billboards is the distance between the code and the viewer, which can make it difficult to scan properly. It almost took 2-5 seconds to read the QR Codes on the billboards, which is quite slow if you are in a vehicle moving fast.
2. Not Everyone Carries A Smartphone All Times
Add on to that, individuals may not always have their smartphones readily available or may not be interested in scanning the code, particularly if they are driving or in a hurry (not to mention that using your phone while driving is extremely dangerous and it violates the law). These factors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of QR codes on billboards as a means of engaging with audiences.
3. Limited Internet Connection & Busy Areas
Moreover, the effectiveness of QR codes in billboard advertising may depend on the location and context in which they are displayed. If the billboard is placed in an area with limited internet connection or in a location where passersby are unlikely to have the time or tendency to interact with the code, the advertisement's impact may be diminished.
4. Security Risks
Another potential concern with QR codes on billboards is related to security. QR codes can be used to direct users to malicious websites or to initiate phishing attacks, which can compromise personal information and put consumers at risk. Educating users on the potential security risks associated with scanning QR codes is crucial to prevent these issues from occurring.
What Are The Alternatives To Include QR Codes?
There are alternative outdoor strategies to include QR codes for billboard advertising by Firstboard which are unique and customisable:
Summary
QR codes on billboards can be a powerful tool for marketing and advertising, providing interactive and engaging experiences for consumers while also enabling advertisers to measure their advertising success. However, it has potential drawbacks that could put users' personal information at risk and it should not be the only method of communication or interaction with target audience, as that can lead to confusion and inaccessibility.
Still confused about whether you should incorporate QR codes into your billboard advertisements? We can help you! Talk with us for more information.
Images credit to: Supercode, QR Tiger, Beaconstac, Newscase, History Computer, Freepik, Speedefy, Kiteworks.