You’re on your way home. Long day. You spot a massive ad: bold text, big logo, maybe even a catchy line. You look at it for what… 3 seconds? And then? Gone. Forgotten. Buried under 100 other things, your brain’s juggling. Now imagine if, in that moment, the ad had a QR code with one line:
“Scan. 30% off. Valid today only.”
This significantly increases the chances of the target audience opening the phone and scanning, because who doesn’t like a discount? While this is one of the many use cases of using QR codes, it can be implemented for different purposes. This blog discusses in detail how a brand can boost outdoor advertising campaigns ROI with instant engagement using QR codes.
What are the possible reasons that are dragging your ROI?
It’s not about design. It’s not about copy. It’s not even about placement (though that matters).
It’s about this:
They don’t give people something to do. They show. They impress. But they stop there.
If every ad you printed can give a chance for users to visit back again? It could help you collect a lead, get someone into your store, your funnel, your app. QR codes are of the cheapest, easiest way to make that happen. But most brands either use them wrong or don’t use them at all. If you are looking to make your ads effective, you need a reliable outdoor advertising agency. Partner with 5 Star Advertising, we offer a wide range of OOH advertising services incorporating efficient QR codes for improved ROI.
You Don’t Need “Awareness.” You Need Interaction.
You’re not Coca-Cola. You’re not Nike. You don’t need people to “just remember your brand.” You need them to act. And outdoor ads can be insanely powerful when they push people to take action immediately.
- Scan for a discount.
- Scan for a job.
- Scan to book a test drive.
- Scan to watch a 15-sec video.
- Scan to enter a giveaway.
- Scan to message a rep directly.
Example:
Let’s say you’re a restaurant. Your hoarding says: “Best Sushi in Town.”
The chances are they are going to forget that. They’ve seen that before.
Now it says: “Scan for a free sushi roll.”
The same ad space can be used effectively, which can significantly increase your returns on investment.
The real reasons Outdoor Ads wont work and how to fix them
1. No Clear CTA
Problem: You’re telling people who you are, but not what to do next.
Fix it: Say exactly what you want—like “Scan to get 20% off” instead of just your brand name.
2. Can’t Track What’s Working
Problem: You’re guessing if your ad is doing anything.
Fix it: Use a QR code linked to a trackable page—know how many people scanned, clicked, or bought.
3. QR Code in the Wrong Spot
Problem: It’s too high, too small, or just hard to scan.
Fix it: Place it where people can easily reach it—eye level, big enough, and clear.
4. The Offer Isn’t Exciting
Problem: “Learn more” won’t make anyone scan.
Fix it: Give people a reason—“Scan for a free gift” or “Get a sneak peek”.
5. Slow Page After Scanning
Problem: They scan… and wait. And leave.
Fix it: Use fast, mobile-optimised pages. Every second matters.
6. Doesn’t Work Well on Mobile
Problem: People scan on their phones, but the page looks bad or doesn’t load right.
Fix it: Test it on your own phone. If it’s clunky, fix it.
7. Too Many Steps
Problem: You’re asking for too much—long forms, logins, sign-ups.
Fix it: Keep it short and sweet. Just one action. One click. One reward.
8. Nothing Happens After the Scan
Problem: You got the scan, but that’s it.
Fix it: Follow up—capture an email, show a special offer, or retarget them later.
9. You’re Not Testing
Problem: You put one ad out and hope it works.
Fix it: Try two versions—different headlines, QR placements, offers. See what works better.
10. Wrong People Seeing It
Problem: The ad is in a place your target audience doesn’t go.
Fix it: Place your ad where your ideal customer hangs out. Match location with message.
11. No Link to Your Sales Team
Problem: Someone’s interested, but your team doesn’t know what to do with the lead.
Fix it: Make sure sales or support is ready to follow up. Even better—automate it.
12. Too Focused on "Awareness"
Problem: People may see your ad, but do nothing.
Fix it: Add a reason to engage—QRs, discounts, freebies, contests. Awareness is just the start.
13. Scanned... Then Landed on Your Homepage
Problem: No context, no direction. Just your regular website.
Fix it: Create a page that matches the ad. Make it feel like a journey, not a dead end.
14. QR Code is Hard to See
Problem: It blends in or doesn’t catch attention.
Fix it: Use contrast, color, and maybe even a little arrow or icon that says “Scan me”.
15. The Ad Looks Boring
Problem: People just walk past it.
Fix it: Use strong visuals and headlines that make people stop, even for a second. That’s all you need.
Conclusion
Outdoor advertisements still have huge potential, but, only if your ads are properly designed and placed. Contact 5 Star Advertising, a leading OOH advertising agency in Bangalore. With our proven strategies and years of experience we will make your ad campaigns earn you business. Implementing QR codes into the banners is a very clever way to turn prospects into customers. Turn this opportunity into game changer for your business, contact us today for innovative outdoor advertising in Bangalore.
