Best Practices For Out of Home - QR Codes

Tips For QR Codes

Optimize the design of your QR code for scannability

Leave a "quiet zone" (blank space) around the QR code to differentiate it from other design elements. While QR codes do not have to be black and white, they are traditionally these colors because they have the highest contrast. We recommend the QR code take up 30% of the creative.

Use a single QR code next to a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Keep things simple by placing one CTA next to one QR code. Too many design elements run the risk of your content becoming cluttered.

Show the QR code on the DOOH creative for as long as possible.

If possible, show the QR code for the full length of the ad to maximize the opportunity for successful conversion.

QR Code Scan Expecations

If you choose to use QR codes in your creative, you can expect about 5-10 scans per million impressions on avg. If you design creative to focus on the QR code and follow some of the tips on this page, it can increase to 20-40 scans per million impressions on avg.  

Note: QR codes are not accepted on roadside billboards.

QR Codes and Out of Home Summery

QR codes can be a great way to track the impact of an OOH campaign, however, they should not be relied upon entirely. Other metrics like impression delivery, brand lift, organic search traffic, and other KPIs should be analyzed when looking at the success of an out of home campaign.