Digital signage is a powerful tool. With its motion, video, and vivid imagery, it’s no surprise that it grabs our attention as we walk by. But what happens after the patron sees the ad? How do you get them to take action NOW instead of just going about their business? Enter QR code signage.
If you’ve ever been out in public, you’ve probably seen a QR code. They’re the little black-and-white boxes that look like jumbled pixels. They’re usually on advertisements, billboards, and other forms of digital signage—but they could be anywhere. You might have even scanned one… or two… or a few hundred, who knows?
QR code signage can be scanned with a smartphone’s camera to take the user to a specific web address. No special app to download, most smartphone cameras automatically read QR codes and take people to the URL you specify. And almost everyone has a smartphone now and is using their smartphone to continually interact with the online world.
This is great for digital signage because now, instead of just passively observing the content on screen, users can become active agents in their own experience. They can see your ad and then immediately take action on it by purchasing on the spot or by visiting your website, or social media page to learn more.
How To Create QR Code Signage
While you can print QR codes on static paper signs, we are real fans of creating our QR code signage using digital signage – signage on TV or computer monitors.
The benefit of digital QR code signage is that it is very easy to change. We have an add-on for PowerPoint called DataPoint that will automatically create QR codes for your digital signage.
Created a QR code for your digital signage? Now what? How can you use this QR code to bring value to your audience, and not just clutter up an otherwise beautiful display? If you’re struggling with this question, here are some sample ideas you can use for digital signage QR codes.
Example 1: Museum Digital Signage/QR Codes
A museum exhibit QR code can send visitors to an in-depth page with more information about the display piece. You can even add audio with a historian talking about the piece and/or a video showing how the item was used. This replaces the old-style audio tours people used to listen to on cassette while touring a museum.
This makes it easy for museums to grab even more attention from their visitors with a unique take on their website content. And no need to reprint a sign when information is updated, just update the web page the QR code leads to.
During a presentation, a QR code can send visitors to an online poll for real-time feedback and polling. This allows users to give feedback without interrupting the speaker. It also provides immediate results for the presenter and other attendees.
Example 2: Retail Store Coupons
A retail store can display a QR code to provide a special offer or coupon on the product. This makes buying more attractive and if the coupon is time-limited, it gets the customer to take action to buy now
Example 3: Retail Store Product Info
Stores can also use QR codes to:
- show the product in action (“how-to” videos)
- provide more information about where the product is made
- provide warranty information
- show testimonials from others who have purchased the product
Example 4: Restaurants/Food
A restaurant or grocery store can use QR codes to connect people with nutritional information on their foods. A key benefit for people wanting to eat healthier or those with food allergies or sensitivities such as diabetics, celiacs, etc.
They can also provide information about the sustainability or environmental impact of a product, such as tuna caught with pole and line instead of nets that harm dolphins and catch rare fish. Or the fact that the eggs and berries are locally sourced.
Example 5: Event Venue
An event venue can use a QR code to send people to where they can buy tickets or reserve a seat on their smartphones. Or they can send them to the page with the agenda or the schedule for the conference.
If you’re looking for an easy way to boost engagement with your digital signage, try putting a QR code on it!
Creating Digital Signage QR Codes
We’ve created an easy way to add QR codes to your digital signage. Create your digital signage using PowerPoint and add our DataPoint plugin for PowerPoint.
DataPoint can automatically create unique QR codes to send people to your urls, social media, images, videos, text, or other data
Questions about QR code signage? Contact us and we’d be happy to help.
