Carroll Media Services collected more than 1500 outdoor advertising images across 24 markets for their OutdoorAdVault Image Database during October 2011. A review of these images revealed that 23 different outdoor advertisers  included a QR code as part of the creative.

A QR Code or a Quick Response Code has been around since 1994.  QR codes were originally designed for use in auto manufacturing industry and they usually appear displayed as black and white squares in a grid pattern reminiscent of a crossword. QR codes have become a popular tool in recent years to quickly link smartphone users through to web pages, provided the phone had a relevant reader installed.

CMS has assisted several clients over the past few months to ensure that their outdoor advertising and in-store campaigns that use this technology are properly executed.  The CMS’ team of Field Professionals have inspected OOH elements to verify they were posted on time and met all contractual obligations – including field testing QR codes if applicable.   Working QR codes are an issue for ads that are placed inside buildings or underground where cellular data connections may be compromised.