6 Reasons to make all your brand media directly shoppable with QR codes

Shoppable media is transforming the way consumers interact with brands. Gone are the days when an ad was just a fleeting moment on a billboard or television screen. Now, with QR codes routing consumers to nearby purchase paths, every piece of media—whether it’s Digital-Out-Of-Home (DOOH) or Connected TV (CTV)—can become an interactive buying opportunity for consumers. 

Whether you're a marketer looking to improve campaign results or a CPG brand aiming to convert eyeballs into checkouts, integrating shoppable QR codes into your media strategy is crucial. Here’s how these innovative solutions can transform your marketing efforts and boost your bottom line.

1. The power of shoppable media in CTV marketing 

Shoppable media bridges the gap between brand awareness and point-of-sale. Imagine this—someone sees your ad on a digital billboard or while streaming their favorite show, instantly scans a QR code, adds the item to cart at a nearby retailer, and purchases the product. That’s the power of real-time interactions. 

According to eMarketer, 63% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that offer rapid transitions from discovery to purchase. By making media instantly actionable, you’re creating a direct path from engagement to conversion—a huge win for both consumers and your brand. What does this mean for CTV? According to eMarketer, the future is promising: "By 2026, nine U.S. streaming platforms will each generate over a billion dollars annually in ad revenue."

Mondelez International (best known for Oreos) is a great example of an enterprise brand that found success advertising on CTV. They took a combined approach to influencer marketing on shoppable media, using CTV ads and shoppable QR codes to drive engagement. Partnering with Acorn, they targeted Nabisco customers, competitors' shoppers, and baking enthusiasts. Four influencers from the “Mondelez Snack Squad” shared unique holiday recipes using Nabisco products, earning engagement numbers from 75,800 to 291,200. To boost impact, they highlighted a $100,000 donation to Feeding America, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to giving back. The content reached audiences via paid social ads and Walmart Connect CTV on platforms like Paramount+, Disney+, and Roku.

This omnichannel approach delivered results while reinforcing brand values—proof that smart strategy and creativity go hand in hand. According to Path to Purchase Institute, CTV is the fastest-growing advertising channel. Leveraging this trend, the Mondelez X Acorn campaign achieved impressive results: 99% ad completion rate, 875,219 unique viewers reached, and a remarkable $5.57 return on ad spend (ROAS).

2. Benefits for CPG brands and marketers 

If you’re in the CPG business, you know the competition is fierce. Shoppable media gives you tools to break through the noise. 

• Enhance ROI: Make media investments measurable by tracking consumer scans, buying intent, and purchases resulting from QR codes. 
• Target by geo: Want to target consumers near specific retailers? Dynamic shoppable tools make hyper-targeted campaigns easy, ensuring your consumers don’t just see your product but know exactly where to buy it. Build local brand awareness near in-stock stores so shoppers can feel confident about purchasing your brand.
• Shorten the sales funnel: Simplify the buying journey—turn your ad into the storefront, reducing extra clicks or decision fatigue.
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Brands like Egglife have seen immense success with targeted shoppable ads, effectively reaching high-intent consumers across CTV and out-of-home campaigns. 

3. Choosing the most effective shoppable tech

Not all media destinations are created equal. That’s where shoppable technology, driven by your QR code, takes the spotlight.

• Dynamic functionality: Your QR codes should do more than direct—they should be backed by dynamic shoppability, track consumer engagement, and adapt based on shopper behavior. Simple mobile scans can open up product-specific pages, offer instant discounts, or guide users to nearby retailers. With CPG brands finding greater success through hyper-personalization, why not automate discovery by geolocation? Dynamic inventory linked to your QR codes delivers exactly that.
• Seamless integration across channels: Whether it’s on a Times Square billboard or during a primetime Hulu ad spot, these shoppable experiences optimize different media channels for maximum interactivity. 
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Think of it like this—integrated shoppability acts as the ultimate bridge between offline media experiences and digital retail environments. Using a QR code makes it easy for shoppers to scan and purchase immediately.

4. Success tips for CPG brands‍

Shoppable QR codes aren’t just a trendy concept—they can deliver real results when used effectively.

• Tip #1: Integrate shoppable media into your DOOH campaigns to offer limited-time discounts or exclusive deals. Consider screens at shopping malls or billboards. This can drive more retail traffic, boosting brand sales.
• Tip #2: When it comes to visual design, your shoppable QR code should appear large and bold in contrast. You can even animate around it to give it more prominence.
• Tip #3: Use QR codes in CTV campaigns to connect with specific audiences, such as health-conscious consumers, and encourage engagement with your brand.
• Tip #4: Promote sustainability by adding QR codes to your packaging or ads to encourage actions like refills or recycling program sign-ups.
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When done effectively, shoppable media with QR codes can be a highly impactful way to boost customer engagement and inspire meaningful actions for your brand.

5. Tips for effective use in DOOH & CTV 

Now that you're sold on the value of Pear-powered QR codes, here are some tips to ensure your campaigns hit the mark. 

• Keep it visible: Your QR code needs prominence. For DOOH, position it at eye level. For CTV, display it on-screen for at least 20-30 seconds to allow users time to scan. 
• Send it home with a strong CTA: A simple “Scan to Save” or “Shop Now” message can dramatically increase user interactions. 
• Track and optimize: Use Pear’s analytics to see how users engage with your QR codes and tweak your campaigns in real-time. 
• Offer value: Give consumers a reason to scan—think exclusive deals, free shipping, or early access to new products. 
• Make it actionable: Ensure the QR code links directly to a shoppable Product Details Page or Store Locator so consumers can act instantly. If you’re showcasing a seasonal product line or limited edition product, consider customizing a Landing Page or Direct-to-Cart link.
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These strategic tips will help you maximize the impact of every QR code and make your media truly shoppable. 

6. Get started with shoppable media 

The days of passive advertising are behind us. By combining QR codes with the power of Pear, you can transform any ad—be it a massive billboard on a busy highway or a 20-second pre-roll ad on streaming TV—into an interactive shopping experience. 

With the shoppable media aspect of retail ecommerce, you’re not only meeting consumers where they are but guiding them directly to checkout from the comfort of their daily routines. Since a recent study reported 69.3% of US adults are discovering new products weekly, now is the perfect time for your brand to join the next wave of marketing innovation. 

Interested in taking the leap? Explore how Pear can power your campaigns, and enable audience building and shopper retargeting. What are you waiting for? Make your next ad shoppable today! Book your demo →