Retailers spend money on ads to reach people who have never set foot in the shop — and fail to convert the person standing inside it, phone in hand, waiting in the queue at the till. A QR code on the screen fixes that distortion.
Why your in-store customer is the best follower
- They already know the product — no need to be convinced of the basics.
- They live or work nearby, so they can come back.
- They already trust you enough to have walked in.
- They cost nothing to reach: they are right in front of you.
A follower won through advertising is a cold audience. A follower won inside the shop is a customer you can notify when their size is back in stock.
The mistake that makes QR codes fail
Putting the code up with the words “follow our Instagram”. Nobody follows because they were asked — people follow for a reason. The QR code has to offer something concrete:
| Weak call | Call that works |
|---|---|
| “Follow us” | “See the looks that landed this week” |
| “Our Instagram” | “Scan and get notified when your size is back” |
| “Like our page” | “Alerts group: sales always one day early” |
| “Contact us” | “Check size availability on WhatsApp” |
Where to put the code in the store
The best spot: the customer is standing still, phone in hand, with nothing to do.
A moment of doubt about size and combination — perfect for offering a WhatsApp enquiry.
Catches people who passed without coming in; works best with a clear offer and a big code.
Technical details that matter
- A generous size — on a TV, a small code cannot be read from two metres
- High contrast: black on white always works
- Enough time on screen (at least 10 to 15 seconds)
- To lead straight to the destination, with no intermediate page
- A clear promise beside it
- To be tested on at least two different phones before publishing
WhatsApp usually converts better than Instagram
Instagram builds an audience; WhatsApp builds sales. For neighbourhood retail, a WhatsApp broadcast list or channel tends to bring more direct return — the message arrives without depending on an algorithm. Ideally you have both codes, in different pieces of the loop.
Once that channel exists, it becomes where you announce new collections and sales before anyone else.
Put your QR code on screen today
Publish the piece with your Instagram or WhatsApp code from your phone. 30 days free, no card.
Try it freeFrequently asked questions
How do I generate the QR code?+
Any free generator will do. For WhatsApp, use a wa.me link with the shop number and a pre-written message — that way the customer types nothing.
Should I offer a discount for following?+
It works as an initial push, but it attracts discount-hunters. Useful content — restock alerts, first look at the sale — brings followers who buy later.
How do I know how many people scanned it?+
Use a trackable link, or a number or profile exclusive to that campaign. Without that, you cannot separate who came from the screen and who came from an ad.
Does it work in other sectors?+
It works in any business with waiting: restaurants, salons, clinics and barbershops use the same mechanism — only the promise beside the code changes.
