Billboard-to-mobile funnels are becoming a powerful tool for cannabis dispensaries looking to transform real-world attention into digital loyalty program growth. By pairing eye-catching outdoor ads with simple mobile actions, dispensaries can turn anonymous passersby into engaged, high-value customers in seconds.
Why loyalty signups matter for dispensaries
Loyalty programs sit at the center of modern cannabis marketing. Because dispensaries face strict limits on digital advertising, having a direct line to customers—usually via SMS or email—is essential for sending promotions, product updates, event announcements, and rewards. Research across retail consistently shows that loyalty members shop more often and spend more per visit, making these programs one of the most reliable drivers of repeat business.
Why billboard-to-mobile funnels work
Out-of-home (OOH) advertising remains one of the most influential awareness channels. Studies show nearly nine in ten consumers notice OOH ads, and a majority use their mobile phones afterward to search for a brand or offer they saw. When OOH media is paired with mobile, engagement jumps significantly—industry data shows mobile actions such as clicking a link, scanning a QR code, or visiting a landing page can rise dramatically after exposure to a strong billboard.
The widespread adoption of QR codes has supercharged this trend. Millions of U.S. consumers scan QR codes every month, and marketing usage has grown since the pandemic. In OOH, QR codes make it possible to connect a physical message directly to a digital action, allowing dispensaries to track scans, measure which billboards perform best, and capture customer information on the spot.
Instead of treating exposure as the final step, dispensaries now use CTAs like:
“Scan to join our VIP text club,”
“Text DEAL to 12345 for 20% off,” or
“Join our rewards program—instant discount.”
These simple prompts can convert a driver or pedestrian into a loyalty member in moments.
What makes a strong billboard-to-mobile funnel
1. A clear, valuable offer
The billboard must communicate an immediate benefit—first-time discounts, exclusive drops, birthday rewards, or members-only pricing. Consumers respond best when the value exchange is obvious and simple.
2. A fast, safe mobile action
- For pedestrians, QR codes work well and deliver high engagement when placed where people can safely stop and scan.
- For highways or fast-moving environments, short URLs or text keywords outperform QR because they require less precision and no physical scanning.
3. A frictionless landing page
The signup flow should be mobile-friendly, load quickly, and only request essential details such as name and phone number. Dynamic QR platforms also allow dispensaries to track performance in real time, providing insights that improve future campaigns.
4. Automated onboarding
After the signup, an SMS or email welcome sequence can immediately deliver the promised reward and highlight store locations, upcoming promotions, and loyalty program benefits. This first touchpoint helps convert new members into active customers.
Why this strategy boosts loyalty growth
The magic of billboard-to-mobile funnels is measurability. Every scan, text-in, and landing-page conversion provides trackable data. Instead of guessing awareness impact, dispensaries can now calculate cost per loyalty signup, compare billboard placements, and refine messaging for maximum results.
In an industry where paid digital channels are heavily restricted, owning a direct customer list offers a competitive advantage. By turning billboards into gateways to mobile signup flows, dispensaries can reliably grow their loyalty programs—and ultimately, their repeat business—through a simple but highly effective marketing funnel.
Learn how these brands are successful with their campaigns.