billboard advertising Archives - Page 5 of 6

Times Square Billboard Cost

Posted on June 8, 2021 by admin

Advertising is so much more than just the act of getting your product out in front of your customers’ eyes – it’s an art that balances psychology, sociology, and style. It’s not only about promoting a product or service on a surface level. Your advertising also communicates your values as a business to whoever sees it. The decisions you make with regards to your advertising speak to who you are as a company.

Endless attempts have been made to create effective outdoor advertising that stands out among the rest. These types of media are made specifically for the place and time they are produced in. But what about those advertisements that simply wow with size and spectacle? That’s right, we’re talking about the biggest and most expensive billboard ever — but which billboard, exactly, is the ‘most expensive?’ We’ll talk about a relatively new, massive Times Square billboard cost as compared to the cost of one in Dubai that will blow your mind. Read on to find out more!

Traditional Billboards vs. Digital Billboards

When deciding what kind of OOH advertising methods you will choose to spend your money on, it is important to compare different mediums. Traditional billboards and digital billboards may seem similar, but they differ greatly in terms of cost, as well as in their pros and cons.

Traditional Billboards

Billboards are probably one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of out-of-home advertising. Traditional billboards are placed virtually everywhere where people might see them and where they are allowed. Consider how many billboards you see any time you drive on a highway or busy road!

The cost of a traditional billboard will depend greatly on its location, with billboards in rural areas being far less expensive than those in urban areas. That said, it’s important to consider the type of audience you are trying to reach with your advertising when deciding on a location. Traditional billboards are cheaper compared to digital billboards and are effective in reaching a large audience using a very simple message. Because traditional billboards use static images and text, they may not be as effective as digital billboards in grabbing consumers’ attention.

Traditional billboards:

Cost less
Capture a large audience
Have a relatively low cost per impression

Digital Billboards

While traditional billboards have been around for ages, digital billboards are now becoming more popular as technology advances. Digital billboard space is now more accessible than ever. Obviously, digital billboards are going to be more expensive to advertise with than traditional, static-image billboards. Digital billboards can be astronomically expensive in urban and high-traffic areas.

There are some benefits to using digital billboards, though. You can use the space to display video ads or different versions of one ad. Also, you don’t have to pay for your ad to be showing 24/7. Oftentimes, digital billboards will display different ads from different companies throughout the day. You can work out what times you want your ad to be showing to create the most cost-effective strategy.

It’s also normally a quicker and easier process to get your ad up on a digital billboard. Plus, digital billboards timing features allow for more cost-effective targeting. The dynamic, changing nature of digital billboards can also make them more effective than traditional static billboards.

Digital billboards:

Are dynamic and may be more effective
Allow for more specific targeting
Have shorter campaign durations

The Most Expensive Billboard

When we talk about the most expensive billboard in the world, there is a little bit of confusion about whether or not the prize will be taken by North America, or by the increasingly eminent Dubai, long considered a bastion of wealth and opulence in the Middle East. Both locations are known for over-the-top, flashy advertising that is meant to grab the attention of everyone passing by. For as far as the plain facts are considered, though, the most expensive billboard is one that went up in Times Square in the late part of 2014.

This Times Square billboard, recently unveiled in the heart of one of the busiest areas of New York City, is longer than a football field. It boasts an unreal 24 million pixel display to embolden the next generation of high-definition advertising. You can see the display dwarfing the crowds below.

Times Square Billboard Cost

So, what does this expensive billboard cost the advertisers of the world to use? A whopping 625k/week. Or, in other words, roughly ~$100,000 a day. The billboard is rented in 4-week periods, meaning that companies will be dropping about $2.5 million for a 4-week advertisement. While this price is pretty much unprecedented, the area sees hundreds of thousands of people a day – people who are likely to notice the gargantuan display that illuminates the marquee above them. For many advertisers, this is a worthwhile investment to make.

While this billboard is one of the largest and definitely the most expensive, it is not the largest in the world. It’s not even the tallest! The distinction of tallest belongs to another Times Square billboard, the uber-iconic vertical one at One Times Square. Meanwhile, the largest billboard in the world is in Saudi Arabia which is the length of almost three football fields!

A Possible Competitor

This Times Square billboard cost may be the highest world with its weekly rate of $625,000, but there is one billboard that has a higher cost in terms of potential. This billboard is none other than the Skydive Dubai billboard that debuted in front of the Burj Khalifa back in 2012, in conjunction with Denver-based Go Fast Sports. Sure, it’s in a prime location… But how does it manage to risk a cost higher than $625k?

The answer lies in the peculiar and creative nature of its presentation. While the billboard is relatively standard, it debuted with a display from a Go Fast jetpack rider – no doubt due to the ties that Go Fast Sports has to the Jetpack International. Since the advertisement debuted with the jetpack rider as a key part of its presentation, it can be considered to be something of a part of the ad itself. See a demonstration in the video here.

The Times Square billboard cost pales in comparison to this spectacle.

It is estimated that for this billboard to operate at full capacity (that is to say, with a jetpack rider circling it) it would cost a completely unreal $1.3 billion a month to operate. For clarity, that’s operating 24/7, for a whole month. Even still, you might be wondering, how is it so expensive? The answer is that jet-packing is still an incredibly expensive hobby, taking an estimated $500 a second. Until we see those costs drop, this will be without a doubt the most (potentially) expensive billboard in the world.

Reflections On the Two

So here we’ve looked at the two most expensive billboards in the world. One is a massive screen in a key center of the city. Meanwhile, one is in an even more opulent location but requiring an unsustainable display to make the most of itself. They are certainly two different ways to spend, but which one is ‘better?’

Without a doubt, the Times Square billboard is the safer investment. It has a hefty cost, but a great location with a fantastic display. The things that make the Dubai billboard so expensive mostly come down to novelty. While worthy of conversation, these tactics are not a sustainable way to invest in your business. So if you see billboards out in the wild that echo these two, take the option that is the most stable! After all, there is a reason that brands like Google have already sought to place multi-month displays on a display like the one in Times Square.

That being said, it’s important to determine what kind of billboard will be most effective for your advertising strategy. If cost is no issue, or you think your ROI will be worth the higher cost, then a digital billboard in a high-traffic area might be the right choice for your business. If you want to save money and target people in less-populated areas, then a traditional static billboard in a rural area will be well worth your money. The great thing about coming up with your most cost-effective strategy is that there are so many different options to choose from.

Money Better Spent in Puerto Rico

While Times Square is certainly a great spot to advertise if you’ve got the money, advertising elsewhere is probably going to be the better investment. Take somewhere like Puerto Rico, for example. You’re obviously going to have a lower cost and still get lots of eyes on your ad. Tourism is one of Puerto Rico’s leading industries. In 2019 alone, 2.27 million international tourists traveled to Puerto Rico. Additionally, the pedestrian and vehicle traffic is high in density all across Puerto Rico, making billboards a very effective advertising method.

How bMedia Can Help

bMedia specialists in Puerto Rico can help you make the most of your investment in billboard advertising. bMedia will help you find the best location, craft the most effective message, and get more business for your brand. bMedia has extensive experience advertising in Puerto Rico and will be sure to help your business make the most of its advertising budget.

Speak with an outside advertising specialist today to create the most effective billboard strategy. For more information, contact bMedia group: experts in advertising in Puerto Rico.

Clever Billboards

Posted on May 28, 2021 by admin

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about action? It is one thing to say you are capable of doing something, but an entirely different thing to actually demonstrate it. This logic governs the concept of resumes and portfolios in the working world. Unlike day-to-day life, billboard advertising usually relies more on telling than showing due to the restrictions imposed upon by the medium. Clever billboards are catching the attention of passersby, as well as curious insects.

Enter Publicis and their innovative, clever billboard for the insecticide company, Orphea, which has found a creative way of getting around the limitations of physical ads.

Location, Location, Location

First, in order to add a little bit more context to this ad, we must understand its location. While easy to overlook if one isn’t careful, the location of an ad is crucial to reaching your target audience. This very same billboard would not be nearly as effective in say, Antarctica, for instance. Even though it is not present for long, the video does a good job of establishing the climate and conditions of Milan, Italy, with a shot of a nearby cloud of bugs. This communicates the idea that to the locals insects are a constant and troublesome issue during the spring.

Even though most everyone can relate to bugs being annoying, the location for this specific ad caters to an audience with a real and prevalent need.

Idea Through Action

In order for Orphea to sell their bug spray they must convey to their audience, “our insecticide is effective at killing insects.” If one were to just look at the original graphics of the billboard though, only the name of the company and the product are displayed. The billboard informs the consumer that the product exists but ultimately fails to get across how effective said product is. Technically, this would mean that a violation of the basic guidelines has occurred.

“Rules are what the artist breaks; the memorable never emerged from a formula” – Bill Bernbach

Compare the live performance of a speech versus the transcription of said speech. Elements such as body language and eye contact are lost when only one form of presentation is utilized. In order to fully analyze the strategy of this campaign, one must look past any individual medium of information and must take in the piece as a whole. In this case, the ad uses action instead of using static images and text to convey the efficacy of the product. This ad doesn’t need to say anything because it directly shows the purpose and result of the product. This creates a wordless and automatic association of action and product within the minds of the audience.

Clever Billboards

Things normally become less interesting the more we experience them. Even someone’s favorite song runs the risk of becoming dull if heard often enough. Billboards are much the same way. A creative and unique billboard might grab your attention the first time, but what if you had to drive past that same billboard on your way to work every day for a month? The novelty wears thin eventually.

Most shopping decisions are made on the move. Drivers stuck in traffic or on a long commute have time to think about their wants and needs. -SmartDataCollective

The temporal aspect of this ad makes it even more effective over time, however. The true nature of this ad isn’t stuck at any one point in time. From the original posting to the final result, none of these are really the “completed” ad. The billboard continues to change and grow in an organic way which adds something new for the consumer every time they may pass it. If this was a part of someone’s morning commute, tracking the progress of the ad would no doubt become a staple of their morning routine while it was around. Simply said, the most clever billboards stand out.

This keeps the ad, and likewise the product, at the forefront of the consumer’s mind. If one secures that very precious spot in the consciousness of the consumer, it becomes much more likely that they will be remembered when a purchasing decision is about to be made.

How Are Billboards Put Up?

Posted on May 26, 2021 by admin

They dot the landscape along America’s busiest highways. Statista.com estimates that there were over three hundred and forty-three thousand billboards in the USA in 2020. Nearly ten thousand of them were digital. This number has been increasing by ten percent a year. But how are billboards put up?

Drivers and pedestrians pay more attention consciously and unconsciously than you might think. An Arbitron study notes that over seventy percent of American drivers surveyed stated that they consciously look at billboard messages. Almost sixty percent learned of an event or restaurant by viewing billboards. Up to 15% shopped at a place they saw advertised on a billboard the same day they read the ad.

While many read billboards, most give little thought to how billboards are put up.

Choosing a Location

As with real estate, the three most important things about billboards: location, location, location. Location often determines the size or type of design. The best locations have high-density traffic—either pedestrian or vehicle. Billboards can also be found in shopping malls and neighborhoods.

In choosing where to put that billboard, you should consider things like:

Sign face alignment: Your sign must be read within three seconds and placed at a readable height. The location must have no visible interference from trees, tall buildings, bushes, or fences.
High Traffic Count: Check with the Department of Transportation or do an informal assessment of traffic in proposed billboard areas.
Audience Demographics: Who is your ideal consumer? Consider gender, education, profession, income, age, and other factors. Is the location the best place to reach them? For example: If you want to reach young adults consider a location near a college or university.
Residential or Commercial? Is your business geared to residential or business audiences? Consider whether to locate your billboard within a commercial area or one located in a residential area.
Local ad placement: If your business is reliant on local customers, place it in a spot where local foot traffic will see it.
Consider the intent: If you sell surfer sportswear, it makes sense to locate your billboard near the water. Place your sportswear billboard near major sports facilities. Whose eye are you trying to catch? Where are they likely to travel?
Busy traffic areas: Where is high traffic in your area? Look for areas that get traffic congestion during rush hour. Also, consider locating near traffic circles, city centers, and areas like pedestrian crossings where there is a natural slowing of traffic.

Billboard Design

Sarah Firle suggests these design considerations:

Keep the message simple. Drivers who pass may be going fast. You have seconds to make an impact with a single photograph or short colorful text. Use seven words or less.

Put a premium on typography. Consider which font and size will offer the quickest read.

Focus on a single idea. Billboards aren’t meant to give facts about your brand. What is the one lasting impression you want your audience to grasp?

Aim for a visually memorable billboard. Try to incorporate surprising—even shocking—visual elements.

Aim for a call to action. Entice audiences to act like Chick-fil-A’s cow signs.

Include product demonstration. Think about your product’s function and how you can illustrate it.

Make your billboard design fit your overall marketing strategy. There should be continuity in your logo, brand, and your other advertising.

Color is important. It both attracts attention and leaves a lasting visual impression. Penneco.com advises that choosing the right colors can make the difference between standing out and fading into the background. They suggest picking no more than three colors and making them vibrant. Good choices are high-intensity shades that stand out against the background.

Billboard Construction

How are billboards put up physically?

When it comes to building a billboard, size, cost, materials, and design are all important considerations. A typical billboard is twelve feet high with an upper height twenty-five feet off the ground. Billboards may be anywhere from twenty-five to forty-eight feet wide. Billboards may take the form of bulletins or poster panels. Bulletin-sized ads which we normally think of as billboards may be as large as twenty feet by sixty feet.

The cost of the bulletin board is based on size and materials. Billboard costs range anywhere from ten to twenty thousand dollars.

The most commonly used material for traditional billboards is polyvinyl chloride. Polyethylene has taken the lead in recent billboard construction because it offers an attractive recyclable option.

Some billboards use computer-aided or hand-drawn messages. Thirty-sheet poster panels measure up to twelve by twenty-five feet. These are lithographed or silk-screen-printed.

Billboards often appear for thirty days. Advertising space may be rented for only a week or two before a special event and replaced the day after the event. Billboard space may also be purchased for multi-month contracts.

Technological Influences on Billboard Design

According to business2community.com technological advances have changed billboard design. Digital out-of-home advertising now accounts for over $35 billion in revenue.

Billboard advertising is increasingly smarter. Today’s billboards may show information and react to their viewers through sensors and facial recognition software.

Modern digital ads use augmented reality and other interactive technology to increase viewer engagement.

Billboards do more than show information, Bluetooth energy beacons send information based on demographics to interact with the reader. Advertisers can tweak details to appeal to specific demographics.

Integration between billboards and mobile technology allows interaction, data sharing, and customized experiences.

Thanks to technology, advertising placement is almost limitless. Digital ads can be placed on building walls, passenger shelters, buses, taxis, trains, and inside airports.

Why Invest in Billboards?

There are many advantages to using your advertising budget to buy billboard space. Large and eye-catching, billboards target a huge, diverse market.

Even for those whose first language is not English, billboards offer important information about a product or service. The largely pictorial information has a strong visual effect.

People in America spend a significant amount of time in their cars. Billboard advertising has a captive audience. It isn’t dependent on their buying a newspaper, a magazine, or a tablet to view the product or service. Billboard advertising lets businesses reach more people faster and cheaper than any other form of marketing.

For middle and upper-class target audiences, billboards allow companies to build and strengthen their brand recognition, reputation, and product image.

Running TV and radio spot ads is very pricey. These run, at best, only a few times a day. Magazine and newspaper ads are also expensive. They cost both the business and the potential buyer and are dependent upon the customers purchasing that paper or magazine. On the other hand, the message on billboards is always working.

With other forms of advertising, potential buyers might be exposed to a brand or service just once or twice. With billboards, drivers and pedestrians have repeat exposure day after day.

A billboard’s brief message has the potential to remain in the viewer’s mind. Because it is succinct and repeated, the message is long-lasting.

How Can bMedia Group Help?

With over three hundred attention-generating locations in Puerto Rico, bMedia Group offers its valued clients a wide variety of effective billboard formats. Our skilled designers and construction staff members are masters of taking your design wants and creating effective billboards.

There is a good reason why bMedia Group has the highest consumer traffic in the area.

For more information regarding how we can increase your brand recognition contact us.

Where Should I Advertise My Business?

Posted on April 5, 2021 by admin

It’s a common problem among young entrepreneurs. You’ve got this great product/service, everyone should be using it – but you just can’t seem to get the word out there. However, you’re probably wondering, “where should I advertise my business?”

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s no shortage of small businesses that have trouble staying afloat because they’re not advertising – or at least not advertising correctly.

Where Should I Advertise My Business?

Advertising is a huge part of running a successful business. Think of McDonald’s – how many advertisements would you say you see a day? Five? Ten?

McDonald’s – and other large, successful businesses – invest so much into advertising for a reason: it works. If it didn’t, that’s not where they would spend their money.

In fact, Statista reported that in 2019 over 240 billion dollars were spent on advertising in the United States. The previous year roughly 223 billion dollars were spent. The United States commands the largest advertising expense and revenue in the world.

But even if your budget is smaller and your company isn’t some giant conglomeration, you still need to be advertising. If no one knows your product exists, it will be hard to sell.

If you’re a smart entrepreneur, you already knew this and are working on advertising your business. Learning about how advertising works best is a great start. You can also contact trusted professionals like bMedia Group to help get started on your advertising campaign.

How, where, and through which medium you advertise will all have a giant effect on sales.

Though each type of advertising has its pros and cons, there are many forms of advertising you might want to consider, as well as location.

Let’s start with types of advertising mediums.

Types of Advertising Media

There is a large collection of ways to advertise your product – the hard part is picking the right ones. Read through this list and think about which will work best for your business.

Broadcast Advertising

By far the most easily recognizable, broadcasted advertisements reach a humungous audience. If you’ve got a TV, you’re aware of the number of commercials. Statista reported that 69.6 billion dollars were spent on television ads in North America in 2019. The number dropped slightly in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Another form of broadcast advertising is through radio ads. Though the times of the radio being the main source of entertainment and information are long gone, radio ads still have their place in the advertising world. Radio ad spending is expected to pass 18 billion dollars by 2023.

Depending on the audience you want and the product you have, broadcast advertising can be a great way to advertise – but there are some downsides.

Television commercials are generally short and often require the complete attention of the viewer. It’s also quite costly when compared to other advertising mediums and runs the risk of being too repetitive.

As for radio advertisements, the issue is that fewer and fewer people are listening to the radio.

Reasons for this include the multitude of audio options in modern vehicles, music streaming services, podcasts, and – you guessed it – the number of advertisements on radio stations.

Print Advertising

One of the oldest forms of advertisements, print advertising has been an option for entrepreneurs for centuries. In fact, one of the first print advertisements can be dated back to 1477.

The print ads back then were certainly different than what we have now – generally speaking, print advertisements are those in newspapers and magazines. Other examples include flyers and brochures.

Print advertisements have been the most popular form of advertising for some time – though that trend seems to be changing. Still, though, print ads have their place.

For example, ads in the local paper can really help drive local business. Conversely, advertisements of your product in a magazine with a specific target audience can help drive business as well.

The main issue in advertising through print is this – fewer people are reading the printed word.

Through advancements in technology, newspaper and magazine subscriptions have been in a steady decline, and it doesn’t seem as though that will change.

Online Advertising

This type of advertising has just recently exploded. As the Internet is now integral in the lives of most citizens, businesses and advertising agencies have seen the market for online ads. There are several different types of online ads, including:

Banner advertisements
E-mail marketing
Social media ads
Playable video advertisements

These are just some examples of online advertising.

The pros – it’s relatively cheap and very easy to track.

The cons – some people fear sharing their data on the Internet and people have become less susceptible to online ads.

Online advertising is a market that will continue to grow exponentially as new technological advancements come into play.

Outdoor Advertising

Outdoor advertisements are all around us. You’ll find them on bus stops, cabs, and – most notably – billboards.

The budget for outdoor advertising reached over 39 billion dollars worldwide in 2019. Though there are some that worry about the decline of out-of-home (OOH) advertisements, their efficacy still remains.

Outdoor ads are on 24/7. They are always working, always seen, help create a captive audience. They can’t be turned off by the consumer.

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America reported that people spend nearly 70 percent of their day away from home. This makes outdoor advertising a great way to reach people where other ads won’t.

Take a look at some of the pros of advertising on a billboard:

OOH advertising is generally cheaper than other forms.
Billboards help drive local business – the location of the billboard is key.
Consumers can’t turn off a billboard as they can a television or radio.
Billboards don’t need any other form of action – the consumer doesn’t have to watch television or buy a magazine – the ad is always there.
The Return-On-Investment (ROI) is generally very high for billboard advertisements.

OOH advertising is a great way to showcase your business. It allows for creativity in the message, location, and appearance.

Why Should I Advertise In Puerto Rico?

For those who don’t know, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States.

It’s a great market to introduce your product where others likely aren’t.

There are over three million citizens living in Puerto Rico, so the market is there. With a smart, successful advertising campaign, a business could have the lion’s share of sales in Puerto Rico.

Contact bMedia group to get started on your new advertising campaign.

OOH Advertising Trends

Posted on March 15, 2021 by admin

With COVID-19 keeping us all indoors and separated for the greater part of 2020, it was assumed that Out-of-Home Advertising (OOH) would fall short in terms of Return on Investment (ROI) for businesses everywhere. However, with vaccination programs in place, and a better understanding of safety protocols and social distancing — people are eager to return outdoors. What does that mean for OOH advertising and what trends can we expect to come from this?

What is OOH Advertising?

Out-of-home advertising refers to any type of communications medium that a consumer encounters when they are outside of their homes.

Despite the pandemic putting a screeching halt on what would’ve been a breakthrough year for out-of-home advertising, it hasn’t tampered with its longevity in being one of the most effective and popular forms of marketing.

OOH ads can communicate to the masses faster and more effectively. It also allows brands to be flexible and creative with their marketing and outreach without limits.

As the world slowly returns to “normal,” more people will be exposed to out-of-home advertisements—meaning it’s going to be a good year for OOH advertising and the businesses that take advantage of it.

Brands have the opportunity to be innovative with their approach and design when it comes to out-of-home advertising. New ideas, concepts, and advertising trends continuously emerge that engage and entertain potential customers who come across these mediums. Here are some trends we can expect from the OOH sector in 2021.

New Media Types

Today, virtually any outside space can be transformed into some sort of OOH advertisement.

We are now seeing new media types such as car wraps, murals, art installations, and digital signage emerging all around us. It’s assumed that out-of-home advertising ends with static billboards and transit posters, but that is far from the truth.

The digital shift has made out-of-home advertisements incredibly innovative.

We now see digital billboards, street furniture, light shows, and transit signage that light up metropolitan areas all around the world.

Digital-Out-of-Home advertising (DOOH), is becoming incredibly popular with some of the world’s largest companies. You can find digital ads at shopping malls, medical waiting rooms, transit hubs, and alongside major roadways and highways.

Unlike static billboards, digital signage allows for moving images and interactivity. Movement is great at grabbing the attention of passerby-ers, resulting in greater impact. Digital signage also allows for a variety of content to be displayed on the same medium, some ads are programmed to change at specific time intervals. The variety will keep viewers interested and more receptive to your ad’s message.

Geotargeting and Mobile Integration

Mobile integration paired with an out-of-home advertisement is known to bring impressive results for any business strategy. Billboards are now using geotargeting technologies that allow companies to generate data that points them to the right demographic, the right location, and the right times to display their advertisement. By targeting the right audience, there is a better chance of a conversion.

Geotargeting delivers content and advertisements to consumers based on their geographic locations. This could include geographical proximity to a mobile billboard or proximity to a store, and etc.

Analytics and data surrounding your marketing campaign ensure adequate media planning. Another benefit to geo-targeted ads is that it allows companies to track and monitor their campaign’s performance.

Interactive Brand Communication

Interactive advertising can be experienced through store displays, kiosks, and digital signage everywhere. Interactive advertising encourages consumer participation, allowing them to provide feedback and become part of your ad’s dialogue.

Because these types of out-of-home advertisements are incredibly innovative, consumers are excited to engage with the ad, increasing their conversion and ROIs. These types of advertisements are eye-catching and can become an experience in itself for the consumer.

Through the use of hashtags and interactive games, the consumer becomes involved in the ad, making the branding process more compelling and effective.

Brand Storytelling

Storytelling is a way for brands to create a human connection with their audience. An advertising campaign with a capturing narrative can impact the subconscious, ultimately creating a relationship between the brand and consumer. A consumer-brand relationship is important because you want to have dedicated consumers who’ll remain loyal to your product or service.

When storytelling with OOH ads, brands can design billboards or digital displays that tell only a part of the story, leaving consumers wanting and waiting around for the next saga of your campaign. This creates excitement and hype around your campaign, which later translates into increased ROI and brand awareness.

Increased Budget and Investment for OOH Advertising

The arrival of smartphones saw companies turn more to mobile and web advertising, thinking out-of-home advertising was a thing of the past when in fact, OOH advertising has seen steady growth since 2012.

Many companies are catching on to the reliability and growth that OOH ads can bring and are increasing their budgets for this form of advertising. Out-of-home advertising represents a large portion of advertising spending. In 2017, OOH advertisements represented $29 billion across key markets globally — some of the companies spending the most on OOH advertisements include Apple, Google, and Amazon.

Additionally, major companies such as Netflix and Alibaba are investing big in outdoor ad companies as out-of-home advertising formats are becoming increasingly valuable forms of commercial real estate.

SMART Advertising

Consumers are becoming more and more tech-savvy every day, resulting in more of us relying on our smart devices more and more. There are smartphones, smart TVs, smartwatches, and beyond. It’s no question that almost every technological device is transitioning to SMART technology, and it’s the same for billboards and other outdoor signage.

We are now seeing the integration of billboards and SMART technology, known as SMART billboards, which can further increase the visibility of your brand.

Some features of SMART billboards are:

Built-in cameras and computer databases.
Analytical tools that can pull information from databases and social media to change visuals on the billboard in real-time.
Using social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to provide relevant content that engages the consumer.
Providing live updates on weather and traffic.
Built-in sensors to trigger ads.
Personalized content based on consumers’ reactions and activities.
High-tech LED lights and sound systems.

Ultimately, the driving factor for steady out-of-home advertising growth is its ability to keep up with change and global digitalization. This ever-evolving advertising strategy proves this “traditional” means of advertising is here to stay. If you’re seeking to maximize your marketing strategy, it’s best to include billboards and other forms of out-of-home advertising.

At bMedia, we provide our expertise to ensure your brand gets the most out of your OOH advertisement. With proper insights and strategies, bMedia can help your advert resonate and capture the attention of your targeted audience, resulting in increased revenue and visibility for your brand.

How to Measure OOH Advertising

Posted on January 22, 2021 by admin

Advertising surrounds us everywhere we go, whether it’s in our homes, cars, or even outdoors. With the advancement of technology, advertising has become even more effective, as it is easier to measure the results. We can collect data on the number of viewers, impressions, clicks, and so on. However, how do we measure outdoor advertising, such as billboards? Out-of-home advertising has survived centuries of advertising methods and is still evolving. In this article, we will explain how to measure OOH advertising and why it is worth investing in it.

What is Out-of-Home Advertising?

Out-of-home (OOH) advertising refers to any advertising that people come across while they are outside of their homes. It includes advertisements on billboards, in transit stations, on public transport, and at other outdoor locations. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, OOH advertising is a form of advertising that people see or hear while they are out and about. It is worth noting that this form of advertising is a significant contributor to the advertising industry, with approximately 29 billion dollars being spent on out-of-home advertising each year.

Types of Out-of-Home Advertising

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) has identified several types of outdoor advertising. This category is quite broad and encompasses numerous types of advertisements. There are many excellent examples of OOH advertising from around the world. As a result, it is easier to divide OOH advertising into four primary categories:

Billboard-Type Advertising
Street Furniture
Transit
Place-Based OOH

These advertising methods are widely used by businesses to reach out to their target audience and enhance their brand visibility.

Why Use It?

Almost everyone encounters out-of-home advertising, whether it’s during their commute, while running, or shopping for groceries. According to the OAAA, individuals spend around seventy percent of their day outside of their homes, which makes them highly susceptible to outdoor advertising during a significant portion of their day.

According to a study conducted in 1975 by the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, which was later changed to the OAAA, the name recognition of the current Miss America increased by an astounding 940 percent when it was advertised on a billboard. This demonstrates the significant impact that out-of-home advertising can have on the average consumer. Billboards currently dominate the landscape of outdoor advertising, accounting for approximately 65 percent of all examples.

Another important facet is that out-of-home advertising has the advantage of holding a captive audience, since unlike many digital ads, billboards and other outdoor ads cannot be closed.

Measuring the Effectiveness of OOH Advertising

Measuring the effectiveness of out-of-home (OOH) advertising has been a difficult task for many years, just like with other types of advertisements. Nonetheless, several techniques have been devised by companies to assess the success of outdoor advertising, demonstrating that it is a highly effective way to promote their business.

Traffic Data

Out-of-home advertising is typically placed in areas with high traffic, which guarantees a large audience for any advertisement. According to the American Driving Survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the average American driver spends approximately fifty minutes behind the wheel each day. The survey also revealed that drivers collectively traveled over 2.6 trillion miles in 2016 and 2017, with these numbers representing an increase from previous years. This suggests that more people are driving longer distances, indicating that out-of-home advertising will only become more prevalent over time.

In 2009, the Arbitron National In-Car Study found that 98 percent of U.S. residents aged 18 or older traveled in a car over the previous month. It was also found that 71 percent of drivers looked at billboards they passed along the road. This shows that an enormous amount of eyes glance over billboards each day. Another finding was that viewers retained the information from billboards, including going to a restaurant or watching a show because of one.

Return On Investment

Another way businesses are measuring the effectiveness of billboards is by checking the Return On Investment (ROI). ROI is defined as a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment. The research found that for every dollar spent on billboard advertising, nearly six dollars were generated in profit.

Giant companies like Amazon and McDonald’s have found that an overall increase in sales often follows advertising through billboards in a particular region. A company in Phoenix, AZ found that after campaigning using billboards, 64 percent of consumers reported learning of them through their OOH advertising, leading them to keep investing in outdoor marketing.

Unique Advertisements

Companies have also started to use specific phone numbers, QR codes, and custom landing pages to evaluate how well their advertising is working. By placing a phone number only found on the out-of-home advertisement, a business can gauge exactly how many people have found them because of that exact ad.

The same can also be done with a unique QR code and digital tracking. A custom landing page for a company website found only on an outdoor advertisement also helps a company calculate an ad’s performance. Another example of this is displaying a distinct slogan only found on an out-of-home advertisement and analyzing how often those words pop up in a company’s analytics.

Case Studies

Over the years, many case studies have been conducted to show that out-of-home advertising is a viable way to grow a business and increase sales. In 2019, the Nielsen Out of Home Advertising Study found that 33 percent of their interviewees looked up a website because of an out-of-home advertisement. It was also found that close to a quarter of the interviewees talked about an advertisement that they had seen away from home with a friend.

At bMedia, we understand that measuring the success of OOH advertising campaigns can be complex. However, we are confident in our ability to demonstrate the lasting impact of our campaigns on the marketing industry. Let us show you tangible results that speak to our expertise and enthusiasm for this field.

OOH Advertising Trends

Today, virtually any outside space can be transformed into some sort of OOH advertisement.

There are new forms of media emerging all around us, such as car wraps, murals, art installations, and digital signage. Out-of-home advertising no longer ends with static billboards and transit posters. Thanks to the digital shift, it has become incredibly innovative. Digital billboards, street furniture, light shows, and transit signage are now lighting up metropolitan areas all around the world.

Digital signage offers more flexibility than traditional static billboards. It can display moving images and interactive content, which is great for catching the attention of passerby-ers and making a greater impact. Additionally, digital signage allows for multiple ads to be displayed on the same medium, with some ads programmed to change at specific time intervals. This variety keeps viewers engaged and receptive to your ad’s message.

Geotargeting and Mobile Integration

Geotargeting delivers content and advertisements to consumers based on their geographic locations. This could include geographical proximity to a mobile billboard or proximity to a store, and etc.

Interactive Brand Communication

Interactive advertising can be experienced through store displays, kiosks, and digital signage everywhere. It encourages consumer participation, allowing them to provide feedback and become part of your ad’s dialogue.

Through the use of hashtags and interactive games, the consumer becomes involved in the ad, making the branding process more compelling and effective.

Brand Storytelling

Increased Budget and Investment for OOH Advertising

SMART Advertising

We are now seeing the integration of billboards and SMART technology, known as SMART billboards, which can further increase the visibility of your brand.

Some features of SMART billboards are:

Built-in cameras and computer databases.
Analytical tools that can pull information from databases and social media to change visuals on the billboard in real-time.
Using social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to provide relevant content that engages the consumer.
Providing live updates on weather and traffic.
Built-in sensors to trigger ads.
Personalized content based on consumers’ reactions and activities.
High-tech LED lights and sound systems.

The steady growth of out-of-home advertising is driven by its adaptability to change and global digitalization. This dynamic advertising strategy demonstrates that “traditional” advertising methods are still relevant in today’s market. If you want to maximize your marketing strategy, it’s wise to include billboards and other forms of out-of-home advertising.

OOH Advertising Examples

A key innovation in the OOH advertising space has been digital OOH advertising. While there are many digital billboards that could be considered effective OOH advertising examples, the best comes out of New York City. Times Square is saturated with digital billboards that play video advertisements nonstop. Digital OOH ads manage to combine the bright colors, movement, and sound of ads like TV commercials with the size and unblockability of traditional OOH ads. The result of this is a new, hybrid advertisement that blends the benefits of multiple forms of advertising.

Billboards

Billboards are one of the most common forms of OOH ads. Because of how many billboards there are worldwide, it can be difficult to make a billboard ad that stands out. You aren’t sure if drivers passing by will notice it. To solve this, effective billboard advertising should be creative and memorable.

One company that’s done a great job with its billboard advertising is Apple. In 2015, Apple launched its “Shot on iPhone” campaign. The campaign offered iPhone users the opportunity to capture images on their phones that would then be used on billboards, commercials, and other ads. Apple’s Shot on iPhone campaign displays the importance of engaging consumers and being thoughtful with image selection.

Another fantastic billboard example was a Formula toothpaste billboard in Indonesia. This remarkably creative advertisement shows a man whose teeth are so strong that he is literally ripping the billboard off of its supporting structure. This billboard is a wonderful example of using creativity to stand out.

Posters

Posters are another extremely common form of OOH advertisements. Because of their small size and widespread use, it’s extremely important to design a poster that will immediately stand out. Eye-popping colors and creative images will help ensure that your ad will be noticed.

Some tips for effective poster advertising include:

Create the poster to cater to a specific audience
Use your brand’s color scheme
Include a call to action
Pick high-quality images
Use text sparingly; include only the information that consumers really need

Airports

Airport advertisements are a subset of place-based advertising. Many companies consider airports a gold mine for ads. They are a fantastic place to either stick with traditional billboards or posters. You can also utilize other aspects of airports, such as conveyor belts, to create incredibly unique advertisements.

One example of creative airport advertising is at the Venice Marco Polo Airport. The Casino de Venezia decided to turn a baggage collection belt into a life-sized roulette wheel. This fun, unique advertisement did a fantastic job at keeping people engaged during an otherwise mundane activity of waiting for your luggage. In addition, the Casino reported that visits increased by 60% after installing this advertisement.

Another interactive airport advertisement was installed in the Tokyo Airport in anticipation of the 2020 Summer Olympics. The Tokyo airport turned an entire airport terminal into a running track. This incredibly creative advertisement is a great example of utilizing the entire airport to promote an event.

Street Furniture

Street furniture advertising is most commonly seen at bus stops or on benches. Advertising on street furniture can be a great way to engage those walking by. Nike is well-known for its creative and thought-provoking advertisements, and its ads on street furniture are no exception. In one example, Nike placed its iconic swoosh logo along with the word “RUN” on a bench in Madison Square Park in New York. They then removed the seat of the bench. This simple yet eye-catching ad, combined with the action of removing the seat, is memorable and perfectly aligned with Nike’s message that everyone is an athlete.

Transportation

Advertising on public transportation, such as buses or subways, is also extremely common. Many people on public transportation tend to be bored. They are looking for some form of entertainment while they travel.

Startup mattress company Casper realized this, and developed a riddle campaign in the NYC subway system that simultaneously entertained riders while advertising their product.

The riddles they put up engaged subway riders, which helped ensure that their advertisement and company would be remembered.

These are just some of the most effective OOH advertising examples, but there are plenty more!

OOH Advertising with bMedia

Looking to increase your company’s profits? Consider investing in OOH advertising. With a creative and memorable campaign, you can attract more customers and increase your bottom line. And if you’re advertising in Puerto Rico, there’s no better partner than bMedia, the island’s top OOH media and advertising company.

We’re passionate about helping your business succeed, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure your ads are effective and memorable. So why wait? Contact us today and let’s get started.

Billboard Advertising Effectiveness

Posted on December 20, 2020 by admin

Billboard advertising effectiveness has never been in question. That’s one main reason we still see billboards even today, after being around for so long.

With the emergence of social media advertising and other digital marketing trends, some may consider that outdoor advertising is past its hay-day. But that misconception is largely unfounded.

In fact, with the rise of the digital age, billboard marketing may even be more relevant and effective today. Not to mention, the measurables and key performance indicators alike are easier than ever to track, like impressions, reach, etc.

With ever-developing effects, such as digital screens, 3-D figures, or different structures, the concept of the billboard and why it works remains the same. Companies should instead consider the billboard as a key (if not main) method of advertising and a staple across all industries.

Any way you look at it, billboard advertising works, and its effectiveness has proven itself for decades. Here are some of the top reasons for billboards advertising effectiveness:

The World is On the Move

Over time, countries all over the world have become more mobile. People spend less time at home. Whether enjoying a road trip or travel, commuting to work, or simply seeking a new experience, the citizens of the globe are on the move. There’s always somewhere to go. Are you in their path?

All that time in our cars adds up, and advertisements placed roadside where travelers and commuters can see them are sure to be noticed.

Drivers are a Captive Audience

Drivers’ eyes are on the road, but their eyes can also fall upon the large, visually appealing billboards by the roadside.

It has always been true that drivers are a captive audience and it is becoming even more true with harsh legislation banning texting and driving, as well as driving while distracted tickets rolling out every year.

While drivers can turn down the radio or subscribe to a completely ad-free channel, they jeopardize their very safety by taking their eyes off the road. With very little else to safely distract them, chances are they will spend a few moments peering at that billboard.

And, unlike other advertising mediums, outdoor ads cannot be turned off, hidden, or thrown away.

Billboards Inspire New Ideas

An effective billboard for a restaurant, attraction, or even a unique shop can generate instant sales for travelers who are looking to explore a new area. Some billboards for certain products can be seen actually right outside the storefront!

With a growing culture of exploring off-the-beaten-path and seeking unique experiences, a well-placed billboard that provides directions to an unusual spot can generate instant sales.

This makes a billboard a surprisingly cost-effective method of advertising, as well. Although the original billboard itself can be pretty costly to design and erect, if placed effectively, it will more than make back its cost in sales.

Advancements in billboard technology have also added a new dimension to billboard advertising effectiveness, with the ability to display multiple ads throughout the day.

Brand Repetition & Exposure

High brand awareness lies in repetition and exposure. While a tried-and-true marketing strategy, may help your brand awareness efforts, doing so is not only expensive but also increasingly difficult to get noticed (unless you dish out some major cash on ad platforms).

Billboard advertising is the only marketing media where the advertiser has full control of the ad space. The ad has constant exposure – no other media allows your message to be displayed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s is a powerful marketing tool.

If what audiences see in your billboard makes them laugh, inspires them, reminds them of a positive memory or any other avenue of emotional connection…you’ve probably secured a loyal customer.

Let’s face it– today’s consumers are constantly barraged with advertisements in print (maybe not as much these days), online, over the radio (again, starting to see less of this too), commercials on television, and even on social media. And because you probably typed in something like, “Billboard advertising effectiveness” into Google, you’ll probably get some more ads (not from us) delivered to you with that message.

With a constant stream of sellers courting each consumer, a very particular method of selection based on an emotional connection has emerged. Think about it: if an advertisement can charm you or make you laugh in the few seconds it takes to view it, don’t you think more positively about that company?

The same concept applies to billboards and works in Out Of Home (OOH) advertising better than many other advertising avenues. You have a captive audience guaranteed to glance over your billboard for at least a few seconds, think about it while they drive, remember the visual, and engage in their mind.

Impact & Creativity

Billboard marketing is big, bold, colorful, and creative.

With all the technological advancements and swirls of advertisers globally, companies are encouraged to top one another in creativity and thinking outside the box. Consumers have come to expect this and celebrate it.

For example, Chick-Fil-A is just another fast-food sandwich stop, isn’t it? Wrong.

Chick-Fil-A is a globally recognized brand for a myriad of reasons, including their top-notch customer service, good works, and their famous billboards.

The second you glimpse a familiar black and white billboard in the distance with hand-painted splashes of red, you know what you’re looking at. That’s even before you see the 3D cows posed in a variety of amusing positions, or the humble red Chick-Fil-A logo. The cows “vandalizing” the billboard has become an expected and creative part of their advertising strategy, and to look at their earnings, we think its’ working. You know exactly what their message is and the creative aspect of cows delivering that message is the difference – “Eat More Chikin.”

So if you are looking to stand out from the crowd, reach people faster and more effectively, consider billboard marketing in your arsenal and budget.

If you’re interested in outdoor advertisement opportunities in the Puerto Rico area, there are plenty of options and areas from which to choose. Contact bMedia to learn more.

The Future of Billboard Advertising

Posted on November 5, 2020 by admin

Billboards have stood the test of time. While they have evolved and adapted to an ever-changing ad climate, it is still considered one of the most traditional and classic ways of advertising. However, as technology, ad placement, and digital media continue to advance, what does the future hold for billboards? Here’s our prediction on the future of billboard advertising:

Why Choose Billboard Advertising?

Billboard advertising has always been an effective medium for building brand awareness. Located in busy areas, billboards get a lot of foot and vehicular traffic. They offer businesses opportunities to broadcast their products and services. They are a good means of launching new products and advertising special events.

Compared to other advertising techniques, return on investment in billboard advertising is by far the best marketing investment for your business’ advertising dollars. Billboards generate nearly six dollars for every dollar spent on them.

Americans spend almost nine hours a day engaged in outdoor activities. They are a ready market for outdoor advertising. For them, outdoor marketing is inevitable. They can’t turn it off. They see it consciously and subconsciously. Logos, slogans, and images stick with them.

Studies show that almost forty percent of drivers consciously look out their windows at billboards as they are driving. Nearly sixty percent say they learned about a brand, a new product, or an event from a billboard ad.

One in four people go to a restaurant, explore a new business, or purchase a product on the same day that they saw it advertised on a billboard.

The Evolution of the Billboard

Billboards are not a new form of advertising. The first American billboard is believed to have been erected in the 1830s. It was created by Jared Bell to advertise circus acts.

By the 1860s, businesses purchased outdoor space for billboard displays. These billboards were often huge colorful hand-drawn and hand-painted creations.

Major Milestones

First Billboard

The first twenty-four sheet billboard appeared at the Paris Expo. After that, twenty-four sheet billboards became the usual size.

Increased Traffic

With the introduction of the Model T Ford, owning a car became affordable. Roads and highways to accommodate drivers’ cars quickly became the chief means of transportation in America. It naturally followed that billboards sprang up along these well-traveled thoroughfares.

During the twentieth century, 49,000 miles of The Interstate Highway System connected states on safe and efficient roads. This made billboard advertising even more appealing.

Characteristics of Successful Billboards

Less is more. Because the target market of billboards is drivers and walkers, billboards have ten seconds to get their message across. So, they have to keep their words to a minimum.

Catchy slogans and memorable graphics are vital. Using only a few words, billboard advertisers need to explain their product and how it is going to impact the potential customer. Further, they need to convince the viewer that their product is better than its competitors.

Like real estate, the location of billboards is crucial. Brands need to be where thousands will see them each day. Billboards should be visible from a distance. The message must be neat and legible font enough to be read from a long distance. Billboard should be where they can connect with their target market.

Color choice is also important. Catchy, bright, vivid colors get billboards noticed. Color also stimulates various viewer’s emotions. It carries with the subconscious association to various things and characteristics. Billboard colors should be eye-catching, bright, and vivid to grab the attention of its audience.

The Future of Billboard Advertising

Today, billboards cost only 7% of advertising dollars. Yet they have the highest return on investment of any advertising medium.

Even though times have changed, there is still a future for the billboard.

Ten years ago, billboards were seen as outdated. However, the online marketing boom has changed all that.

Billboards have become, once again, the hottest marketing medium. Look around you. You will see ads for Apple and Google on huge fourteen-foot-by-forty-eight-foot vinyl sheets. Companies like Netflix, Everlane, Airbnb, Asana, and Twilio occupy building walls, subway cars, bus shelters, and park benches.

Across America, there are over 370k billboards. There will be over fifteen thousand new ones added annually.

They are owned by over a thousand advertising businesses that rent them out on a weekly or a monthly basis.

More companies are focusing on feelings and emotions they want their brands to elicit. Today’s advertisers want an emotional reaction from their viewers.

Technology is changing rapidly. This will change the look of billboards.

Technological advances are also becoming cheaper. Ideas that were cost-prohibitive a year or two ago are now affordable.

Smart Billboards

Digital billboards are now being replaced by smart boards. These smaller digital screens are starting to appear in bus shelters, shopping centers, and other high-traffic areas. Smart billboards can be placed on any flat surface anywhere.

Where digital boards could be ignored, smart boards are reactive.

They change the content on the screen based on information about the viewers.

In the future, billboards and digital screens will make use of such technologies as cameras, radar, infrared, and antennae. These will provide the data to see and react to their environment.

How can bMedia Help?

There are a lot of reasons for choosing bMedia billboard advertising.

At least seven in ten Americans are aware of looking at and reading billboards as part of their daily commute.

Our company, stationed in Washington state, is an international provider of outdoor advertising.

The company provides traditional, digital, and trivision marketing alternatives.

Our outdoor marketing specialists use the latest technology to design a billboard that is unique to the needs and wants of each client. Our experienced professionals will help you create a billboard that will attract your target market. Together, you will decide on a format and location that will make your brand recognizable and desirable.

Using today’s technological advancement, our billboards are highly individual in both form and content. We’ll help you customize your billboard to deliver an appealing message to your niche market.

Give us an opportunity to demonstrate why the interest in outdoor ads increased by almost 5% last year.

We’re so sure you will be delighted by our compelling billboards that we’re offering a free trial.

For more information on how to make outdoor advertising an effective part of your brand recognition or to inquire about a free trial.

14 Benefits of Billboard Advertising

Posted on October 31, 2020 by admin

Advertising on billboards has been around for decades and there is more than one reason that it’s still an effective way of communicating your message, product, or brand. We’ve put together our top benefits of billboard advertising.

What is Billboard Advertising?

Billboards are best described as large posters. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, billboards have been used to advertise goods and services.

Advertisers have paid to get their message on display in large outdoor advertising spaces. Billboards aim to attract the attention of pedestrians and motorists who regularly pass by them.

Billboard advertising uses a large print. The message must be read and understood in seconds. Thus, advertisers often include images that elicit emotions. The intent of billboard advertising is to market a company, a brand, a product, a service, a special event, or a campaign.

What are the Benefits of Billboard Advertising?

Billboards have captive audiences

Billboards usually appear in high traffic areas.

This includes cities, along busy highways, on buses, near airports, near arenas, or on building walls. The aim of billboard advertising is to get viewed by large numbers of riders, drivers, or walkers.

Research shows that we may be exposed to as many as four thousand ads each day.

North Americans spend 17,600 minutes in a car. That works out to 300 hours per person annually. Viewers are a captive audience.

Viewers pay attention

People DO look at these roadside advertisements.

Research shows that 75% of the people to drive, ride, or walk by these billboards consciously look at billboards when they are driving or riding.

There are many billboard opportunities

Billboards are a popular advertising medium.

In the USA alone, there are 350,000 billboards. Opportunities to erect a billboard along a highway, atop a building, on a wall, on a park bench, or on the side of a bus abound.

You can match the location to a niche market

Because billboards are everywhere, you can select a location where traffic includes a large percentage of your target market.

Billboards create brand awareness

If you are trying to get increased traffic to your website, billboards are not the most effective advertising medium. Nor are billboards apt to increase the number of visits to your store.

However, billboards excel at getting and increasing brand awareness. Here is why. Most people see the same billboard many times. Thus, they remember your brand.

Catchy, witty, or memorable images or slogans offer a great way for potential customers to learn about your business.

Later, when they want your product or service, they will remember they saw your billboard ad. Your brand will be engrained in their minds.

Billboards have changed with consumer preferences

Billboards aren’t a one-size-fits-all advertising medium. Billboards have changed with the times. For example, eight thousand American billboards were digital by 2019.

Viewers are mostly amused and engaged by billboards

Over half the population admits to finding a billboard ad highly engaging within the past month.

Billboards work 24/7

A costly Super Bowl ad is over in seconds. Radio and television ads run an equally short time. Magazine ads depend upon subscribers and readers paying attention to the ad as they flip through the magazine. The cost of your billboard ad guarantees it is played not just a few times a day but all day every day.

Billboards provide repeat exposure to your ad as passersby have a regular route. They see your ad at least twice a day five or more days each week.

Less is more

The billboard’s message is short. It has to be read and understood in the time it takes to pass by. Research has shown that these images and/or catchphrases stick in the viewers’ minds. The most effective billboard ads reduce the message to one compelling phrase or image.

Billboards have a wide demographic

With billboard ads, your company can reach a wide variety of customers.

And you can do this one advertising tactic. Instead of spending your advertising dollars on several types of ads, you can touch many types of target customer groups. Moreover, you don’t have to research which niche market to target. You don’t have to spend your advertising dollars and time attempting to reach potential customers. By using billboard ads, you may even find potential buyers in areas undreamed of.

Billboards have a high return on investment (ROI)

Because billboards are located in such busy areas, they have the highest number of views and reactions to any marketing strategy. Billboards have a proven high return on investment.

Research has shown that for every advertising dollar spent on billboards, the return on investment is almost six dollars.

Billboards will never go out of style

Despite new forms of advertising, billboards are here to stay.

As long as people drive, walk, bike, jog, or run to work or to run errands, they will remain a target market for billboard advertising. Billboards will always capture a part of advertising budgets.

Even in unusual times like a pandemic, people will still go out—if only for curbside pickup. During their drive to pick up preordered items, drivers will see and remember billboard ads.

Billboards appeal to all ages

If you doubt the effectiveness of billboards to even young children, you need only drive by billboards advertising mouthwatering foods, toys, or an event like a circus. Research has shown that children recognize ads for the “Golden Arches” before they can even talk.

The child target market is a powerful one. Smart marketers have learned that at a very early age, children build brand loyalty. Thus, advertisers strive to foster a relationship with the youth market.

Billboard advertising reflects changing attitudes

The first electronic billboard was installed in 1904 in New York City. It advertised whiskey. Since that time, there have been—and will continue to be—changes in product, services, and styles of billboard advertising

As times change, products and services that appeal to the consumer also change. So, too, do the billboard styles, messages, and images.

Urbanization continues to grow. Thus, billboards will expand, enlarge, and become more technically attention-getting.

There is a trend toward more interactive billboards. Advertising spaces have become increasingly responsive and flexible towards audiences. These new interactive billboards will appeal to the niche market with personal, engaging messages based on carefully researched information about their habits, interests, and consumer preferences.

New advertising trends will focus on what the consumer wants; what he needs; his shopping times; product appeal.

For more information on how to find the right billboard and location for your business, contact bMedia Group.

How To Design A Billboard

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

So, you’ve set aside a budget for OOH (out-of-home) advertising, but you’re not quite sure how to design a billboard. Where do you start? What do you say?

Once you know who your audience is and what consumption habits they might have, you can choose the next step to create a captivating design and engaging content. Deciding what to say is a big part of it, however, how you say it is even more important. Bringing the ad to life so that your audience reads and retains the message is crucial. bMedia has narrowed it down to 5 key things to focus on when designing a billboard.

Simplicity Is Key

We’ve all heard the saying, “less is more.” When designing for moving targets, aiming for that is key for a successful ad. Try to make the message short and sweet. A good rule of thumb to go by when it comes to how to design a billboard is to use no more than seven words. Make your billboard contain only the essence of what you want your audience to retain.

A billboard that has one main message, with seven words or less, is much easier to read and absorb. While a billboard that has more text or content might contain useful information, no one has time to read the entire thing and there’s not a focal point. It’s an information overload, especially for someone who’s quickly passing by the billboard.

Consider Location & Season

This one is product specific. Meaning, after you choose the main point you would like to convey to your audience, consider where and when it will be most impactful. Is location relevant, and does the season timely to your message.

Make Use Of Space & Time

Ads are everywhere, meaning you are competing for the attention of the audience. They can be walking down the street, on the go in their car, or looking out a window in the office. Thinking about what your audience is doing will ensure they are able to capture the message. Maybe the message is portrayed with an image, which can be worth a thousand words. Images have the ability to make instant emotional connections.

This goes back to our first tip – less is indeed more.

The Three Cs

What are the three c’s you ask? Color, contrast, and creativity. A combination of these will help crank up the volume (or down, depending on the message).

Color

This will help evoke emotion. Choosing the right colors helps you send the correct message.

Reds: love, hate, passion, and anger
Blues: cool, flowy, calm, and relaxed
Purples: status, royalty, and wealth
Orange: excited, happy, energy, and vitality
Yellow: hope, summer, and warmth
Green: nature, health, luck, and finances

Contrast

Color plays a key role, but contrast rules our perception. Contrast, or opposing shades, is what will truly grab the attention. It helps organize the design and establish a hierarchy. The contrast in your design hints at what is most important by signaling what to focus on most. The text on our website stands out from the contrasting background, to bring your focus and attention to what we deem most important. It helps things stand out and really make an expression. There are several different ways to apply contrast to the design of your billboard:

Size – contrasting sizes will have the design stand out more. Don’t go crazy here, though, too many different sizes can confuse your audience.
Shape – contrasting shapes will have the eye focus on the one shape that doesn’t look like the others. Use this to your advantage.
Color – See above
Texture – A background texture brings depth to the foreground, therefore creating more contrast between the two. Texture also complements your message.
Position/alignment – The rule of thirds in photography can be applied here, or the use of empty space.
Saturation – Going back to color, having black and white and then a splash of color really helps your design and message stand out.
Space – Consider space with your message, as space can help your message stand out. Especially in a minimalistic design.

Creativity

Now, combining both color and contrast in a balanced way is tricky – that’s where creativity comes in. Too much contrast can be confusing and too little color can be boring. There is no magic formula, however, there is a process to help ensure you use both correctly.

Typography

If you do use words, make sure they look good. The three main things to focus on are:

Font
Kerning
Size

If you are going to put words on a billboard, its purpose is that your audience actually reads the message (not for decoration). Using a legible font like Sans-Serif will make the message easier to read. Placing the text is just as important, giving each word its place and purpose. Finally, size – don’t be afraid to go big if it is important. Not only does it make your wording more legible, but it also gives people more time to see what you are trying to say.

Billboard Experts

If you’re trying to establish a presence in Puerto Rico, bMedia has the expertise, professionalism, and locations necessary. They work hand-in-hand with seasoned experts to create stunning billboards. While creating innovative designs, they focus on what you actually need. That means putting in work on the details and ensuring high-quality aesthetics. If you’re still unsure how to design a billboard, bMedia can always give further guidance.