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Doing Business in Puerto Rico

Posted on December 21, 2022 by admin

It’s more than just an island vacation destination. Puerto Rico offers many benefits, especially for citizens and businesses of the United States.

Between the cost of living, tax rates, and other incentives, there are many good reasons for doing business in Puerto Rico.

Why is Conducting Business in Puerto Rico a good idea?

There is a large potential market for your goods and services. Puerto Rico’s northeastern Caribbean location draws travelers to the island. In addition, its sandy beaches and year-round tropical climate make it an appealing destination. With few storms and pleasant year-round temperatures, Puerto Rico is close to the mainland United States of America, Central America, and South America.

Tourists return to enjoy the excursions, the region’s rainforest activities, caves, and active Caribbean nightclubs and bars.

Tourism is responsible for billions of dollars in revenue annually. In 2010, over ten million people flew into Puerto Rican airports. Those who visit spend money supporting the island’s many American businesses.

By 2019, tourist consumption had generated over five and a half billion U.S. dollars in Puerto Rico.

Travelers from all over the world come to experience Puerto Rico’s unique rainforest, the many tourist sightseeing activities, caves, excursions, and active Caribbean nightlife. The tropical climate, local foods, and tourist-oriented shopping and activities make it a natural tourist draw. While there, tourists enjoy the low sales taxes afforded by Puerto Rico’s economy.

Puerto Rico is a protected United States Territory. Thus, it offers attractive incentives to American corporations. These perks encourage them to locate a business in Puerto Rico. Most other Caribbean countries need to provide this financial encouragement.

Let’s look at some of the other perks of doing business in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico also offers businesses duty-free imports.
Property taxes are low.
Real estate is relatively inexpensive.
Corporate tax rates are appealing.
During your first year of business in Puerto Rico, real estate and personal property taxes are exempt.

This encourages businesses to set up their companies there. In addition, other incentives are proposed for bylaws 20 and 22. These provide notable savings for Americans who relocate to Puerto Rico.

Higher education is very inexpensive in Puerto Rico. Consequently, many of the island residents have college degrees. When setting up a business, Americans can hire well-educated employees. Even though the workforce is highly educated, the hourly rate is still below American mainland standards.

Anxious for entrepreneurs to relocate to Puerto Rico, the island offers some exciting opportunities.

Its many attractive qualities make Puerto Rico an ideal location for businesses to launch new products and services. In addition, visitors are well acquainted with established brands and anxious to spend their money on these brands that are so much a part of American culture.

Challenges of Doing Business in Puerto Rico

While there are many advantages to consider in starting a Puerto Rico business, there are also some potential problems.

The economy in Puerto Rico was once more stable than it was. The island is in the grips of economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, it’s continuing to rebuild.

Taxes have increased. This may be catastrophic for small-to-medium-sized businesses.

This past July, Puerto Rico’s sales tax was increased from seven to eleven and a half percent to improve Puerto Rico’s revenue. Unfortunately, this has made tourist shopping less appealing. As a result, tourist spending is down significantly.

CNBC also notes that the cost of living in Puerto Rico has risen sharply. As a result, employees now demand higher wages to make ends meet.

Puerto Rico labor is different from the bargain it once was. It is now subject to the same federal minimum wage laws as mainland America. Hence work has increased over most other Caribbean islands.

Tax Benefits of Doing Business in Puerto Rico

The weather is perfect, nature is beautiful, and the people are friendly. Still, sometimes business decisions need to be made based on simple bottom lines.

Here are a few highlights of the tax benefits of doing business in Puerto Rico:

No capital gains tax
The very low corporate tax rate
Income not subject to U.S. income tax

When you add up all the savings that could mean for your company, the financial benefits of conducting business in Puerto Rico speak for themselves.

From a business perspective, Puerto Rico has many benefits of outsourcing to a smaller, more affordable country without the inconvenience of leaving the U.S. The geographical distance is pretty close, and no passport is necessary for U.S. citizens. Plus, you won’t deal with currency exchange rates since the United States dollar is the official currency.

Benefits Of OOH In Puerto Rico

Billboards and OOH (Out-of-Home) Advertising are the best ways to promote your business. This is especially true in Puerto Rico. Not only are locals moving around and about, but the tourists, ready to spend some cash, love the island and flock to it year after year.

OOH, advertising is crucial in Puerto Rico, especially considering how many outdoor activities visitors can enjoy. Whether people are sightseeing, lounging on one of Puerto Rico’s pristine beaches, or enjoying the lush nature in the area, people are sure to see outdoor advertising.

You can expect high engagement from effective billboard advertising in cities like San Juan, Ponce, Bayamon, and Carolina because of the increased foot and vehicle traffic in these areas. Here are other reasons why OOH advertising is so effective in Puerto Rico.

Remote and Small Businesses in Puerto Rico

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered our views on working in a permanent office. If you’re a freelancer, a remote worker, or are thinking of starting a small business in Puerto Rico, prepare to be very tempted to book a ticket to Puerto Rico.

We’ve already discussed the tax and financial benefits, but let’s remember the opportunity to spend your lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends in a literal tropical paradise. From art galleries to bird watching to delicious food, you’re not going to feel bored.

Many aspiring digital nomads dream of moving to a distant foreign land for a great adventure, but they eventually give up when they realize the hassle of arranging visas and other immigration issues.

Not in Puerto Rico!

U.S. citizens can travel to the U.S. territory as if it were any 50 states, so no special paperwork is required. Want to go for a week with the option to extend your stay to six months? No problem at all.

Another benefit is the time zone. It’s in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, meaning you’ll spend the year on east coast time and the other half just an hour out of sync. In other words, you will only be scheduling video meetings in the middle of the night if you’re dealing with people in the USA.

Advertising Your Business

Tax benefits and work-life balance are only part of the equation. What about trying to market your business to all the locals and tourists of Puerto Rico?

Billboards are big in Puerto Rico because of the car culture and some strategic city locations, and the effectiveness of outdoor advertising has been proven time and again. Just close your eyes and imagine Times Square in New York City. One of the first things you’ll think of is billboards of all shapes, sizes, colors, and types.

San Juan has its version of La Placita de Santurce, which is a must-visit destination on its own. Still, it’s also a great place to get your advertising into the eyes of your customers.

If you’d like to place billboards around the island strategically, browse our listings to see some of the best options.

Why Billboard Advertising is Effective in Puerto Rico

Billboard advertising has been very effective in Puerto Rico in both traditional and digital formats.

Billboards are appealing in this island paradise because of the high vehicle and foot traffic density.

Puerto Rico has a new, sophisticated highway system. But, unfortunately, the island also has a love of cars, not unlike the mainland USA.

Traffic density on Puerto Rico’s roads is almost 750 cars per thousand inhabitants. So it is little wonder that large and small companies use outdoor advertising. These billboards are viewed by thousands of locals and tourists every day.

In a survey, one in every four Puerto Rican travelers said they were motivated to visit a business on the day they viewed its billboard.

Regarding outdoor advertising, Puerto Rico is a natural Caribbean magnet. It is home to large advertisers like Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, Sears, and Macy’s. In addition, hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn use billboards to attract the attention of locals and tourists.

Imagine thousands of tourists basking in the sun year-round on Puerto Rico’s beaches. They are a ready market for international retail chains, pharmaceutical companies, restaurants, and nightlife facilities.

Billboards effectively increase brand recognition, launch a new product, or highlight a special event.

Challenges of Billboard Advertising

As in real estate, billboard advertising is dependent upon location.

Suppose your company needs to do its research beforehand. In that case, you may erect a billboard where your target market will not see it.

Placement is crucial to outdoor advertising success.

The message must be seen and read in the few seconds it takes to drive by your billboard. So, what you say must be catchy, engaging, and memorable.

The graphics and design of your billboard must reflect your brand’s image. In addition, it must be unique enough to provide lasting brand recognition.

Color, size and special effects make a billboard effective in outdoor advertising.

While billboards are a relatively inexpensive way to advertise, you still need to consider how to get the most from your brand’s advertising dollars.

Why Hire an Outdoor Advertising Media Specialist?

An outdoor advertising media specialist can deliver a compelling message to your target market. The trained media specialists are experts at finding the best location. They know how to create a memorable message that can be internalized in the short time it takes to drive by the billboard. Media specialists offer an advertising medium that builds brand recognition and clarity and encourages viewers to become consumers.

Talk to an outdoor advertising media specialist about using your advertising dollars effectively. For more information on how to make your advertising budget more effective, contact bMedia Group. bMedia are expert in doing business in Puerto Rico.

Expert Advice At BMedia Group

Both traditional and digital forms of billboard advertising have proven to be one of the most effective and withstanding marketing strategies of all time. At bMedia, our seasoned and well-trained team will help your business get the most out of your OOH advertisement.

With proper insights and strategies, bMedia can help your business set foot in Puerto Rico. bMedia can help to expose your brand to a continuously growing and lucrative market. Contact bMedia Group and we’ll help you maximize your marketing strategy on the island.

Capitalizing on billboard space is capitalizing on business opportunities in Puerto Rico.

How to Promote Your Business in the Community

Posted on January 27, 2022 by admin

Promoting your business is essential if your goal is to stand out from your competitors and gain brand recognition in the community. Therefore, it’s important to take advantage of promotion opportunities in your area that will generate more customers and help solidify a trusted brand-consumer relationship in your community. In today’s digital age, promotion opportunities are endless. Businesses can spread the word about their product through search engines, social media channels, online directories, or even go with the ever-so-trusted billboard. To reach your target audience, you must make your brand visible on multiple platforms. Here are some different ways how to promote your business in the community.

Out-of-Home Advertising (OOH)

The first step to promoting your business is to make it visible. What better way to do it than out-of-home advertising (OOH). Outdoor advertising techniques include street signage, flyers, street teams, promotional events, and the beloved billboard.

The most trusted and original forms of OOH advertising are billboards. Billboards work because they are eye-catching and one of the most trusted forms of advertising for consumers. The majority of Puerto Ricans live in urban areas, and the great thing about billboards is that they can target local high-traffic areas where customers can interact with your campaign.

Today, we are seeing billboards evolve, boasting endless advertising potential for business. Digital billboards continue to rise in popularity because it allows users to directly engage with the advertisement, creating a memorable experience that highlights the product/ service you are offering.

To ensure a successful billboard campaign, we have determined some best practices to help maximize your promotion:

Keep it simple
Use borders and cropping appropriately
Be intentional with colors and contrast
Leverage key locations and seasons
Be careful of fonts

Establish a Social Media Presence

There are 2.32 million social media users in Puerto Rico as of January 2021, equivalent to 81.6% of the total population. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest are great marketing tools because of the ability to engage with existing customers while reaching out to new customers. As of December 2020, Facebook received 80.3% of all social media site visits in Puerto Rico. Facebook advertising is all about getting your message on the right news feeds using targeting options. Facebook allows you to advertise using images, videos, and even polls for interactivity.

Additionally, social media can be used as a marketing tool by creating brand-specific content. Social media has provided us with a range of posting formats such as images, short video stories, live sessions, tutorials, and more. Creating content for these platforms is an opportunity for business owners to engage with consumers while promoting a specific product, service, or event.

Take Advantage of Search Engines Like Google

Being visible on Google is great for your brand, it puts you directly in front of consumers seeking solutions. Creating and verifying your Google Business profiles allows your business to show up on Google Maps and caters results to the searcher’s current location. Creating a Google My Business account is free and once verified, you can optimize your listing to show up as a high-ranking result for relevant searches using a good SEO strategy.

Be Involved in the Community

If you’re wondering how to promote your business in the community, a good place to start is to be active and attentive in your community. Businesses can sometimes be involved in the community for the wrong reasons and they show. Be sincere, be genuine. Don’t push your business if it’s not relevant or actually helpful. In one way or another, your business will come up and your community will support it after they’ve seen and felt your support.

Being involved in the community involves giving back to it. Donating to a local charity will bring your business closer to locals by making it more approachable. Consumers are likely to support your business if you’re associated with a charity or cause close to them. You can give back to your community in several ways including:

Annual contribution to charity
Special promotions with a percentage of sales going to a cause
Donate products or services to local schools or community centers

Get Online Customer Reviews

Set up profiles on platforms like Yelp and Tripadvisor to increase brand exposure. These platforms are used by locals and visitors when looking for local businesses. 92% of consumers purchase from a business after viewing it on Yelp. These platforms allow customers to leave reviews, making it easy for business owners to monitor and respond to any business inquiries. Make sure all business information, such as hours, phone number, address, and website are all accurate for potential customers.

Importance of a Good Marketing Strategy

A good marketing strategy is a blueprint that will determine how your message will reach out to your target audience. Your business might be making a profit, but to remain successful, you must consistently stay ahead of your competitors. The best way to ensure this is to have a good marketing strategy in place. Not only will good advertising give you an edge, but it can also give you insight into how your business is performing, allowing you to make the right business decisions.

Market research is crucial in creating your promotional strategy. Data and information collected from this research will allow you to develop your product or service to boost profit potential. It can also help you create a detailed organization plan, ensuring optimum utilization of resources to get the message in front of the target consumer.

How to Measure the ROI of Your Campaigns

Once you’ve learned how to promote your business in the community, it’s then important to know how to measure the effectiveness of your promotional efforts.

Marketing ROI involves attributing profit or revenue as a direct cause of marketing growth initiatives. To determine whether your advertising campaign is successful or not, there’s a straightforward formula you can use:

ROI = (Sales growth – organic sales growth – Marketing Cost) / Marketing Cost

Marketing costs include but are not limited to:

Overhead and internal expenses
Agency fees
Media buys
Creative costs

ROI helps determine budget allocation for ongoing and future ad campaigns. It’s important to consistently evaluate KPIs such as reach, frequency, and impressions so you can determine if your marketing efforts are benefiting business growth and help you allocate your budget accordingly.

Strategize with bMedia Group

If you’re looking for ways to promote your business within your community, reach out to bMedia Group. We are Puerto Rico’s leading experts in outdoor and billboard advertising. Our professionals can help you strategize, execute and maximize the effectiveness of your promotional campaign and market research.

Foods to Try in Puerto Rico

Posted on January 18, 2022 by admin

Our beautiful island of Puerto Rico boasts exquisite beaches and is home to a vibrant culture that includes upbeat music, people, and most importantly, exquisite cuisine. When visiting the island, prepare to fuel up on some of the most delicious dishes of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican cuisine is extremely diverse and is influenced by West African, Spanish, and Indigenous Taino ingredients and cooking styles. Popular ingredients in Puerto Rican cuisine include plantains, yucca, rice (Arroz), papaya, tropical fruits and vegetables, and more. Here are some of the best foods to try in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican Foods to Try

There are some traditional and popular foods that are loved by Puerto Ricans and visitors alike.

Some of the most authentic foods to try in Puerto Rico are as follows:

Mofongo

This Puerto Rican delight is made with green plantains, mashed garlic, and meat such as chicken, beef, fish, or small pieces of chicharron.

The plantain is chopped into pieces and fried, they are then crushed and molded into a bowl with a hollow inside where the meat is placed.

Mofongo can be found at various food trucks and restaurants and is considered one of the most popular Puerto Rican dishes.

Tostones

This dish, which is often served as an appetizer, is made with thinly sliced plantains coated in batter.

Tostones are deep-fried and flattened using a tostonera, which is a wooden press.

They are often served with a condiment made from ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic, and other spices, also known as mayo ketchup.

Tembleque

Tembleque is a dessert pudding made from coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cornstarch.

It has a smooth consistency and is often topped with cinnamon.

This dessert is enjoyed all year round but is a staple for the Christmas season.

Pasteles

Pasteles are a combination of vegetable dough and meat filling and can be made with either yucca or green plantain.

They are stuffed with meat, usually pork, but can also include vegetables and pumpkin.

They are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until the leaves fall off. Once ready, they are seasoned with achiote and sofrito.

Ensalada de Pulpo

In English, this dish translates to octopus salad, and that’s exactly what it is.

Ensalada de Pulpo is made from chewy octopus and tart vinegar.

This dish is usually served with another Puerto Rican favorite, Tostones.

Rellenos de Papa

Rellenos de papa is a popular island appetizer best described as a savory mashed potato croquette stuffed with ground meat or picadillo and seasoned with sofrito.

Other ingredients, such as cheese, onions, and other vegetables can also be found in Rellenos de Papa.

Arroz con Gandules

This is probably one of the most popular foods to try in Puerto Rico.

This holy grail dish centers around rice and Gandules, or pigeon peas.

Gandules are used often in Caribbean cuisine and manifest as small, green, oval beans that contain a nutty flavor.

Arroz con Gandules or Puerto Rican rice is the island’s national dish along with roasted pork, or Pernil.

Pernil

Pernil is a slow-roasted pork leg or shoulder marinated with adobo mojado, which is a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Pernil is most often served with Arroz con Gandules or sweet plantains and is usually enjoyed during the holidays.

Advertising in Puerto Rico

The marketing opportunities are endless in Puerto Rico; however, a unique and localized communication strategy is needed because of the island’s uniqueness.

Puerto Rico is a unique market because we see U.S influence mixed with Hispanic culture and the Spanish language.

The island is usually thought of as a middle ground between North America and South America, which is why businesses see lucrative opportunities on the island. However, it helps to know who your audience is – including what they eat.

Food Advertising

Food advertising, especially with the use of billboards, is aimed to reach a wide range of people and demographics.

In 2016, approximately $13.5 billion was spent on advertising by food companies.

In Puerto Rico, restaurants held 2.69% of the total spending on digital advertising in 2021.

Food companies invest in advertising such as billboards because it’s an effective way to increase return on investment (ROI).

Advertising can easily influence an individual’s food choices, so this is a great way to advertise your company’s new food product or to highlight your restaurant’s new menu item.

Billboards and OOH Advertising

Gone are the days of static billboards, today we see digital and smart billboards that are transforming the advertising market. If you’re looking for foods to try in Puerto Rico or you’re looking to influence certain foods to try, chances are that advertising will play a part.

Effective advertising can help you get ahead and stand out from the competition, and billboards are the easiest way to do that.

Here are some reasons why:

Outdoor advertising is more noticeable than mobile or television ads.
- Online advertising can be ineffective due to ad-blockers. Additionally, due to the increasingly high number of mobile and television ads we see each day, it can be challenging to make your advertisement stand out on these platforms.
Billboards are more accepted by consumers.
- Billboards have been around for a long time, and are generally accepted as a form of advertising. The ethical issues surrounding social media and online ads have made people wary.
Billboards help with brand building.
- OOH advertising can build brand awareness as people are most perceptive of their surroundings when outside of the home.
Billboards are cost-effective.
- Billboards are generally cheaper than print or online advertising. Additionally, they are more long-term than other forms of advertisement that often require businesses to make repeated payments.

bMedia and Your Business

BMedia is the leader in OOH advertising in Puerto Rico. We work with people from all types of industries, including the food industry, to help them reach their target audience and increase their return on investment.

With decades of experience erecting high-performing and eye-catching billboards, we aim to maximize your businesses using strategic locations and advanced analytics to optimize billboard engagement.

The billboard real estate in Puerto Rico is thriving, and we’re here to help you find the perfect spot for your advertisement.

Through best practices, we aim to help your business reach its maximum value.

Do I Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico?

Posted on November 23, 2021 by admin

If you are an American citizen considering visiting Puerto Rico, then you might often find yourself wondering if you require a passport to visit this island. Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico is something that many people debate. But, if you are actually considering a trip to the island, then this is something that you actually need to know the answer to.

In this quick guide, we’ll be taking a look at why this is, and lots more that you should know before traveling to Puerto Rico.

Do I Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico?

As an American citizen, you will not need your passport in order to enter Puerto Rico.

This is because Puerto Rico is an American territory and not a separate country from the United States. So, if you are an American citizen you can travel freely to Puerto Rico without requiring a passport, including travel for business.

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico as a Non-US Citizen? If you are not a US citizen, then you will be required to use your passport to travel to and from Puerto Rico.

Although Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, it is actually an official U.S. Commonwealth. So, when you are traveling to Puerto Rico from the USA, it really is no different from traveling from a mainland state to Hawaii. The same principle applies to other US territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

So, if you are planning to travel to any of these islands, you also will not need a passport.

But, just because you do not need your passport doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take it with you. In order to board a flight from the USA to Puerto Rico, you will need to show photo identification.

This can be your driver’s license, but if you do not have one, or have misplaced it, your passport might be a better option.

What to Expect When Visiting Puerto Rico

If you are a US citizen, traveling to Puerto Rico is easy. Despite this, many US citizens haven’t actually visited the island.

So, what should you expect from Puerto Rico?

Well, the first thing that you should expect from Puerto Rico is beauty.

This island is breathtaking, and most residents refer to it as paradise. The island isn’t massive, but it is packed with lots of excellent things to do, for both tourists and business travelers. From beautiful beaches to breathtaking views and outstanding food and drinks, there is something for everyone in Puerto Rico.

As Puerto Rico is a US territory, you might expect it to be very similar to the USA. In some ways, Puerto Rico is very similar to the States that make up the USA, but there are also some pretty big differences.

Life in Puerto Rico moves at a different pace to life in many of the US States, especially the big cities. So as well as expecting breathtaking views, you should also expect a slower pace of life. After all, this is why Puerto Rico is such a popular destination for a weekend getaway.

Things you Need In Order to Travel to Puerto Rico

One of the main things that makes Puerto Rico appealing as a travel destination is how easy it is to travel there if you are a US citizen.

Can I Travel to Puerto Rico Without a Passport?

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?

As it is a US territory, you do not need your passport to travel there, which makes planning to travel a lot easier. This is also a massive help if you are planning to travel for business because it is one less thing that you have to worry about on your trip.

In reality, to travel to Puerto Rico, there really isn’t that much that you need to take with you if you are a US citizen. As it is a US territory, a lot of the things in Puerto Rico mirror the United States.

So, you do not have to worry about things such as currency and learning a new language when you plan on visiting, because the official languages are English and Spanish, and you can simply use US dollars.

You also do not have to worry about getting any additional vaccinations because the only vaccines required by the CDC to travel to Puerto Rico are routine vaccines that you already will have had.

Overall, Puerto Rico is a pretty safe travel destination, especially for solo travelers.

So, the only thing that you need to travel to Puerto Rico is a form of photo ID.

Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico

So, as you can see, there are lots of outstanding reasons why you need to visit Puerto Rico. It doesn’t have to be for a vacation, you could simply visit this beautiful island to take a break and really focus on your work and your business. While Puerto Rico makes an outstanding trip for leisure, the fact that it is a US territory also makes it convenient for business trips too.

To travel to Puerto Rico you do not need to worry about exchanging currency, you do not need to worry about learning any more than basic Spanish, and you don’t even have to worry about taking your passport.

Additionally, you can also rent a car or use apps like Uber in Puerto Rico easily because these companies work the same way in Puerto Rico as the rest of the USA, and your cell phone will also work exactly the same too.

So, as you can see, there are lots of reasons to visit Puerto Rico. Especially if you are planning a business trip.

Best Rum in Puerto Rico

Posted on October 16, 2021 by admin

One of Puerto Rico’s greatest claims to fame is its rum manufacturing. Not only is rum an important export of the island. The industry also employs lots of people all across the island to make this distinct drink.

Although high-quality Puerto Rican rum can be pricey, great rum doesn’t have to be expensive. If a rum has rich and complex flavors, it will absolutely drink well on its own. If it tastes good in a rum cocktail, as well as on its own as a sipping beverage, then you have certainly found a great, high-quality rum — no matter the cost. So if you’re asking yourself, “What’s the best rum in Puerto Rico,” read on to find out!

Types of Rum

Rum varies in type according to the way it is made, the length of distillation, and the type of materials used. Rum types include:

Dark Rum
Light Rum
Premium Aged Rum
Fruit Infused Rum
Vintage Rum
Overproof Rum

There are many types of rum from all over the world. Puerto Rico happens to be one of the most well-known places that produce rum.

History of Rum Making in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is certainly known for its rum production. This small island has captured the attention of the world, as well as a good percentage of North American rum drinkers.

Rum makers on the Caribbean island of Barbados bear the title as the original rum manufacturer. Rum production there dates back to the early 18th century. Puerto Rican rum production, on the other hand, dates back over a century and a half.

By the mid-1800s, sugarcane farming had become a major industry of the Caribbean. At one point, there were over seven hundred sugarcane plantations on the island of Puerto Rico alone. In addition to exporting sugarcane and sugar on its own, Puerto Rico began to produce rum from its sugarcane crops.

Spaniard Don Juan Serrallés imported a still from France, and in 1865, he produced the first casks of Don Q rum, named for the novel Don Quixote. The Don Q manufacturers set out to produce the perfect rum using a unique yeast and white oak barrels from America. Don Q rum is still produced in Puerto Rico to this day.

Even though it is a small island, Puerto Rico has established its place in rum production on an international scale. In fact, Puerto Rico calls itself the rum capital of the world. The island produces over eighty percent of all rum consumed in the US.

Puerto Rican rums are made by five major companies. These include: Don Q, Bacardí, Palo Viejo, Ron del Barrilito, and Ron Llave. These Puerto Rican rum brands have a reputation for high standards of production and consistent, high-quality products. Each of these can be considered by many to be the best rum in Puerto Rico.

Best Puerto Rican Rums

Don Q

The Serrallés family has been perfecting their Don Q rum for six generations. It is the best-selling rum on the island and the preferred rum of Puerto Rican drinking establishments. Current production includes Don Q Cristal, Don Q Añejo, Don Q Gold, and Don Q Limon.

Bacardí

Bacardí rum business began in Cuba. Facundo Bacardí Masso started his rum production over a century and a half ago. Although Bacardí started in Cuba, it has an important facility in Cataño, Puerto Rico. Established in 1930, this distillery became the largest premium rum distillery in the world. Tourists visiting Puerto Rico can visit Casa Bacardí at the distillery to learn about the Bacardí brand and its history, as well as engage in tastings. As well as several rum varieties, Bacardí products include Grey Goose vodka, Dewar’s whiskey, Bombay Sapphire gin, and Cazadores tequila.

Palo Viejo

Palo Viejo rum, like Don Q, is made by the Serrallés Distillery. Palo Ready, created in 2015, comes in a ready-to-drink pouch containing Palo Viejo rum and various juices. These can be used to create such rum cocktails as sangria, limoncello, and island rum punch.

Ron del Barrilito

The Ron del Barrilito rum business was created by Pedro F. Fernández. He established the distillery in 1871. It is located on what once was his father’s sugarcane plantation. The name Ron del Barrilito refers to its aging in barrels. The distillery has fewer than ten employees. Four are family members. The company continues to use the same formula Pedro Fernandez used. Although small, Ron del Barrilito is part of Puerto Rico’s rich rum tradition.

Ron Llave

Ron Llave is another premium Puerto Rican rum whose history dates back to the 19th century. Ron Llave, unlike some of the other primary Puerto Rican rums, is produced in Arecibo, a city on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. Ron Llave has a wide variety of premium rums to choose from.

Rum Advertising

Rum companies, like other manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, face tight competition. Especially in a place like Puerto Rico, where rum is very popular and there are many different manufacturers, it’s important to stand out. The goal should be to produce brand awareness, encourage drinkers to buy their brand over others, and showcase new products.

With effective advertising, rum producers can persuade drinkers to switch to rum from another alcohol. They can also advertise to reach new customers or even convert those who tend to drink other rum brands. Through ads targeting customers who don’t know much about rum, these brands can build a new niche market from a target audience.

As new companies begin rum production and as new products emerge, rum manufacturers strive to attract consumers in a competitive business.

Benefits of Outdoor Advertising

Whether in Puerto Rico or anywhere else in the world, we are a society on the move. We spend a lot of time in cars, buses, trains, on bikes, and on foot getting to work, to school, or touring. That is why outdoor advertising is such an effective way to get brands known, new products introduced, and special events publicized.

We see advertising communications everywhere. Brand messaging can be shared on highway billboards, transit posters, and ads on buildings, trains, and buses.

Because outdoor advertising is big, bold, and interactive, it grabs the viewer’s eye. Many passersby make the same trip multiple times per day. Especially when caught in traffic, they are a captive audience.

Outdoor advertising gives advertisers a great return on investment. A survey found that seven in ten people read billboards consciously as they pass. Over ten percent say they made a purchase based on outdoor ads within a week of seeing the ad. So whether you’re making the best rum in Puerto Rico, or you’re just getting your brand off the ground, you can certainly benefit from outdoor advertising.

Why Choose bMedia to Advertise Your Rum?

Like every other business, rum manufacturers want to get their brand out there and recognized. They want to boost sales and outsell their competition. When a new product is released, the company wants the public to know about it. If they are planning a special event to showcase their product, they want to entice potential buyers to attend.

Any brand will have only so much money to put into advertising. Thus, they will want to put their advertising dollars where they will attract buyers. Outdoor advertising has proven to be one of the most effective ways to tell the public about a product.

To optimize your advertising dollars in Puerto Rico, you need a firm with proven ability to analyze a target market and get your brand optimum exposure. bMedia has a proven record. With tons of prime advertising locations, years of experience, and proven practices, bMedia is certain to help boost your company’s sales. To learn more about how bMedia can help your brand, contact us today!

Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico y bMedia Group Crean Alianza Para Impulsar Empresas Locales

Posted on September 27, 2021 by admin

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO. 27 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2021 — La Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico (AHPR) anunció hoy, lunes, una alianza con bMedia Group dirigida a apoyar e impulsar a los empresarios puertorriqueños para generar crecimiento económico. Con esta unión, todos los socios de la AHPR tendrán acceso a un programa especial creado para promocionar sus negocios en la red de medios publicitarios de bMedia Group a través de Puerto Rico.

“Apostamos a las alianzas para impulsar el desarrollo económico de nuestras empresas. La penetración, alcance y relevancia de los medios de bMedia Group en el mercado local es incomparable y proveerá exposición a los negocios y marcas de nuestros socios a sus audiencias, apoyando sus metas de crecimiento”, expresó la presidenta de AHPR, Aysha Issa.

bMedia Group es una empresa netamente puertorriqueña fundada en el 2008, que actualmente cuenta con una red de vallas publicitarias y medios alternativos proveyendo una cobertura completa del mercado, para generar alcance masivo y una exposición efectiva y eficiente de mensajes publicitarios. bMedia Group es la principal compañía de medios en Puerto Rico y continúa invirtiendo en tecnología para brindar calidad visual e impacto, creando no solo espacios publicitarios sino áreas de entretenimiento para el pueblo, como lo es la imponente valla en la Placita de Santurce.

“El promover el empresarismo en Puerto Rico es una de las prioridades de bMedia Group. Este acuerdo colaborativo con la Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico es una confirmación de nuestro compromiso para seguir innovando y creando nuevas oportunidades. Me siento inspirado y motivado como agente de cambio a contribuir al crecimiento económico de mi país, sus empresarios y al ecosistema empresarial. Nuestro norte es añadir valor a nuestros clientes para que sus marcas, servicios o productos, establezcan una conexión emocional con su consumidor de forma única, relevante, entretenida e impactante. Me honra decir que somos una empresa para y hecha en Puerto Rico”, señaló el confundador y CEO de bMedia Group, Juan Casillas.

De su parte, Viviana Mercado, directora del comité de mercadeo de AHPR, estableció: “Con esta alianza, la AHPR eleva los beneficios para sus socios y ayuda a fortalecer decenas de empresarios puertorriqueños, socios de la organización, a través de la oportunidad de amplificar sus mensajes y contar sus historias en la red de medios de bMedia Group”.

La Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico es una organización que agrupa a más de 400 socios que componen la fibra del empresario puertorriqueño. “Esta poderosa alianza dará acceso a nuestros socios a miles de espacios publicitarios para beneficiar sus marcas y promover sus negocios utilizando nuevas formas creativas y tecnológicas”, finalizó la directora de la Junta de la Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico, Mónica Ponce.

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La Asociación Hecho en Puerto Rico (AHPR es una organización sin fines de lucro que agrupa más de 400 socios y promueve el desarrollo económico de los empresarios locales.

bMediaGroup es una de las principales compañías de medios en Puerto Rico con una red de más de 3,000 espacios pubicitarios a través de la isla.

Sightseeing in San Juan

Posted on September 17, 2021 by admin

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a truly fantastic city to visit. It’s full of culture, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and interesting sights to see. The gorgeous weather and beaches don’t hurt either! There are so many different sights to see in San Juan that you’ll most likely want multiple days to fully experience the city. Sightseeing in San Juan is an unmissable experience.

San Juan truly has something for everybody, making sightseeing in San Juan an extremely customizable activity. It has beautiful beaches and world-class luxury resorts both in the city and in neighboring towns. The heart of the city, Old San Juan, is a UNESCO world heritage site that blends traditional colonial architecture with contemporary Puerto Rican culture. Old San Juan has tons of delicious restaurants and great shopping.

History of San Juan

Spanish colonists founded San Juan in 1521. They gave it the name Ciudad de Puerto Rico. Under Spanish rule, merchant and military ships often used it as a port when traveling to the Americas. Its use justified building an extensive network of barriers and forts to serve as protection.

Because of the city’s prominence and expensive cargoes in ships that would stop in San Juan, San Juan was often attacked by other foreign powers. One such famous attack occurred in 1595, led by Sir Francis Drake and George Clifford. Over the next 200 years, both the Dutch and the British attacked the city. Spanish soldiers were able to continuously repel any attacks.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, various events, such as colonial revolutions, liberalized commerce with Spain. The opening of Puerto Rico to immigrants greatly increased San Juan’s population.

In 1898, United States Navy ships attacked San Juan. This attack was extremely powerful, and the ultimate result was the Spaniards ceding control of Puerto Rico to the United States in the Treaty of Paris.

The United States used San Juan and Puerto Rico extensively as training camps for both World War I and World War II. Interestingly, the man who fired the first shot by the United States armed forces in World War I was a Puerto Rican native.

Modern History

In 1947, Felisa Rincon de Gautier was elected as mayor of San Juan.

This election gave Rincon de Gautier the honor of being the first woman to be elected as Mayor of any capital city in all of the Americas.

In 1950, San Juan was the site of the San Juan uprising. In this uprising, insurrectionists attempted to attack the governor’s palace in a protest against the Puerto Rican and United States governments. The attack on the governor’s palace was short-lived, as police killed 4 of the 5 attackers.

San Juan is currently the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico. The city has a population of around 400,000. It is a major source of Puerto Rico’s income and GDP. This is especially true as Puerto Rico transitions to a service-based economy, rather than manufacturing. The services sector, which includes things like trade, tourism, finance, and government work, has quickly become the leading industry in Puerto Rico, accounting for around half of its GDP and employing up to 75% of all workers on the island.

Top Tourist Attractions

San Juan is a very popular tourist destination, both for individual travelers and as a major cruise-ship stop. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best tourist destinations that you must visit when sightseeing in San Juan.

Old Town San Juan

Probably the best tourist attraction in San Juan, Old Town San Juan is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Viejo San Juan showcases 500 years of architecture and history. It hosts historic forts and traditional Spanish colonial architecture. The Old Town contains hundreds of beautifully restored colonial buildings, many of which house restaurants, shops, museums, and hotels. You can explore the whole area on foot, which makes for a great half-day walking tour.

San Juan Cemetery

The San Juan Cemetery consistently ranks among the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The cemetery lies along the coast, right next to the famous fort El Morro, and has elaborate tombstones and statues. The centerpiece of the cemetery is a chapel with a red dome. The chapel is dedicated to Mary Magdalene. It is certainly a worthy stop for anybody sightseeing in San Juan.

El Morro

El Morro is the name of the fort that has protected San Juan for hundreds of years. It was built in 1539 and has been continuously expanded and renovated for the following 200-300 years. El Morro is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO world heritage site, and both the fort itself and the lawn approaching the fort offer incredible views of the ocean and the city of San Juan.

Fort San Cristobal

Although El Morro is the more famous fort, you can’t miss San Cristobal. San Cristobal is not only a bigger fort but is actually the largest Spanish fort in the New World. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and unlike El Morro, which was designed to protect San Juan from naval attacks, Fort San Cristobal was designed to protect San Juan from land attacks.

Museo De Las Americas

The Museo De Las Americas, located in Old San Juan, is a great way to learn about the history of Puerto Rico. The museum focuses on the art, ethnic groups, and colonization of the country, and is a great stop before you embark on any other cultural experiences.

Condado and Ocean Park Beach

The Condado district was developed as Puerto Rico’s first tourist district in the 1950s. Condado offers many different hotels and accommodations at every price point. The white-sand beach here is beautiful, soft, and very popular.

Advertising in San Juan with bMedia

With so many tourists visiting, San Juan is a great place to advertise your business. Additionally, since the weather is warm and mild year-round, San Juan lends itself very nicely to outdoor advertising. bMedia has consistently been Puerto Rico’s Premier Outdoor Advertising Company, with hundreds of billboards island-wide.

bMedia leverages technology and advanced analytics to optimize billboard location and design, providing your company with an extremely high return on investment. If you’re interested in advertising in Puerto Rico, contact us today.

Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico

Posted on August 25, 2021 by admin

The small Caribbean island of Puerto Rico boasts picture-perfect beaches, lively nightlife, and vibrant local culture. The people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful, and the list of outdoor activities in Puerto Rico is endless. You can decide to dwell in nature or choose to explore the island’s urban centers. Either way, there is a guaranteed adventure for everyone.

Puerto Rico offers a diverse list of unique destinations and activities, so it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the best vacation spots in the Caribbean. From the deep rainforests to San Juan’s urban gems, you’ll never run out of things to see and do on the island. Here are some outdoor activities in Puerto Rico for you to enjoy.

Some of the types of places you can explore in Puerto Rico include, but are not limited to:

Tropical rainforests and jungles
Pristine beaches
Open water
Mountains
Caves
Historic urban sites

Tropical Rainforests and Jungles

Puerto Rico is not just white sand and blue waters. In fact, the island is covered by tropical wilderness that offers some of the most exquisite trails and views.

El Yunque National Rain Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is approximately 45 minutes outside of San Juan. This rainforest is the perfect destination for a hike. You might even encounter some of the rainforests’ wild inhabitants such as tropical birds, green lizards, and slimy frogs during your adventure. The island’s jungles also host beautiful bike trails, with lots of single tracks, downhill trails, and of course, some of the best views Puerto Rico has to offer.

If you’re looking for something more daring, try ziplining through various parks across the island. “The Monster,” one of the longest ziplines in the world at Toro Verde Adventure Park, is 2.5 kilometers long and 843 feet high. There’s nothing more thrilling than flying superman style above the tropical jungle.

Beach and Water Activities

Puerto Rico has over 270 miles of sandy beaches. These beaches welcome visitors all year round. The gorgeous beaches in Puerto Rico offer picture-perfect views and exciting water adventures.

The island’s beaches are consistently selected as some of the best beaches in the world, and you’ll know why the moment you step afoot the island.

The coral coastline is home to some of the best water experiences in the Caribbean. Whether it’s swimming or surfing, sailing or scuba diving, Puerto Rico offers an impressive list of watersports and activities. You can scuba dive in Isla de Mona or surf the waves at Aguadilla Beach. Either way, all of Puerto Rico’s beaches are ready for you to kick back and relax.

Caves and Mountains

The natural mountainscapes and caves of Puerto Rico offer visitors the chance to partake in outdoor activities such as spelunking, rock climbing, or rafting. Canon de Tanama, a picturesque network of waterfalls, caverns, canyons, and limestone cliffs is one of the most recognizable caves on the island. It’s also a great place for rock-climbing, caving, and tubing.

You can also overlook the Rio Grande de Arecibo and the beautiful green mountains at Cueva Ventana (Window Cave). The window-like opening gives this cave its name, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. It’s arguably the most “Instagrammable” location in Puerto Rico.

During your adventure, make sure to keep an eye out for authentic Taino petroglyphs that have been preserved for centuries. You can even choose to pay a visit to some of the cave’s animal residents, like bats!

Explore Old San Juan

A great way to spend time outdoors is to explore old San Juan and feel the historic charm. In this part of San Juan, visitors will find some of the oldest and most carefully preserved architectural structures in the world. Walk the cobblestone streets and eat some of the best street food Puerto Rico has to offer. Not only will you get some great food, you will also be supporting local businesses.

You can even choose to stop at some of the area’s famous colonial landmarks, including Castillo San Felipe del Morro, known as ‘El Morro’ to locals. This citadel was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and was designed to protect the island’s coast. Another notable landmark is the Castillo San Cristobal which covers over 27 acres and is the setting of many Puerto Rican cultural and historical stories.

City Life

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is where many visitors stay on the island. The city provides an abundance of activities, dining, and entertainment. However, it’s the locals that make the city so vibrant and exciting. So make sure you spend some time in some of San Juan’s coolest neighborhoods.

The Santurce barrio is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in local art and culture. The neighborhood showcases the island’s vibrant culture through hip dining spots, colorful street art, museums, and art galleries. Later in the day, you’ll also find crowds at La Placita de Santurce for drinks and dancing in the streets, so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

The Condado barrio is considered the most cosmopolitan area of San Juan and gives off a Miami vibe. This area is perfect for shopping, dining, or relaxing on the oceanfront. A popular activity in Condado is to kayak or paddleboard through the Condado Lagoon while on a clear-bottom kayak decorated with LED lights.

Be Where The People Are

Because there are so many outdoor activities in Puerto Rico, this presents the opportunity for your brand to present itself where the people are. People are spending more and more time outside their homes and we’re seeing the island welcome back visitors and tourists. Being visible through outdoor advertising will ensure your brand becomes visible and familiar to a large audience.

The business opportunities are rapidly growing in Puerto Rico, and American businesses are taking note. The island draws global visitors and in 2019 earned about give and a half billion US dollars. OOH (Out-of-home) Advertising is one of the best ways to promote your business in Puerto Rico, not only are the locals moving around and about, the visitors are too!

bMedia Advertising Experts

No matter what industry your business is in, bMedia can help you reach your target audience and increase the ROI of your marketing campaign. We are the island’s leader in outdoor media. Our advertising professionals are ready to maximize the effectiveness of your next OOH advertising campaign.

With bMedia, the possibilities are endless. Contact us today.

Industries in Puerto Rico

Posted on July 16, 2021 by admin

Puerto Rico’s economy has had a long and dynamic history, especially as it relates to its status as a US territory. The island is known especially for the incredible beaches and storied sightseeing destinations. This makes tourism one of its most important economic sectors. However, there is a lot about the industries in Puerto Rico that you may not know.

Up until the mid-1900s, agriculture was the main industry supporting Puerto Rico’s economy. The island, which had limited mineral resources, was largely neglected by Spanish colonial rulers. However, San Juan became a major trade port in the Caribbean. In the decades that followed World War II, factories and manufacturing became very important to the Puerto Rican economy under American rule. This shift happened because of government-sponsored economic development and social welfare programs. These developments supported private business and updated Puerto Rico’s transportation infrastructure.

Now, however, Puerto Rico’s economy has shifted into a service economy, as manufacturing growth has slowed in the past few decades. The services sector, which includes things like trade, tourism, finance, and government work, has quickly become the leading industry in Puerto Rico. The services sector accounts for around half of Puerto Rico’s GDP and employs up to 75% of all workers on the island.

Major Industries in Puerto Rico

Agriculture

The agriculture industry is still alive in Puerto Rico. However, it is nowhere near the most dominant industry. According to recent data, agriculture makes up less than 1% of Puerto Rico’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Puerto Rico used to have a relatively large sugarcane production industry, but this has mostly ceased to exist. This is in large part due to government regulations on sugar companies in the US and its territories, as well as on producers abroad that import to the US. Puerto Rico does have a thriving rum production industry, but it imports most of the molasses necessary.

The three traditional farm products still produced in Puerto Rico are:

Coffee
Tobacco
Milk

However, due to its tropical climate, many farms also produce tropical fruits including mango, pineapple, and melon. Additionally, there are beef, pork, and poultry farms that serve both local and international markets.

Manufacturing

In 2010, the manufacturing sector made up 46.4% of Puerto Rico’s GDP. However, in the past decade, a few key changes have caused the closure of many Puerto Rican manufacturing plants. Firstly, global competition has increased. This has caused companies to look elsewhere to satisfy their growing demand. Additionally, the repeal of Section 936 ended a decades-long practice where US corporations had a tax exemption on income produced in US territories, including Puerto Rico.

Despite all this, Puerto Rico still has a relatively active manufacturing sector. Over half of the manufacturing industry relates to pharmaceutical production. Pharmaceuticals make up over half of Puerto Rico’s total exports. The pharmaceutical production industry in Puerto Rico is responsible for employing over 18,000 people. Chemical and chemical products, as well as computers and electronics, make up some other large parts of Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector.

Service

The service industry is Puerto Rico’s fastest-growing industry, and it has most recently overtaken manufacturing as Puerto Rico’s primary industry in terms of GDP production.

The three branches of Puerto Rico’s service industry, described in further detail below, are finance and real estate, trade, and tourism.

Finance & Real Estate

Finance, real estate, and insurance produce up to 20% of Puerto Rico’s annual GDP. Puerto Rico benefits from having its financial system fully integrated with the mainland American system, meaning that many American banks, real estate firms, and insurance companies have offices in Puerto Rico.

Trade

Trade accounts for about 10% of Puerto Rico’s annual GDP. Puerto Rico is included in the USA’s customs system, and the USA is Puerto Rico’s largest trading partner. The island’s key exports are pharmaceuticals, chemicals and chemical products, and computers and electronics. Puerto Rico also has significant trade agreements with Singapore, Japan, Brazil, and the European Union.

Tourism

Tourist interest in Puerto Rico has continued to grow year after year. Tourists from both the mainland United States and from international destinations continue to be drawn to Puerto Rico’s stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and gorgeous tropical weather. In addition, many Caribbean cruises include San Juan as a stop. It is estimated that upwards of 5 million visitors stay at a hotel in Puerto Rico every year, with larger numbers of cruise ship passengers visiting annually as well. Tourism supplies an estimate of over $5.5 billion to the Puerto Rican economy every year.

Outlook: Which Industries in Puerto Rico are Poised for Growth?

The service industry in Puerto Rico is the most obvious for continuous future growth. Tourism interest will only continue to grow. Additionally, experts project growth in real estate and financial services for the foreseeable future as well.

Additionally, entrepreneurship is another area with potential for growth. Entrepreneurship is currently is still at the beginning of its growth in Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, many organizations focused on growing small businesses have begun to establish a presence on the island. The Puerto Rican government also has many programs that allow aspiring entrepreneurs to access funding.

A key factor that many companies tend to overlook is the importance of advertising. Advertising can help convey a brand’s image and desire to new and current consumers. This in turn helps to drive sales and foster brand loyalty. It’s extremely important to understand the local culture of the city, state, town, country, or territory that you hope to advertise in, and there’s no better way to do that than by working with a local advertising group.

How bMedia Can Help

No matter what industry your business operates in, bMedia’s experienced team can help you reach new customers across Puerto Rico. bMedia is Puerto Rico’s leader in outdoor advertising, with over 300 high-impact locations to choose from. Moreover, bMedia’s billboards statistically have the highest consumer traffic in Puerto Rico. bMedia leverages cutting-edge technology and industry-specific leading practices to ensure that your advertisement will be seen and noticed by the right customers. Feel free to contact us with any inquiries you have.

OOH Advertising Examples

Posted on June 15, 2021 by admin

OOH, or Out-of-Home advertising, refers to any advertising media that targets consumers outside of their homes. This is obviously an extremely broad category, and covers many different types of advertisements. Also, there are many great OOH advertising examples from around the world. Therefore, it’s much easier to break OOH advertising up into 4 key categories:

Billboard-Type Advertising
Street Furniture
Transit
Place-Based OOH

Globally, a lot of money is spent on OOH advertising every year. In 2019, more than $39 billion was spent on OOH ads. Many large worldwide companies such as Apple and McDonald’s, and even tech companies like Facebook and Google, still spend heavily on different types of OOH advertisements, even with the rise of other forms of advertising, such as ads on social media.

Benefits of OOH Advertising

You may wonder why companies still decide to spend money on OOH campaigns like billboards or advertisements in subways in today’s global age. There are a few key benefits that OOH ads have compared to other forms of advertising. Firstly, online advertising can be frustrating, since so many consumers have ad-blockers in place and the ones that don’t are bombarded with so many ads, none really stand out. However, OOH ads don’t have these problems, as they’re basically unblockable.

Additionally, people tend to be more perceptive of their surroundings outside of the home, and can take in your advertisements, even if they’re not consciously aware of it. This effect can boost your other advertising campaigns.

According to research from Ocean Neuroscience, consumers were 48% more likely to engage with a mobile ad when exposed to the same out-of-home advertisement first.

Read on for some effective OOH advertising examples.

Examples of OOH Advertising

Digital OOH Advertising

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, but 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

The most common use of street furniture advertising is at bus stops or on benches. Advertising on street furniture is a great way to not just engage people waiting for buses, but also gets your ad on the eye-level of everybody walking by.

Nike is no stranger to creative, thought-provoking advertisements, and its ads on street furniture are no different. Nike added its famous, simple logo — the Nike swoosh — along with the word “RUN” to a bench in New York’s Madison Square Park. They then removed the seat of the bench. This simple ad, paired with the action of taking away the seat of the bench, is eye-catching, memorable, and perfectly aligned with Nike’s vision that everybody 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

Ultimately, OOH advertising can be extremely profitable for your company if you are able to develop a creative and memorable campaign. If you are advertising on the island of Puerto Rico, there is no better company to work with than bMedia.

bMedia is Puerto Rico’s leader in OOH media and advertising, and will work with you to ensure your advertisements are seen and remembered. Contact us today!