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How Outdoor Advertising Can Help Grow your Business

Stuart Crawford

Welcome
Outdoor advertising is not as easy as you think. To succeed with outdoor advertising, you need to look at more than what works and what doesn't.

How Outdoor Advertising Can Help Grow Your Business

It's no secret that outdoor advertising can boost a brand's visibility. But did you know that it can also help you target the right audience?

Outdoor advertising is a proven way to generate leads and build brand recognition. But in a crowded and noisy market, how can you get noticed in a big way? Outdoor advertising is not a cost-effective marketing strategy for every business. It's expensive, and you may waste thousands if you don't know how to make the most of it. 

Luckily, there's a lot you can learn from the experts about turning outdoor advertising into a lead-generating machine.

When building your brand, you should know that a strong brand is a great way to get noticed. Whether you run a small, medium, or large-scale business, branding your business is essential to its success. By creating a consistent brand identity and image, your customers will always know what to expect from your company. You should know that your outdoor advertising campaign needs to be well-planned, budgeted, and executed correctly to get the best return on investment.

Most brands spend money on television, radio, direct mail, and online ads — but if your brand struggles to get noticed, why not try something new? Outdoor advertising can help bring more attention to your brand and increase your brand's visibility.

Outdoor Advertising: How It Works

Mcdonalds Billboard Design

Outdoor advertising is a type of marketing that uses a billboard, signboard, poster, etc., to advertise an event or company. This can include a commercial billboard, a bus stop sign, a street lamp, or even a simple poster.

An outdoor ad can be any media (print, digital, radio, TV, video, etc.), a static image, or a moving image (like a TV spot). It can even be a branded piece of content.

Why do businesses use outdoor advertising?

The main reason businesses use outdoor advertising is because it is one of the cheapest types of marketing. In many cases, it costs less to advertise in an outdoor space than it does to invest in television or print advertising. This is because the cost per impression of an outdoor advertisement is much lower than that of television or print.

Research shows that people who look at billboards are more likely to buy a product after seeing the ad on the billboard. This means a business can save money by investing in outdoor advertising.

Another reason businesses use outdoor advertising is that it effectively reaches the target audience. Outdoor advertising is often more visible than traditional forms of advertising and can be a good way of reaching people driving or walking past the advertisement.

What is the cost of outdoor advertising?

Depending on the area you want to advertise in and the type of message you want to show, it is possible to find a free advertising company. If you advertise in an area popular with tourists, companies will advertise there for free, but this is not always true.

You must pay for the service if you want to advertise in an area you don't want to publicise. Many companies offer a range of packages to suit your budget.

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What It Takes to Do A Good Job

Outdoor Advertising Example

The process of outdoor advertising is much like a business in itself. To advertise your business, you must clearly understand how to do it effectively and attract customers. This article aims to provide tips on creating a successful outdoor advertising campaign.

As an advertiser, you need to know three types of outdoor ads: static, electronic and animated. Static ads are the cheapest but least effective because they only work for a certain period. The electronic ads use a GPS device and can last several minutes to many years. Animated ads are more expensive and use many different animations and images to get the audience's attention.

The first step to starting an effective outdoor advertising campaign is knowing what your target market wants. As a company owner, knowing who your potential clients are and what they want is essential. Once you know whom you're marketing to, it's time to decide on the type of advertisement you want to use. Static, electronic or animated?

Next, you must decide whether to run a campaign indefinitely over a specific period. Once you've decided on your timeframe, you can think about the design of the billboard. Are you looking to get the attention of passers-by, or do you want to capture the attention of people who have seen the advertisement before?

There are several different ways of placing a billboard advertisement:

1: Placing a billboard in a prominent area

This can be a good option if you're advertising a brand name. A prominent location is an excellent way to draw attention. However, it would be best not to go too close to another building. The same goes for the sides of buildings. Busy areas are good places to place billboards. They're often in the middle of the street, so there's plenty of traffic. Placing a billboard near a high-volume area will ensure that people passing it will see it.

2: Placing a billboard in a secluded area

When placing a billboard in a secluded area, you must consider where the traffic goes. You could be advertising to no one if there are no pedestrians around. If the traffic is heading towards a high-volume area, placing your advertisement there is a good idea.

3: Using a billboard in a commercial area

A billboard in a commercial area will generate more interest and traffic than a similar billboard in a residential area. This is because commercial areas tend to attract a larger audience.

4: Placing a billboard on the sidewalk

A sidewalk billboard can be a great way to advertise and attract people on foot. People who walk past the billboard will be exposed to your ad.

In the United States, many cities have a sidewalk advertising ordinance that prohibits the placement of billboards on public sidewalks. The ordinance usually requires a permit from the city. In addition, many cities have restrictions on the size of billboards. 

The first thing to consider when planning a billboard campaign is the location of the billboard. Most cities allow outdoor billboards in commercial zones. Outdoor billboards are usually placed in high-traffic areas along freeways and major thoroughfares.

Types of Advertising Outdoors

Types Of Outdoor Ads

Advertising out-of-home (OOH) media is an excellent way to reach customers and attract new business. It is a cost-effective and widely used marketing technique, so here are a few tips to ensure you use it successfully.

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Before deciding on a strategy, consider what you want to achieve. What are you trying to sell? How will you promote this, and what's the budget available? It would be best if you also thought about how you will measure results. What will you use to measure your campaign's success – cost per impression, cost per lead, number of enquiries, etc.? Once you know your goal, you can decide which OOH advertising suits you.

There are three types of outdoor advertising – static, out-of-home and out-of-store. They all have slightly different uses, but they are all very powerful.

Static ads are one of the most traditional forms of OOH advertising. The main benefit of these ads is that they can be seen from a long distance and are not affected by weather conditions.

Out-of-home (OOH) ads can be seen anywhere there are people. This includes pavements, street furniture such as benches and bus shelters, road signs and motorway billboards. The range of outdoor advertising possibilities is much broader than the term ‘outdoor advertising' suggests.

Out-of-store advertising can be seen around the store. It can be displayed on windows, floors, walls, shelves, in-store displays, windowsills and signage. It can be seen as a backdrop for events, in-store exhibitions, in-store windows and promotional activities.

1 – Static Advertising

Static ads can be seen in a variety of places. They can be painted on surfaces or fixed to surfaces. They are fixed in place and are typically very large. Some are mounted on walls and can be seen from many metres away. Others are placed on fences, car parks, trees, bridges and overhangs, and building tops.

Static ads are very versatile and can be used in many different ways. They are affordable and can be used for many purposes, including awareness, awareness/re-branding, brand identity, creativity and promotions.

2 – Out-of-home Advertising (OOH)

Out-of-home advertising is the most flexible and powerful outdoor advertising with many uses. It is also one of the most expensive options.

It is visible to people everywhere there are people, which means it can be seen in many different settings, including pavements, streets, buildings, motorways and even air.

You can do out-of-home (OOH) advertising in many different ways. You can use billboards, digital screens, public address systems, posters, bus stops, kiosks, out-of-store displays, digital displays, street furniture, window displays and banners.

3 – Out-of-store Advertising

Out-of-store advertising is one of the most effective ways of promoting your business. It is highly visible, easy to control and manage, and measurable and cost-effective.

Out-of-store advertising is seen around the store, where the customer is, which is why it's so popular. You can do it with window displays, in-location displays, in-store windows, shelf labels, promotional events and window sills.

How to measure results

When choosing how to measure results, it is essential to remember that each method has strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can measure the effectiveness of a billboard or poster by looking at how many people are passing by it. The same is true of out-of-home advertising and in-store advertising.

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You can measure the effectiveness of a static ad by taking a sample of the people passing by it and recording how many stopped to read it. However, if you want to compare the effectiveness of different ads, you should record all of the passers-by.

Advantages of Outdoor Advertising

Out Of Home Advertising Example

Suppose you live in a rural area where there is limited space. In that case, advertising your business to potential customers is often necessary to attract their attention and ensure a steady flow of clients. Advertising has always been an integral part of our lives, and we are always aware of the various methods available. 

Outdoor advertising is one of the most effective means of attracting attention and has been used by businesses since the beginning of the 20th century. There are many reasons why outdoor advertising works so well for businesses:

  • It is accessible to anyone.
  • It is highly visible.
  • It is highly effective.
  • It reaches customers immediately.

However, we must note that advertising, in general, is a costly business. In today's world, with the current economic situation, many small businesses are finding it challenging to afford advertising costs.

A study by The Center for Creative Marketing revealed that almost half of all consumers in the United States use the Internet for research. In fact, according to another report from the same company, people make buying decisions based on their online findings as much as three times more than they do offline.

One reason is that, with the advent of smartphones, people no longer need to buy brochures or leaflets. They can search online and find whatever they need. A further reason is that while many companies are still using print advertising, there is a growing trend towards online advertising. This is probably why many companies turn to digital advertising since the costs associated with advertising on the Internet are minimal, unlike print media.

This is not to say businesses shouldn't spend money on traditional advertising. It should be noted that, even though it is expensive, outdoor advertising can also be highly effective. However, it is essential that the business owner uses their resources wisely and only spends what is required to reach their target audience.

The most common forms of outdoor advertising are:

  • Billboards: These come in various sizes and can be static or mobile. They are often used as vehicles to advertise to the general public and are often seen at busy junctions and roundabouts.
  • Trailers: The most common form of trailer advertising is the towable trailer. These are enormous advertisements usually towed behind a car, but they are also commonly seen as temporary structures attached to buildings.
  • Poles: Also known as message poles, these can be used for many different purposes. They can be attached to the side of a building or the edge of a road and can be used to hang signs and flags.
  • Tents: These are portable advertising structures you can set up anywhere and are usually erected overnight for advertising. They are trendy among those who sell their wares at fairs and festivals and are used to attract potential customers to a particular stall.
  • Folding screens: These are incredibly lightweight and can easily be rolled away once the advertisement is finished. These can be used in various ways, such as on windows. They are also very effective in providing privacy.
  • Signage: As the name suggests, this refers to the signs hung on the sides of buildings and often used to advertise the business itself. Signs can be made from paper, canvas and plastic, fixed or portable.
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These are just some of the more common forms of outdoor advertising. Each has advantages, and you can use it to promote a business effectively.

Tips for Running Effective Outdoor Ads

Creative Billboard Advertising

The key to effective outdoor ads is finding the right audience. The message needs to be tailored to the target market, and your campaign will run more smoothly if it's built around a few key messages, not just one. For example, if your target market is students, your adverts could include information about how to save money, stay healthy, look your best, and what college courses are available. Students would be interested in this information, so focusing your campaigns on this area makes sense.

The good idea is to identify your target market using several tools such as the ‘Netminders' and Google Trends. The latter gives a snapshot of what people search for and where they go online, while the former is an app that helps you understand who your audience is and what they might be interested in.

Next, you must decide on your business's most suitable advertising channels. Outdoor ads can work well because they are seen and heard by many and can be more cost-effective than other media. However, there are disadvantages to using outdoor ads. They are less likely to reach the people you are trying to attract; they are usually the most expensive form of advertising and can easily be overlooked.

One way around this problem is to combine different marketing channels. For example, if you plan to run outdoor ads around the university campus, advertise on Facebook too. You may not be able to control what people read or see online, but if they're already on your website, they'll probably click through, too.

The final step is to ensure that you set your campaign goals clearly and that your ads reflect these. It's easy to assume that your ads must be flashy and exciting because you want to attract new customers. However, the reality is that some people might not find your ads attractive or appealing, even if they are informative. So, keep your message simple, direct, and to the point.

If you're unsure how to create effective outdoor ads, try our guide to running effective campaigns, which explains the basic steps involved in creating your adverts.

Using Outdoor Advertising in your marketing strategy

Ibm Smarter Cities Rain Hood Wired Design

Several types of outdoor advertising are available, and the most effective ones are outdoor billboards, posters and banners. With the increased outdoor advertisement space, it has become more affordable for businesses to spend on outdoor advertising. 

Outdoor advertising is usually seen as part of a business's communication strategy. It can provide excellent results for the business because it will help increase brand awareness and lead to increased sales. Businesses must consider several factors when determining the effectiveness of outdoor advertisements.

What makes an ad stand out?

First and foremost, the content of the ad should stand out. You can do this by using a catchy slogan, offering a special discount, or giving a call to action. An effective ad should contain words that are short and clear. The best outdoor ad types are those with a short copy and a solid call to action. It is also advisable for the copy to be written in the third person. This will help make the ad more personal to the reader.

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Who is the target audience?

The ad needs to be written for the specific audience it will appeal to. Is the ad aimed at a local area? Will passers-by see it on the street, or will it be displayed at a shopping mall? An effective ad will appeal to a targeted audience. This will determine whether it is effective or not. You can attract a general audience to an ad, but it will not appeal to them if it does not have a call to action. The best way to determine the effectiveness of an ad is to run a focus group. This will enable the business to gather information on what makes an ad stand out.

What type of ad can be used?

Billboards, posters and banners are the most common forms of outdoor advertising. However, other types are used, such as:

  • Awnings – These are often used as awning signs.
  • Digital displays – These are also known as digital billboards.
  • Street furniture – Items on the street, such as benches or street furniture.
  • Vehicle wraps – These are stickers that are attached to the vehicle.
  • Vans – These are trucks that are used to display ads.
  • Walkways – These are walkways that are painted or paved and are used for foot traffic.

Which are the most effective?

Outdoor advertisements are trendy. They are seen by many people, which increases the chances of them being seen by the targeted audience. Outdoor advertising is a great way to communicate with the public and reach potential customers. 

You can use it to promote a product, service or event. In addition, it can also serve as a promotional tool for your business.

Billboards, posters and banners are the most effective forms of outdoor advertising. They are seen by many people, which increases the chances of them being seen by the targeted audience. Outdoor advertising is a great way to communicate with the public and reach potential customers. You can use it to promote a product, service or event. In addition, it can also serve as a promotional tool for your business.

There are several reasons why outdoor advertising is becoming more popular. The main reason is that it is a cheap and effective way to get the word out about your business. Outdoor advertising will help increase your business's brand awareness and is a great way to reach your target audience.

How should I choose which outdoor advertisement to use?

When choosing the best outdoor advertising type, you must consider your budget. There are different types of outdoor advertising, each with its advantages and disadvantages. It would help if you also thought about where to place the ad.

Conclusion

Outdoor advertising is an effective medium to reach potential customers and is a cost-effective way of reaching them. Outdoor advertising can be beneficial when it comes to branding a new business. It can help in building a brand identity and awareness. 

Outdoor advertisements are used by businesses to promote their brands through posters, billboards, and other forms of outdoor advertising. These are great ways to promote a brand, but there are drawbacks. Outdoor advertising has been around for a long time and is seen as old-fashioned in many parts of the world. 

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This means that outdoor advertising may not be as effective as other media. Another drawback of outdoor advertising is that it is limited. Many advertisers have noticed that people are now spending less time on the computer and more time on their phones and tablets. 

Outdoor advertising occurs in real locations, meaning customers may not be able to read it from a distance. This could make it harder to advertise your brand, and it might be ineffective if people are distracted by other things.

Get a quote on your next outdoor advertising campaign today!

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Written By
Stuart Crawford
Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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1 thought on “How Outdoor Advertising Can Help Grow your Business”

  1. Your guide on outdoor advertising is incredibly enlightening. It adeptly covers the essentials, from strategic placement to the diverse types of outdoor ads, providing a wealth of knowledge for businesses looking to expand their reach. The article’s practical tips and creative examples are immensely useful, offering both inspiration and actionable steps for effectively utilizing outdoor advertising. This piece is a testament to Stuart’s expertise and a must-read for anyone interested in leveraging outdoor advertising to grow their business.

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