Do you know what business professionals and real estate owners have in common? They both can boost their annual revenue through advertising–specifically, through street advertising, which is also called out-of-home advertising.
Have you ever been to Times Square in New York or Piccadilly Circus in London? If so, then you’ve had firsthand experience at the hubs of street advertising, and you likely noticed that those ads were more memorable than those digital ads you see on the side of a website.
If you are a business owner looking for the best way to advertise or a real estate owner who wants to boost revenue by selling ad space, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about street advertising and how you can start a campaign–read on!
What is Street Advertising?
Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly is street advertising? Well, it is any form of advertising that reaches customers when they are outside of their homes; this is why it is also commonly called Out-Of-Home Advertising (OOH). It can come in many forms, which we will discuss later.
For now, know that street advertising is all about catching the eye of potential customers as they go about their business. Every time a person commutes, they will be able to see various forms of street ads; a billboard on the side of the highway or a poster on the wall of the subway are examples of this kind of advertising.
What are the Different Types of Street Advertising?
Having mentioned some of the types of street advertising mediums that exist, why don’t we give you a full list?
Perhaps the most popular and well-known type is the billboard. These are enormous, traditional signs that are usually seen on busy roadways, such as highways or freeways.
Similar to that is the digital billboard, which is the high-tech version of the traditional one, but it still performs the same function.
Street ads are another type, and these are any ads that are seen on the street level by pedestrians. They can be anything from banners, posters, flyers, signs, stickers, and more.
Transit ads are the transit version of street ads. These are ads placed around train stations, subways, bus stops, and other similar locations.
Another type is the storefront ad, which can be window signs, sidewalk signs, and doorway banners.
Lastly, there are guerilla ads. These unconventional ads are creative and can be anything from chalk art to interactive works.
Is Street Advertising Effective in the Digital Age?
Now, with smartphones, smart TVs, websites, videos, and more, isn’t street advertising a little old-fashioned? A better phrase for it is “tried and true.” While digital web advertising is useful in the right circumstances, it lacks an important factor.
On websites with digital ads, the customer can ignore them and click away, or on video ads, they can click that little “skip ads” button, and that’s it. Every time a viewer does this, the business that bought that ad space is losing money.
On the other hand, street advertising doesn’t let the viewer ignore it or click away from it. Moreover, when you place a street ad in the right spot, you can get a consistent number of views from people who have to get to where they are going. Another benefit of street advertising is that it builds brand awareness. When people walk by a poster every day, they are more likely to feel a sense of recognition and trust in the brand that owns that poster.
How Do I Run a Street Advertising Campaign?
So, are you interested in running a street advertising campaign for your business? Yes? Then, here are some of our tips on how to do so.
There are three primary things you want to consider before buying street or outdoor ad space–the type of advertising, the location, and the timing of when you will run the ad. If you neglect one of these areas in your planning, you could lose money in the long run, which is why you want to carefully plan and analyze your campaign before it even starts.
Type
While we have already listed the main types of street advertising you can choose from, in 2023, there are now more choices than ever before. From 360° signs to motion-activated video ads, there is something for every budget and purpose.
When planning your street advertising campaign, you will want to choose the ad medium that fits your brand image, location, style, and more. Be creative with it, but make sure you are choosing the type of ad that will draw in your target audience. For example, if your audience is middle-income millennials living in the hub of New York City, the best choice for an ad would be a high-tech digital billboard or video ad.
Location
The second key factor you need to consider is location. You want to place your street ad in an area that will reach the greatest number of your target audience. Additionally, think about the sorts of places your target audience spends most of their time and how your business ties into that. For instance, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to place an ad for vegan foods outside a Texas ranch.
Calculating potential traffic and footfall levels, as well as the frequency of these impressions, can also help you determine the best location to run your ad to achieve the most significant ROI.
Timing
Finally, you will want to figure out the best time to initiate your street advertising campaign. If you are running a time-sensitive campaign, such as a short-term sale or a holiday event, you will need to run your ad before and around that time. Also, if what you are advertising is associated with a particular season, like surfboards for summer or skis for winter, you will need to book your ad space for the months around the peak time for those sales.
Once you’ve chosen the right time to run your ads, you will need to book the space at least 3-6 months in advance. So, you definitely want to plan ahead.
The Different Faces of Street Advertising
Exploring the diverse types of advertising found right on the streets reveals a world of opportunity for businesses.
Let’s start with billboards, the giants of the advertising world. Visible from great distances, they come in a variety of sizes, ranging from standard to massive, and are ideal for making bold statements that capture the attention of a wide audience.
Then, there are transit ads, another dynamic facet of street advertising. Imagine buses, taxis, and even subways wrapped in vibrant graphics, effectively moving your message across the city. These mobile advertisements turn everyday commutes into opportunities for brand exposure.
Street furniture advertising is another unique player. Benches, bus shelters, and kiosks offer creative spaces for ads. These are often at eye level, making them hard to ignore and perfect for engaging potential customers in high-footfall areas.
Also, consider digital screens and interactive installations, which have become increasingly popular in urban spaces. They offer real-time marketing possibilities and the ability to engage audiences with multimedia content.
Each of these street advertising strategies have their own distinct charm and effectiveness. Selecting the right one can significantly increase your business’s visibility and appeal to a diverse array of customers. The key is understanding your audience and context, and then choosing the medium that best aligns with your brand’s message and goals.
Trends in Outdoor Advertising
The landscape of outdoor advertising is continuously evolving. It embraces new technologies and creative approaches.
Digital billboards are at the forefront, offering animated and constantly changing ads that capture attention in unprecedented ways. These high-tech billboards provide flexibility, allowing advertisers to update content easily and target specific audiences at different times of the day.
Interactive installations represent another growing trend. They transform passive viewing into an engaging experience. These installations invite passersby to interact, creating memorable encounters that can significantly enhance brand recognition and appeal.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) elements are also being integrated into street ads. These mediums offer immersive experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds.
This shift towards more dynamic, interactive forms of advertising opens new avenues for businesses to capture public interest and stand out in crowded urban environments. These trends reflect technological advancements. But they also represent a deeper understanding of customer engagement in the age of digital interactivity.
Growing Your Business with Street Ads
Street ads are a powerful tool for business growth. They do much more than showcase your brand; they create lasting impressions. And this is especially true when you get professionals involved!
When you place these ads in areas with lots of people, you’re strategically planting seeds in potential customers’ minds. This is not just about showing an advertisement. It’s about embedding your brand into the local community’s consciousness.
Your ads become a familiar sight, a part of the daily landscape for many. This constant exposure to your brand can spark curiosity and recognition. Over time, this leads to more people visiting your store or website. It’s a simple yet effective approach that can significantly increase customer footfall.
With well-placed street ads, you can turn the public space into a canvas that narrates your brand’s story. They invite passersby to become part of your business journey. This strategy is about making a memorable mark, ultimately translating into increased sales and business growth.
Attracting New Customers Through Creativity
The key to effective street advertising is creativity. You can’t just put out a message; you need to make it unforgettable. Think creatively with your designs and words.
Use humor, stunning visuals, or bold statements to make your ad stick in people’s minds. Your ad needs to shine in a busy world, grabbing attention.
Creative ads make people stop and look. They can even share them with friends or on social media. This is how you reach more people.
Every creative ad is a chance to tell a story about your brand. It’s more than selling a product; it’s about creating a bond with your audience.
Your ad becomes a topic of conversation, spreading the word about your business. In a sea of ads, your creative approach can be the beacon that guides new customers to your door.
Maximizing Impact with Strategic Placement
To truly maximize the impact of your street advertising, strategic placement is crucial. It’s not just about choosing a busy street; it’s about understanding where your potential customers spend their time.
- Are they commuters passing through a bustling transit hub?
- Are there shoppers strolling through a lively commercial district?
- Maybe they’re tourists exploring popular landmarks?
Identifying these hotspots allows you to place your ads where they’ll be most effective. Think about visibility and engagement. An ad near a busy intersection or a popular café can capture more attention than one tucked away on a quiet side street.
Also, consider the context of your ad’s location. An ad for a fitness center might resonate more if placed near a park or a health food store.
Ready to Generate Revenue on Street Advertising?
Are you a business manager looking to run a street advertising campaign? Or are you a real estate owner who wants to boost revenue by selling street ad space? If so, it is a good idea to get in touch with pros in the field. We at Pearl Media are here for all your street advertising needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your revenue goals!
