What Is Billboard Advertising

Billboards are another way of reaching a mass audience.  Billboards are large boards strategically placed in high traffic areas such as highways, cities, malls, airports, subways, etc. Billboard advertising comes in two forms, Outdoor and Indoor.

Why Use Billboards

Billboard advertising is more expensive than many other advertising methods. However, given the fact that thousands of people per day may be exposed to your message, billboards could be a very cost-effective way of getting your message out.

Types of Billboards

Outdoor billboard:

These are the large signs you see along the highway, or on sides of buildings.

Indoor billboards:

This refers to small signs placed in Venues such as restaurants, movie theaters, sports clubs, Bars, shopping centers, etc.

What Does It Cost to Advertise On Billboards

Billboard adverting cost starts at $12.50 for indoor and $200 for outdoor.  Cost is based on the size, location and length of time you want to place the ad.  Very few companies list their price on the their websites, so, you should contact individual companies and request quotes for free.

Creating Your Billboard Advertising

You can have your ad developed by a third party vendor or you can create it yourself (not recommended) then place your add with a billboard ad placement agency.  Or, you can have the ad placement agency develop your ad and place them as well (recommended).  Most ad placement agencies provide this service for an added fee (some as low as $225).

Placing Your Billboard Ads

You can place billboard ads by utilizing the service of ad placement agencies that can place your ads locally, regional, nationally or internationally.

Note:  Your ad may not be the only one placed on the billboard.  Some billboards have a rotating feature that lets the ad agency rotate different ads on a single billboard.  Some billboard ads are posted electronically which makes rotating multiple ads even easier.

Outdoor Ad Placement Agencies

Indoor Ad Placement Agencies

Billboard Sizes

Typical billboards are:

- 14 by 48 feet,

- 12 by 24 feet (30-sheet) 

- 5 by 11 feet (8-sheet)

The largest sign is the one you most often notice along the freeway. With this sign you get the maximum exposure.

What About Your Message

Keep your billboard message brief and eye-catching.  It should be big enough for the audience to read it as they are driving by.  Think of your own experience when you drive down the highway and see a billboard. 

The ad should be readable from some distance.  If drivers have to wait until they are very close before they can read the ad they might miss it all together because they have to stay focus on the road.   

What You Should Do After Placing The Ad

After placing the ad you should monitor the rotation and placement of your signs. Notify the company immediately if you discover your ads are not being placed as agreed.