26 Feb 2025
Unlike digital ads, which can be skipped, blocked, or ignored, billboards are right there in front of you. No ad blockers, no subscriptions to an ad-free reality—just a big, unmissable message in a high-traffic area.
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Remember when billboards were just a background blur on long road trips? Well, they’re making a comeback, and they’re not just for highway distractions anymore. Whether it’s a clever quip that makes you chuckle at the traffic lights or an interactive display that responds to your movements, billboards are proving they’ve still got it.
We live in a world where every click leads to an avalanche of targeted ads. One minute you’re browsing linen sheets, the next they’re following you around like a needy ex. In contrast, a well-placed billboard is refreshingly simple. It grabs attention, delivers its message, and doesn’t nag you about it later.
Unlike digital ads, which can be skipped, blocked, or ignored, billboards are right there in front of you. No ad blockers, no subscriptions to an ad-free reality, just a big, unmissable message in a high-traffic area. With so many people finding ways to avoid online ads, billboards are proving to be one of the last unavoidable forms of advertising.
Traditional billboards were once a bit of a guessing game - put up an ad and hope the right people see it. But AI is shaking things up. Digital billboards can now change their content based on who’s looking at them, using tech like motion sensors and pixel tracking. Some can even detect sneezes, like KLM’s campaign in Sweden that promoted free flight cancellations by recognising cold symptoms. Talk about targeted marketing!
And it’s not just about tracking. Smart billboards are also interactive, encouraging engagement beyond a passing glance. Some brands use them to spark social media shares, turning a static ad into a viral moment. Others combine billboards with geo-targeting, sending follow-up ads to people’s phones after they pass by.
If you’ve written off billboards as too expensive or outdated, it might be time to reconsider. With digital options, businesses can buy ad space in short bursts, making them more affordable and flexible than ever. Plus, they work brilliantly alongside online campaigns. A billboard might introduce your brand, while a follow-up social media ad seals the deal.
Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are proving to be big fans of outdoor ads. With 78% of Millennials preferring experiences over material things, they’re out and about more than ever, looking for their next Instagram-worthy moment. A striking billboard in the right location can be the perfect backdrop for a selfie - free advertising at its best!
The days of bland, text-heavy billboards are long gone. Brands are getting more creative, using eye-popping visuals, 3D elements, and even interactive features. Some billboards now incorporate live data feeds, showing things like real-time weather updates, countdowns to big events, or even social media trends.
One of the most impressive examples was British Airways' interactive billboard at London’s Piccadilly Circus. The digital screen featured a child pointing to the sky whenever a BA flight passed overhead, displaying real-time flight information. It was simple yet captivating, proving that billboards can be more than just static displays.
If you’re going to invest in a billboard, make it count. The best ones follow a few golden rules:
As technology continues to advance, billboards are only going to get smarter. Augmented reality (AR) billboards are already starting to appear, allowing passersby to interact with ads using their smartphones. Some billboards are even experimenting with biometric sensors that adjust messaging based on mood or eye movement.
One thing’s for sure—billboards aren’t going anywhere. They’ve evolved from static signs into dynamic, attention-grabbing marketing tools that complement digital strategies perfectly. So, if you’re looking for a way to get your brand seen—literally—billboards might just be your best bet.
Thinking of outdoor advertising? Browse our top Campaign Managers, Graphic Designers and Digital Marketing Experts available to hire through Cemoh.
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