Blog Post

When it comes time to design your outdoor advertising pieces, you can’t use the same principles that apply to print or video advertising. You literally have seconds to impress your customers, so make every moment count. Here are some tips for successful mini-billboard advertising that will help to ensure that your message is heard loud and clear.

Limit text

Drivers don’t have time to read a novel–limit your text to as few words as possible to make your point. Even better, skip the text altogether if your brand is well-known.

Choose images wisely

Images speak louder than words when it comes to billboard advertising, so choose yours carefully. Each image should clearly relay the narrative of your ‘story’ so drivers can see at a glance the message you’re sending. Busy, complicated images may not do as well as simple ones because your audience has a limited amount of time to view them. Also, try not to add unrelated images just because they’re adorable/attractive. Choose an image that matches your message, or leave them out entirely.

Don’t crowd the billboard with too much contact information

While billboards can be a direct advertising solution, they can also help to grow your brand. If you’re going to list contact information, make it short and sweet. A simple, easy to remember web address is likely to be the most effective information to use, as well as some sort of a call-to-action.

Think outside the billboard

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your billboard. The more creative and fun a billboard is, the more memorable it will be, and the more effective. Just don’t get too cerebral or off-the-wall–it’s likely to have the opposite effect.

Use colour wisely

Bright colours can be done right, but if they’re done poorly, your billboard could end up looking like a piece of children’s artwork. Black on bright colours is easy to read, but boring. Too many bright colours can look clownish, but a smart stroke of colour against a muted background is unexpected and eye-catching. Contrast is key.

Speak to your Postcard Portables representative for more information on how to create successful outdoor advertising.