In our current digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in web advertising techniques. We have seemingly forgotten the old days of handing out flowers on the street and actually speaking to prospective clients in the real world.
But, are small businesses who advertise in a solely digital way missing out on some old school techniques that still work?
According to recent studies, 71% percent of people look at billboards while driving around. And, billboards are just one example.
Curious to hear about more awesome advertising opportunities that your business could be missing out on? Keep reading to learn about seven brilliant outdoor advertising ideas for small businesses.
Let’s get started!
1. Billboards
As we already know, people still look at billboards on their commutes and drives around town. After all, at 670 square feet, they’re hard to miss! The power of traditional billboards should not be underestimated.
But the key to making billboards effective, of course, is what you put on them. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow when creating the billboard ad design for your small business.
Less Is More
The average time a driver will be reading a billboard for is around six seconds. So it’s a great rule of thumb to keep your wordage to six words or less. Long sentences or paragraphs simply will not get read.
Be Captivating, Not Distracting
Of course, every company wants their outdoor advertising ideas to get noticed. But there is a fine line between intrigue and downright distraction. Don’t let your company be responsible for distracted drivers getting into collisions!
Don’t Try Too Hard
No one wants a boring billboard. A clever billboard will invoke an emotional reaction from the viewer that will lead to interest and, ultimately, a sale. However, be careful not to go overboard with trying to be clever.
These efforts can either look tacky or get completely lost on an audience. Make sure that your message can reach even every kind of consumer.
Go Big or Go Home
If you can’t afford to purchase more than one billboard ad, it may be better to hold off for now. Although it’s not super cheap, multiple ads are the only way to effectively reach a wide audience through billboards.
2. Street Furniture
Although we may not be consciously aware of it, street furniture surrounds us at all times. And with all this street furniture comes another opportunity for creative outdoor advertising ideas for your small business.
So, what is street furniture exactly? We’re talking bus stop shelters, benches, street kiosks, city information panels, and telephone booths.
By publishing your advertisements in these places, you can catch the attention of both drivers and pedestrians alike. And if you’d like to provide more information about your product or service than you can on larger spaces like billboards or murals, this is your opportunity.
3. Air Dancers
Did you know that this is the name for those fun, quirky, inflatable dancers who you see bobbing and weaving outside car dealerships and other businesses? Air dancers stand around 20 feet tall and have a body, arms, a head, and hair. They can be customized with various colors, patterns, and text about your business.
Beyond being an opportunity to advertise for your small business or a specific product, air dancers are also memorable. When someone needs a particular service or product, yours will pop into their mind because an air dancer is such an eye-catching and unique sight.
4. Transportation Is Great for Outdoor Advertising Ideas
Ever felt the stars of a Hollywood blockbuster’s eyes following you from the side of a bus as you walked down the street? Then you were experiencing outdoor advertising at its finest.
Ads on buses, subways, trains, and taxis are all examples of transportation advertisements. These methods of advertising are great because they are mobile. Not only will consumers view them as they move around in the world, but the ads themselves will be moving as well.
Transportation advertisements will get your company tons of exposure all over town!
5. Sidewalk Signs
If you have a small business and you’d like to increase your walk-in foot traffic, something as simple as a sidewalk sign can make a huge difference. These little signs provide an opportunity to get creative, draw attention to your business in general, and advertise specific sales and specials.
Let your shop’s personality shine through your sign, and don’t be afraid to get silly with it! The funnier and sassier you are, the more inviting your business will look to prospective customers.
6. Murals
If you want to advertise without looking garish or cheesy, murals and other forms of street art are the way to go for you. Not only will you be spreading the good word about your small business’ products or services, you will also be contributing to the local community in a beautiful and artistic way.
And if you want to add even more positivity, hire local artists to paint your mural. This will give even more exposure (they’ll surely post it on their social media pages), and help them to get their art seen as well. It’s a win-win!
7. Skywriting
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… writing words?
You’ve seen it before, and chances are, it intrigued you!
Skywriting is a fun, attention-grabbing way to get your outdoor advertising ideas seen by everyone near and far! This technique is great if you have an ad to share in only a few words.
People will be naturally curious and entertained by this method of advertising, and they’ll continue to watch the show until your message has been delivered.
Alternatively, you can also hire a plane to stream a banner advertising your small business or a flash promotion.
Wrapping Up
Outdoor advertising ideas should not be overlooked or ignored. This method of reaching prospective customers is still very effective and also gives companies an opportunity to be creative and interactive.
Have questions or comments? Feel free to contact us and we’d be more than happy to chat!