You see them every day. On highways, at intersections, near shopping centers. But do they still work? If you're running a business or planning your next campaign, you might wonder if billboards are worth it. With so much focus on digital ads, it's easy to ignore old-school method
You see them every day. On highways, at intersections, near shopping centers. But do they still work?
If you're running a business or planning your next campaign, you might wonder if billboards are worth it. With so much focus on digital ads, it's easy to ignore old-school methods. But here's the thing: billboard ads still work. And when used the right way, they can make a big impact.
This guide breaks it down. We’ll explain what billboard advertising is, how it works, and how you can tell if it’s doing its job. If you’re new to offline marketing, no problem. We’ll keep it simple.
What is billboard advertising?
Billboard advertising is a type of out-of-home (OOH) marketing. That just means the ads reach people when they’re out and about, driving, walking, or shopping.
Billboards are built to grab attention fast. They’re big. They use bold colors, simple words, and strong images. The goal is to be seen and remembered, even from far away. There are a few main types:
- Static billboards – Printed ads you see on roadsides.
- Digital billboards – LED screens that rotate through different ads.
- Mobile billboards – Ads placed on trucks or trailers that drive around certain areas.
Are billboards still effective in 2025?
Yes. They still work, but how well they work depends on your message, your location, and your audience. Here’s why they’re still effective:
1. People notice them
Billboards are hard to miss. In a busy area, thousands of people can see your ad every day. Unlike digital ads, you can’t scroll past or skip them. And they stay up for weeks, not seconds. In fact, 71% of people pay attention to roadside billboards, making them a strong way to catch eyes, especially during traffic or daily commutes.
2. They help people remember your brand
Because people pass by them again and again, billboards help build brand awareness. If they’ve seen your logo or message often, it sticks. Add flyers or social media to the mix, and people are even more likely to remember you.
3. You can place them near your target audience
Location matters. A billboard near your store, event, or target customers can drive action. A gym ad near office buildings in January? That’s smart targeting.
4. They work well with other campaigns
Billboards work best when they’re part of a bigger plan. Pair them with flyer distribution or direct mail, and you’ll reach people more than once. That repetition helps you stay top of mind.
When do billboard ads work best?
Billboards don’t work for everything. But in the right situation, they’re very effective. Here’s when they make the most sense:
- You need lots of people to see your brand. A billboard in a busy area can reach thousands every day.
- You want people to remember your name. Billboards help with brand recognition.
- You have a local offer. A sign near your store or event can bring people in.
- You’re launching something new. A bold ad gets attention fast.
If you're looking for direct results, like online sales, billboards might not get you there right away. But for awareness and brand building, they’re strong.
How do billboards compare to other offline ads?
Billboards aren’t your only option. Depending on your goals, something else might work better. For example, if you want to target certain neighborhoods or reach a specific group, flyers or direct mail might be a better fit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Example:
A local gym might rent a billboard near the highway to build brand awareness. But if they’re offering a free trial to people nearby, flyers in local mailboxes might work faster.
The best results often come from mixing offline tools. A billboard can catch someone’s eye. A flyer at home can push them to act. We’ve seen this combo work well for brands at Oppizi.
How much do billboard ads cost?
Prices vary a lot. It depends on:
- Where it’s located. Busier areas cost more.
- The size. Bigger or digital boards are pricier.
- How long you run it. Most campaigns last at least 4 weeks.
You could pay anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000 per month. If that’s more than you planned to spend, smaller offline campaigns, like direct mail or flyers, might fit your budget better.
How to tell if your billboard worked
It’s not always easy to measure billboard results. You don’t get clicks or likes like you do with digital ads. But there are still good ways to track how well it’s doing. Here’s a simple 3-step approach:
1. Set one clear goal
Decide what you want before you start. Are you trying to get more people to visit your website? Walk into your store? Know your brand name? Your goal will shape what you track.
2. Add something you can measure
Use tools that help you see what came from the billboard:
- A custom web page or link just for this ad
- A discount code only shown on the billboard
- A QR code, especially if the sign is in a place where people stop
3. Look for signs it made an impact
- Are more people searching for your brand name online?
- Did your store get more foot traffic?
- Are customers saying they saw your ad?
- Did website visits go up in areas near the billboard?
If you want more detail, try combining your billboard with flyers or direct mail. With tracking tools like Oppizi’s, you can see how all your offline marketing is working together.
How to make a billboard that works
People only have a few seconds to see your billboard, especially if they’re driving. So it needs to be clear and bold. Here are some simple tips:
Keep it short
- Use 7 words or less
- Pick bold colors that stand out
- Use large, easy-to-read fonts
- Test it: if you can’t read it from across the street, simplify it
Stick to one message
Don’t try to say everything. Focus on one thing, like brand awareness or a website visit. If you include a call to action, make it quick to read or easy to scan, like a simple URL or QR code.
Use strong visuals
A great photo or design can say more than words. If it’s funny, emotional, or clever, it’ll stick in people’s minds, but make sure it matches your brand.
Want it to work even better?
Use the same look in a flyer or mailer. It reinforces the message and helps people remember you.
Are billboards worth it for small businesses?
They can be, but it depends on your budget and what you’re trying to do. If you don’t have much to spend, a billboard might be too expensive. In big cities, one board can cost thousands a month. That’s a lot to risk if you need quick results. But there are cheaper ways to get seen:
- Use local walls or community boards. A mural in your neighborhood could cost less than a billboard.
- Try mobile billboards. These can drive around your target area and cost less.
- Start with flyer distribution. It’s affordable, easy to test, and can grow with your business. Oppizi’s platform makes it simple. You don’t need a big team.
If you’re focused on brand awareness, like launching a new business or product, a billboard might be worth it. But if you want fast results, like sign-ups or sales, flyers or direct mail usually work better with less risk.
What types of businesses get the most from billboards?
Billboards work best when you need lots of people to see your brand or when your offer leads to quick decisions. Here are a few examples:
- Restaurants: People driving by might decide to stop if they see a tempting meal and know it’s nearby.
- Events and entertainment: Shows, festivals, and concerts get more attention with big, bold ads.
- Real estate: Billboards near new developments or busy roads can help attract buyers or renters.
- Healthcare: Local clinics use them to build trust and make people aware of where to go.
- Retail and auto sales: They’re great for promoting sales or new openings.
Billboards aren’t great for every business. If your product is very niche or takes time to sell, you’re better off with something more targeted, like flyers or direct mail. Once people know your brand, a billboard can help boost your visibility.
FAQs about Billboard Advertising
Are billboards actually effective?
Yes, when used the right way. Billboards are great for getting your brand seen and keeping it top of mind. Research shows that 66% of people who see a billboard take action, like looking up the brand online or visiting a store. They work best when combined with other marketing methods like flyers or direct mail.
Is it worth it to get a billboard?
It depends on what you're trying to do and your budget. Billboards are great for getting mass visibility, especially for new products, events, or local businesses. But they can be expensive, and tracking results can be tough.
For small businesses, flyer distribution or direct mail may give you better results for less money.
What are the disadvantages of billboards?
- Limited targeting: You can't choose exactly who sees your ad.
- High cost: Especially in busy areas or prime locations.
- Short attention window: Drivers and walkers only have a few seconds to read your ad.
- Hard to measure: It’s tough to track conversions unless you use QR codes or special URLs.
Does Gen Z like billboards?
Yes, surprisingly. Gen Z enjoys real-world experiences and visual storytelling, which is what billboards do well. A creative, bold billboard in a busy area can catch their eye, especially if it aligns with their values.
But many brands use billboards alongside digital content or shareable tactics like flyers to get more engagement.
How effective is out-of-home advertising?
Out-of-home (OOH) ads, like billboards, transit ads, and posters, are still powerful. People can’t skip or block them, which makes them great for brand recall. When combined with other methods, like flyers or direct mail, OOH advertising helps create a strong, multi-channel campaign that works.
Conclusion: So, are billboards effective?
Yes. Billboards are still a good choice if you want to build brand awareness. They’re bold and memorable. But they’re best for visibility, not for direct sales. Before you decide, ask yourself:
- Do you want mass visibility or specific responses?
- Do you have the budget for long-term brand-building?
- Can you pair billboards with other marketing strategies?
For more targeted and trackable campaigns, flyers and direct mail might be a better fit. The key is to know your audience and pick the right method for your goals.
Ready to launch an offline campaign without the hassle?
Try Oppizi. Our platform makes it easy to run flyer or direct mail campaigns. We handle the printing, tracking, and distribution. You just focus on your message.
