Out-of-home advertising is projected to grow in 2014 and in the years beyond, thanks to advances in flat screen technology and digital displays. New devices are spurring the creation of eye-catching ads in public areas, causing marketers to adjust their ad campaigns and marketing strategies. In particular, there are five reasons why out-of-home advertising is gaining momentum.

High-quality Video Screens

Video screens that are durable, thin and display high-quality images are changing the way consumers view information. Digital devices can replace banners, posters and other print media that once dominated out-of-home advertising. Many of these digital devices have audio features, adding another dimension to ad campaigns that can capture consumers’ attention. Also, high-quality video screens can be used to feature multiple ads, making them more versatile than print ads.

Interactive Advertising Features

Print ads rarely have any type of interactive features, but digital devices can have touchscreen options to gain consumers’ attention and generate leads. For instance, a drawing to win a prize can be added to a digital device, allowing consumers to use touchscreen features to enter their information. Other interactive features such as games, which can be projected to wide audiences, also help in grabbing consumers’ attention.

Lower Advertising Costs

Since digital devices can display any number of ads, they cut down on the cost of advertising. Print ads are typically good for one campaign only. Posters and billboard signs have to be taken down and re-printed if there are changes to ads or prices. Digital devices don’t have to be taken down, remounted or re-designed. Instead, their programing has to be changed slightly in order to display new images, ads or promotions. This can save advertisers a lot of money over the long run.

Higher Market Penetration

Given the population density of most major U.S. cities and other major metropolitan areas around the world, out-of-home advertising has the power to reach large numbers of people. This helps advertisers penetrate their target markets, by displaying ads in the high-traffic areas that their customers frequent. For instance, ads for luggage or travel-related products displayed in busy airports have the power to capture the attention of passersby interested in new luggage or travel gear.

Captive Audiences

Even though digital devices are revolutionizing out-of-home advertising, traditional print ads and banners are still proving effective in areas with captive audiences. For instance, fans at ballparks are likely to see banners on outfield walls and in stadium hallways. Captive audiences are a prime target for out-of-home adverting, because marketers have a wide audience to promote their products, services and brand image to.

As the out-of-home advertising industry continues to evolve, consumers will see new types of ads in waiting rooms, train stations, airports and other public areas.  Given the foot traffic in public areas, ads in these places have the potential to capture customers’ attention and generate leads for future sales.

Resources:

(1)    The Economist: Out-of-home advertising — Billboard boom
(2)    Forbes: Out Of Home Ads Still Growing
(3)    The Wall Street Journal: Clear Channel Outdoor Showcases Power of Integrated Out-Of-Home and Mobile Advertising at Cannes Lions 2014
(4)    The Irish Times: Boom in out-of-home advertising as banks increase their spend by 200%