The term billboard is typically associated with large static displays, but that’s not what they all are! Some billboards have interactive features to promote a product or service. These features can be found anywhere from websites to social media platforms to mobile apps.
In this article we will discuss how digital billboards work and some examples of these interactive features. There are three main types of interactive digital billboards- targeted messaging, sweepstakes or contests, and advertising hubs.
Targeted Messaging
Most targeted messages for digital billboards focus on informing users of an event or promotion. This could be for an exhibition, movie premiere, or football game.
By adding advertisements to events, digital billboards create a more immersive experience for viewers. Since the advertisement content is related to something people may want to see, it does not feel out of place.
Sweepstakes or Contests
Some digital billboards offer prizes or rewards through sponsored games, applications, or services. Users get points for interacting with the app or tool, and those with the most points win the prize.
This type of ad creates a sense of reward for using the product or platform. People who use the product regularly are likely to enjoy it, which increases its market share.
Advertising Hubs
Other advertisements on digital billboards act as advertising spaces for other products or services. Similar to targeted messages, these advertisements invite visitors into another site.
Process of creating a digital billboard
So how do they work? Creating your own billboard takes some time to set up, but it’s not overly complicated. And with technology moving at such a lightning speed these days, you can create your own billboard anywhere in the world!
The first step is deciding where you want to place your advertisement. You will need to determine what area of town or highway it should be placed in. This is done by figuring out the length and height of your screen, as well as determining if there are any buildings or distractions that could interfere.
After this, you will need to find an organization or business that has space for your advertisement. Most companies have a marketing manager in charge of media, so this would be another good source of information to learn about billboards from.
Once you have found a suitable location, then you must obtain permission to use their property for advertising. This is always done through them and requires proof of insurance, payment, and authorization. Once this is completed, then you are able to purchase your screen and equipment!
Your software comes packaged together, but it is easy to take apart and install yourself. The engineers who make the screens and equipment also leave lots of tips and tricks online.
Cost of a digital billboard
The price of a large-scale digital billboard installation varies depending on the size, location, and features you want to include. However if you are looking at cost per impression only then it is much cheaper than traditional billboards.
The overall cost for an average 30 foot by 40 inch screen with 1080p quality video can be anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000! This includes site licensing, electronics, mounting equipment, and professional services like maintenance and monitoring.
However these costs should fall over time as they are not paid every hour of operation but once a day or week at most. And there are many companies that offer free software that will monitor and operate your display for you!
By having control over your advertising message yourself, you save money in overhead costs such as electricity used to run the device and communication fees with third party vendors.
Potential challenges with digital billboards
A major challenge for most billboard companies is how to maintain their brand’s image while also keeping up with technology. As mentioned earlier, putting up or taking down a billboard can be expensive due to the costs of real estate.
Another cost is maintaining the visibility of the advertisement. Technological advancements make it possible to effectively reduce the visibility of a billboard, which can be an issue if people do not realize it is going up or coming down.
There are also legal restrictions on placeability. Some municipalities have regulations against billboards that limit the number and size they can be. These limitations depend on the community you live in so it is important to know what laws exist where you reside.
Tips for starting a digital billboard business
Starting your own billboard company is a great way to make money with little investment. There are several ways to begin doing this, but you must choose wisely as there are large market competitors that can be more expensive to start up than looking at billboards from afar!
Digital Billboard companies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their cost effectiveness. Many people earn substantial income from running a small side business through advertisements on billboards or other types of advertising.
There are many online resources available to learn how to run a successful billboard company. By learning the basics of what goes into creating an advertisement, then expanding from there it will not take you too long to get started.
Identify your target market
As mentioned before, billboards are a medium that people have used for years to promote products or messages. Now, with the rise of digital advertisements, billboard style advertising has made a comeback!
Digital billboards use technology such as large screen televisions and computers to display images and videos. They are usually placed in high traffic areas where someone could potentially see the advertisement.
The advertisers behind these billboards typically try to appeal to their audience by using pictures and/or video content that is related to the advertised product or service. An example of this would be an ad for a car company that uses cars as part of its logo and picture.
There you have it — what they call a “car guy”! More likely than not, anyone looking at the advert will connect the two due to the similarities.
Design your billboard
As mentioned before, you will want to pick an area that gets some good exposure so that people can see it. If there are signs already in place or buildings around that could be used as your billboard, use those!
If possible, choose a location with lots of cars coming and going so that the audience is larger- this would help get more views for your billboard.
Make sure your banner ad does not look too repetitive or like advertisements, instead try to create an eye catching design. Your advertisement should also have an element that catches the viewer’s attention, such as bold colors or interesting fonts.
Digital billboards are very cost efficient due to how easy they are to produce and install. There is no need to buy expensive equipment or hire professionals to do work for you, which saves money.
Some companies may even allow you to upload your own artwork, making it easier to put together than doing it yourself.
Install the billboard
The next step in adding this cool feature to your site is installing the Billboard script. This software works similarly to how you install an app for a smartphone or computer. You can either download it through our website, or get it directly from the developer here!
The main difference between using the app version and web-based versions of the software is that you will need to create an account with the latter first. After creating your account, you will be able to add the product easily and quickly!
And just like apps, there are some great subscription packages available as well. Many people pay around $10 per month for extended access. But if you only want short term access, you can choose the one time purchase option instead. There is no wrong choice really, they all work very similarly.
Once everything is installed and working, you will then have to find content to put up onto the billboards. Fortunately, there are many free sources of content online.
Registration and permits
The next step in creating your own digital billboard platform is registering with an affiliate or advertising agency that will help you create and manage your account. This includes setting up an online store, hosting it, and designing your banner to match their requirements.
Most companies offer a free trial period so you can see how they work before you pay for a premium plan. You should also check out if there are any additional fees for using their service!
There is no hard and fast rule about how many banners you can have on a platform, but most give you at least 1,000 per month as limit. It depends on how much traffic your website gets though!
You do not need to use their site to add advertisements, however, some give you limited access to other sites where you can purchase ads.
