Many business owners assume that outdoor marketing is obsolete, having been surpassed by other marketing vehicles such as radio, television, and the Internet. What they don’t know is the vehicle alone doesn’t determine whether a campaign or successful or not. It all boils down to whether the ad is catchy and memorable and if you’ve targeted the right type of people.

In many cases, outdoor marketing remains the right choice. Many brands still invest in outdoor signage. It remains an effective way to expose a brand to a broader audience without breaking the bank. Some people would say that digital marketing is better and more powerful. If that were true, though, then why do we still billboards and signages all around us? Brands that don’t invest in outdoor marketing are losing out on incredible opportunities.

People go out for all sorts of reasons. They might not realize it, but they look at hundreds or even thousands of outdoor ads throughout the day. You can close a browser window, but you can’t just take a billboard out of sight.

1. Billboards

The mighty billboard is still the king of outdoor marketing. Companies and agencies have used them for over two hundred years to build brand awareness. Today, we’re seeing more advanced alternatives to the static billboard we’re all familiar with. You can market with moving images or even videos on digital billboards. And you know that people won’t be able to take their eyes off them.

Billboards work because they’re big, and if placed in the right location, can reach millions of people. It’s practically impossible not to see them. If you want to stand out, then you need to create a fun and eye-catching campaign.

2. Transit marketing

Transit marketing involves the placement of advertising material on public transportation such as trains, buses, and taxicabs. Ads placed inside airports, bus stations, and train stations also fall under this umbrella.

People congregate and spend a lot of time on public transportation. Just think of all the hours you’ve had to spend sitting or standing inside the bus or subway. Your eyes are craving for stimulation. Transit advertisements have a captive rider audience that is constantly replenished.

3. Street furniture

You can also display your ads on street furniture like bus stops, lamp posts, kiosks, and benches. If placed in a high-volume commercial area, you can expose your brand to tens of thousands of pedestrians on any given day.

Street furniture ads are often more detailed and complex than other forms of outdoor marketing because of its close proximity to the public. There are many creative ways to maximize street infrastructure for boosting brand awareness and even creating goodwill.

In the end, many of the biggest brands in the world, from fashion retailers and tech companies to fast-food chains and live entertainment, invest heavily in outdoor marketing. Outdoor advertising will remain a viable marketing vehicle as long as people go out. And for some, billboards are an essential part of the urban experience.