9 Alternatives to Digital Billboards for Outdoor Advertising

To explore innovative alternatives to digital billboards for outdoor advertising, we asked founders and directors this question for their expert opinions. From using planes for aerial ads to deploying street banners, here are the top nine alternatives these professionals recommend and their reasoning behind each choice.

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Use Planes for Aerial Ads

You can also use a plane to promote products outdoors. For example, the plane could fly overhead while dragging a banner behind it, and it can even write the name of products or companies in the sky. The plane can also be wrapped with an ad for the company that’s sponsoring it. And you can even film the plane while it’s doing its marketing so you can use that footage in ads later. There’s a pizza shop in my area that does that.

Eric Novinson, Founder, This Is Accounting Automation

Implement Guerrilla Marketing Tactics

An alternative to consider is the use of guerrilla-marketing tactics in outdoor spaces. This unconventional strategy involves creating immersive, often unexpected interactions with the brand through the use of public spaces. Examples include sidewalk graphics, branded pop-up installations, or interactive art pieces. 

Guerrilla marketing is designed to create a buzz and encourage social sharing, thereby amplifying the reach of the campaign beyond just the physical location. This type of advertising is highly creative and can be tailored to send a powerful, memorable message that resonates with the audience on a personal level. It’s especially useful for brands looking to stand out in a crowded market by offering something truly different.

Marc Bishop, Director, Wytlabs

Opt for Murals and Street Art

In the world of outdoor advertising, murals and street art are a great alternative to digital billboards. Digital billboards can often blend into the urban landscape; murals and street art stand out. They capture attention through creativity and art, and they become landmarks. Murals and street art involve local artists, so there’s a sense of community pride and ownership. 

This engagement creates a positive association with the brand and stronger local connections. Digital billboards change daily; murals and street art are permanent. Their permanence means continuous brand visibility and impact over time, often becoming part of the fabric of the area. Murals and street art turn urban spaces into canvases; brands can connect with their audience and enrich the community.

Lucas Riphagen, Co-owner, TriActiveUSA

Choose Transit Advertising

One specific alternative to digital billboards for outdoor advertising is transit advertising. Transit advertising, which includes ads on buses, trains, taxis, and subway stations, offers a dynamic and highly visible way to reach a diverse audience. The advantage lies in its mobility and ability to capture the attention of commuters and pedestrians in various locations throughout the day. 

Unlike static billboards, transit ads move through different neighborhoods and can target high-traffic areas, increasing exposure and brand recall. This method aligns well with a strategy focused on broadening reach and engaging with potential customers in multiple urban environments, effectively complementing digital campaigns and enhancing overall brand presence.

Aimie Ye, Director of Inbound Marketing, Centime

Create Interactive Public Installations

One innovative alternative to digital billboards is the use of interactive public installations. These installations can engage people more deeply than traditional billboards by inviting passersby to interact with the setup. For example, an installation might include motion sensors that change the display as people move around it, or it could incorporate augmented-reality elements that people can interact with using their smartphones. 

This form of advertising turns passive viewing into an active experience, creating a memorable connection with the brand. Moreover, these installations can be designed to encourage social sharing, extending the reach of the campaign beyond just the viewers on-site. The rationale behind this approach is that by creating an immersive experience, you’re not only capturing attention but also fostering emotional engagement with the brand, which can significantly boost recall and recognition.

Jason Hennessey, CEO, Hennessey Digital

Advertise at Point of Service

We do a lot to advertise right at the point of service: We invest a lot in signage for our moving trucks, T-shirts for our movers, and yard signs for our satisfied customers. This puts advertising right where it’s most effective: in neighborhoods.

Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations, Bellhop

Consider Building Wraps

Another great option instead of digital billboards is using building wraps. These huge ads cover the sides of buildings, making them noticeable to anyone walking or driving by. This works exceptionally well in cities with lots of tall buildings. Building wraps let you use big, creative designs that grab attention from a distance. They’re perfect for major product launches or big branding campaigns because their size ensures people notice them.

Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media

Explore Projection Mapping

One specific alternative to digital billboards for outdoor advertising is projection mapping. We project light and images onto buildings or other surfaces, creating visually stunning and dynamic displays that capture attention in unique ways. Unlike static or digital billboards, this transforms ordinary structures into vibrant canvases, offering a 3D visual experience that engages viewers more deeply. 

Projection mapping provides flexibility in terms of areas and creativity. It can be used on various surfaces, including historic buildings, landmarks, or temporary structures, allowing advertisers to tailor their message to the specific environment. This adaptability enables marketers to create memorable, location-specific campaigns that stand out in the urban landscape. 

Additionally, its innovative and eye-catching nature often generates substantial buzz and media coverage. The high-impact visuals and interactive elements enhance event experiences or product launches, making it a powerful tool for creating lasting impressions. In a nutshell, it is a more sustainable option, as it relies on energy-efficient LED projectors and reduces the need for physical materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for outdoor advertising.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, MyPerfectCV

Deploy Street Banners

Street banners are an effective and affordable outdoor advertising option that is often overlooked in favor of digital billboards. These large banners, typically made of vinyl or fabric material, can be hung from street poles, buildings, or other structures in high-traffic areas. They offer a range of benefits that make them a viable alternative to digital billboards.

A significant benefit of street banners lies in their cost-effectiveness. While digital billboards require ongoing electricity and maintenance costs, street banners have a one-time production cost and can be used for multiple campaigns over several years. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for businesses looking to advertise on a tight budget.

Street banners have a more localized impact compared to digital billboards. They are typically placed in specific areas where the target audience is likely to be found, such as near shopping centers or along busy streets. This allows for targeted advertising and can help businesses reach their intended audience more efficiently.

Evan Tunis, President, Florida Healthcare Insurance

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