The holiday season can get hectic, which is why it’s a prime opportunity for businesses to really grab consumer attention. Each year, families find themselves rushing between shops—whether online or in person—trying to get the last item in stock.

Sometimes, when they can’t quite find it, they’re met with a traditional billboard or wallscape showing them exactly where to find it (in this case, just a couple of streets away). Or, maybe they’re still searching for that perfect gift for their family member when they encounter outdoor advertising.

Wherever their search takes them, out-of-home (OOH) advertising is present.

Billboard advertising, in particular, can complement your digital campaigns by reaching people in places where digital marketing may fall short. During a period of increased foot traffic and heightened consumer spending, well-crafted billboard campaigns can boost brand visibility into the new year and, most importantly, your sales.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this post about billboard advertising during the holidays:

• Why choose billboards for holiday campaigns?
• Digital vs. static boards
• Selecting the right location
• Take the first step to launch 

Why Choose Billboards for Holiday Campaigns?

What if there’s a way to guide your target audience straight to your business? Over 90% of U.S. travelers notice OOH advertising, and a whopping 66% of smartphone users took some type of action on their device directly after seeing an OOH.

The holiday season might be busy, but it’s a golden opportunity to connect with customers.

Billboards offer a powerful way to reach a large audience during this demanding time. When positioned in strategic locations, they ensure your holiday message is seen by thousands daily, boosting brand awareness and keeping your message ever-present as shoppers make their decisions. 

Better yet, if you start your billboard campaign early, your brand can gain an edge by being a consistent presence during their daily commute, keeping you ahead of the competition.

Should You Pick Static or Digital Billboards for the Holidays?

When gearing up for your holiday billboard campaign, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is having to choose between static and digital billboards. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that can heavily influence the success of your holiday advertising efforts, so it’s important to understand them both to know what’s right for you.

Static Billboards

Static billboards are the traditional, tried-and-true option of outdoor advertising. They typically feature a single, unchanging image or message. This makes them perfect for promoting seasonal sales, a holiday slogan, or announcing your store’s extended hours.

They also tend to be more cost-effective than digital billboards, which makes them a great choice for businesses with limited budgets.

Digital Billboards

Digital billboards take outdoor advertising into the modern age, offering unmatched flexibility and creativity. With the potential for rotating messages and vibrant visuals, they’re a great choice for holiday campaigns that need to stay dynamic. Updating seasonal discounts, advertising holiday bundles, or adjusting messages for peak shopping hours? How about tailoring ads to high-traffic commute times?

Digital billboards make it possible.

Their bold colors, animations, and versatility naturally grab attention, ensuring your campaign stands out in the holiday rush. While they may require a larger investment, the ability to constantly adapt can make a significant impact on your billboard campaign’s return on investment.

Keep in mind, however, that digital billboards are less common along highways and rural areas as they can be distracting to drivers, making them best suited for urban, high foot-traffic locations. Think of places like San Francisco, Boston, or New York City.

How to Select the Right Location for Holiday Billboards

Besides developing an effective billboard ad that hits all the right notes, choosing the right location is the key to a successful holiday billboard campaign. The effectiveness of your billboard depends on its visibility and relevance to your target audience. Here are the main factors to consider:

Analyze Your Target Audience

To make your holiday billboard campaign truly resonate, start by understanding your audience’s demographics and interests. Ask yourself: Who are your customers, and where do they spend their time?

Think about their daily routines—are they commuting to work, running errands, or potentially attending any holiday events the closer we get to the end of the year? Identifying where and when they’re most likely to encounter your billboard increases the potential for your message meeting them at the right place and time.

For example, if your audience includes busy professionals, consider billboards along commuter routes they take during peak travel hours. Looking to appeal to families? Look for locations near schools, community centers, or parks that align with their daily activities.

Choose Areas Where Your Target Audience Frequents

The bottom line: where you place your billboards matters. Also, by leveraging what you’ve already learned about your target audience, you can refine your approach and focus on the areas your audience frequents most.

Highways and major intersections are classic spots, capturing the attention of drivers, passengers, public transit users, and pedestrians alike. Urban centers and bustling downtown areas are ideal for connecting with shoppers, professionals, and tourists. Rural areas can be a great idea as well; it all depends on who makes up your target audience.

Transit hubs—such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals—offer another unique advantage. These locations not only attract large crowds but also give you the opportunity to reach both locals and travelers—especially if these groups align with your target audience.

Some of the best high-traffic locations to consider include:

• Transit Hubs: Near airports, train stations, and bus terminals to engage both travelers and locals.
• Event Venues: Close to holiday events, parades, or festive attractions that draw large seasonal crowds.
• Intersections and Highways: Along busy roads and major intersections for maximum exposure to commuters.
• Urban Centers: Near shopping malls and high-traffic retail zones, where holiday shoppers are actively searching for gifts and deals.

Most importantly, think about how these locations can amplify your campaign. A digital billboard in a bustling city square or a static one along the highway could be the difference between your message being noticed or overlooked.

Looking to Launch a Holiday Billboard Campaign?

Alluvit Media can help you create and successfully execute a holiday billboard advertising campaign. Plus, if you’re still trying to brainstorm on graphic design ideas—don’t worry. When you work with us, you automatically get access to our no-cost in-house graphic design services, meaning we support you each step of the way.

Get the visibility your brand deserves while making this holiday season a success by partnering with Alluvit Media today.