How to Rent a Billboard: The Process Explained

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How to rent a billboard shown by two figures shaking hands in front of a large billboard

So, you’ve decided to enhance your business’ marketing/advertising strategy by incorporating a billboard campaign. Excellent! But now what?

Many marketing professionals and business owners are uncertain about how to proceed with renting a billboard. 

Once you’ve done that internet search for “billboards near [insert city]”, how do you know which billboard rental company to choose? Once you’ve contacted a company, what does communication look like? What materials should you have prepared to help ensure that the process runs smoothly?

Digital drawing by Alluvit Media of people and billboard

When it comes to how to rent a billboard, the process can vary depending on a number of factors — most importantly, the company you work with. For companies that have already run a billboard campaign in the past (and had a positive experience), they’re likely to just reach back out to their contact at the same company when they decide to launch another campaign.

For first timers though, we’re here to walk you through how to rent a billboard. At Alluvit Media, we’ve spent years honing the process to make it as seamless as possible. While specifics vary, the general process remains the same. Here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Provide Context About Your Campaign

Technically, this could be considered the second step of how to rent a billboard if you start at identifying a billboard leasing company. Choosing the right company comes down to the same deciding factors as many other third-party business decisions. A reputable company will have examples of campaigns they’ve launched and exercise transparency when talking about the rental process without making too-good-to-be-true promises like guaranteeing a certain billboard ROI.

With Alluvit Media, you’ll fill out a simple online form that will ask for some basic information about your campaign. It’s okay if you’re in the very beginning stages of conceptualizing your campaign. We’re here to help materialize your ideas.

Screenshot of online form asking about purpose of billboard campaign

Some things you’ll be asked to answer before leasing a billboard include:

  • The purpose of your campaign (e.g., hiring, brand awareness, political, etc.)
  • The media placements you’re interested in (e.g., static or digital billboards, airport ads, street furniture, etc.)
  • Your desired start date
  • Estimated budget
  • Campaign duration
  • Your company’s industry
  • Your target zip code
  • Anything else you’d like to add

Step 2: Connect With an Account Executive

Once you’ve submitted your RFP (request for proposal), your form will hurtle through cyberspace and end up in front of one of our Account Executives. They’ll notify you that they received your information and will put together an interactive proposal with placement options in your target area.

Image of woman on phone in front of computer. Via Pexels

At this point, you’re invited to share any additional information with the Account Executive (AE). Like are there any additional zip codes you’re targeting? Specific highways you want your board to be situated along? 

Your AE will be your point of contact throughout the entire process. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, your AE is there to provide guidance and answer any questions.

Step 3: Review Your Billboard Proposal

This is where things start to get exciting. Equipped with the information you’ve provided, your AE will sift through our nationwide inventory to find options that match your criteria. They’ll gather those options together in your interactive custom proposal which will also include a map with markers so you can see exactly where each placement is located.

Image of a map of San Francisco with markers on it

Other information you’ll see in a proposal includes (but is not limited to):

  • Size of the billboard (or other media format)
  • Estimated impression count
  • Direction the billboard is facing
  • Date the board is available (which can change quickly)
  • Rate (per four-week period)
  • Whether the board is illuminated (if static)

Torn between a few options but only budgeted for one? You can talk to your AE about any potential package discounts that might be available. 

Keep in mind that there are also certain costs associated with some types of media formats and not others. For example, static boards will include a production cost ($2.95/sq foot) to cover the cost of the fabrication and installation of the vinyl. Digital billboards do not require this fee.

Step 4: Choose Your Board(s)

Once you’ve identified the right location(s) for your campaign, it’s time to get things further in motion. Your AE will reserve the board for you for the agreed upon campaign duration. Some more in-demand boards will have wait times because they’re currently occupied. 

If your team has decided to change some things about your campaign, let your AE know and they can create an up-to-date proposal with additional or entirely new options.

Digital drawing by Alluvit Media of three billboards and one small poster

This is when your AE will create a digital contract and send it to you electronically. There, you’ll see all the terms and specifics of your campaign laid out in plain English. 

As is spelled out in the contract, we require a signed contract along with the first 12 weeks space cost and production costs paid upon booking. For ad bookings 12 weeks or less, the entire cost of service is due upon booking.

Step 5: Arrange Artwork

At this point in the process, your AE will start talking to you about your creative (or ad design). They’ll ask about whether you plan to provide your own design or if you’d like to take advantage of our no-cost in-house graphic design services. 

If you elect to provide your own creative, your AE will send you a spec sheet that includes information about the live image area, design file size/type, resolution, and tips for an effective ad. Check out our blog post on how to design a billboard in Photoshop if you’re curious about the process.

Digital drawing by Alluvit Media of a computer with photoshop and a billboard

If you choose to work with our in-house design team, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that you’re getting an ad you’re proud of. 

For ads related to cannabis, alcoholic beverages, or political messages/campaigns, there are a few extra steps involved. You’ll have to get your creative approved by the billboard operator and there are specific restrictions/requirements to ensure that your ad complies with local, state, and federal laws.

We will always reach out for final approval from you before the ad goes to print.

Step 6: Prepare for Launch!

Now’s the waiting game—unless of course, you had a tight turnaround. We’ve been able to launch some campaigns within two weeks of initial contact!

Once your campaign is up and running, your AE will send you a Proof of Performance (POP) with an image of your ad. If you’re located in the area where your ad is running, many people like to go out and see the ad for themselves. It’s a point of pride to see your campaign in all its glory.

Photo of Alluvit Media campaign for musician Stevin Marsh

A few weeks before your campaign is set to end, your AE will reach out asking if you’d like to renew your campaign. If your campaign runtime is a year or longer, your business will have what’s known as “first right of refusal” which empowers you to decide if you’d like to continue your campaign, barring another advertiser from taking the space until you’ve indicated that you do not wish to renew.

It’s That Simple, See for Yourself!

Now, you know how to rent a billboard. That’s all there is to it. To run through it again quickly, here’s what the general process looks like:

  1. Provide context about your campaign
  2. Connect with an Account Executive
  3. Review your billboard proposal
  4. Choose your board(s)
  5. Arrange artwork
  6. Prepare for launch

While the above steps may seem like a lot, it’s a pretty straightforward process that we’ve perfected over the years. Remember: we’re here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. We work hard to find options that align with your budget, goals, and needs.

Ready to get the ball rolling on your outdoor media campaign? You’ve already found us so now it’s time to fill out our online form and tell us about your campaign. We look forward to working with you!