Billboards are a powerful way to grab attention and make a lasting impression. However, coming up with a compelling design isn’t always easy. If you’re struggling to come up with billboard ideas, you’re not alone. At the same time, you don’t need to be an expert designer to think up an amazing billboard campaign.

As a billboard advertising company, we’ve helped launch thousands of campaigns across industries. Whether you’re in real estate, politics, nonprofits, construction, healthcare, education, entertainment, or countless other sectors, there are tried and true ways to get your creative juices flowing.

Below are some practical tips to help you get inspired and create billboards that resonate with your target audience. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Billboard design best practices
• Coming up with unique billboard ideas
• Creative billboard ideas that work
• Making billboards stand out
• What to avoid when designing
• Where to find inspiration
• Turning billboard ideas into reality

What Are the Best Practices for Billboard Design?

Not all billboard designs are created equal. Likewise, what may work for certain channels (like social media, email, print, or TV) might not be well-suited for outdoor advertising. 

For a more in-depth exploration, check out our post on how to create an effective ad. Here are the highlights to keep in mind as you begin designing:

• Keep It Simple: Billboards are viewed in seconds, so your message should be clear and concise.
• Use Bold and Readable Fonts: Ensure that your text can be read from a distance.
• Focus on a Single Message: Don’t overload your billboard with information. Stick to one key message.
• High-Contrast Colors: Use colors that stand out and draw attention.
• Include a Call to Action (CTA): What do you want people to do after seeing your billboard? Make it clear.

How Do I Come Up with Unique Billboard Ideas?

Given the competitiveness of the out-of-home (OOH) market, it can be challenging to generate unique billboard ideas. There may be aspects of your competitors’ campaigns that you want to emulate, but how can you make yours better?

Here are some techniques to spark your creativity:

• Use Your Competitors as a Starting Point: Analyze what other businesses in your industry are doing. What works? What doesn’t?
• Brainstorm with Your Team: Gather different perspectives to come up with diverse ideas.
• Think About Your Target Audience: Who are you targeting? What will resonate with them? Tailor your message to their needs and interests.
• Use Advertising Appeals: Make your billboard memorable by appealing to emotion.
• Visual Puns and Metaphors: Think about how you can use imagery to play with words or ideas.

During all of this, you should be thinking about your brand voice. Does your message and visual align with your usual tone and identity? Is it consistent across platforms so that people will develop/maintain a cohesive understanding of your brand?

What Are Some Creative Billboard Ideas That Have Worked?

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from real-life examples of what has worked for others. Here are some ways that other brands have created campaigns that have resonated for years:

• Incorporate Local Culture: Reference local landmarks, language, or inside jokes to create a connection with the community.
• Interactive Billboards: Encourage audience participation or interaction with the billboard.
• 3D Elements: Incorporate three-dimensional elements to make your billboard stand out.
• Digital Billboards: Utilize changing content or animation to capture attention.
• Minimalist Design: A clean, simple design can be more impactful than something overly complex.

How Can I Make My Billboard Stand Out?

To ensure your billboard grabs attention, you should first and foremost consider location. At the end of the day, you could have the greatest design, but if your board isn’t located in an area that reaches your target audience, what’s the point?

Next, eye-catching images can help your billboard stand out in a busy environment. Similarly, don’t underestimate the quick neural connections or brains make about certain imagery. For example, we once worked with a behavioral health agency. Their billboard image portrayed a behavior therapist interacting with a small child, who was choosing between two drawings being held by the therapist. The child was pointing at one with a frowny face. Our designer altered the image so that the child was pointing at a smiling face instead. It’s attention to detail like that that can actually make a difference in how people remember your brand.

Contextual relevance is another important factor. You can tie your message into current events or holidays to make it more relevant. Things like the season, nearby landmarks, and popular culture can all be pulled upon to create an ad that makes sense in its current time and place.

Lastly, utilize social media. While traditional media and social media are sometimes seen at odds, that’s far from the truth. Create a hashtag or social media campaign that ties into your billboard to increase engagement.

What Should I Avoid When Designing a Billboard?

While there are many things you should do, there are also a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Too Much Text: Remember, less is more. Don’t clutter your billboard with too much information. Can someone absorb your message in under five seconds?
• Overcomplicating the Message: Keep your message simple and direct.
• Ignoring Brand Consistency: Ensure that your billboard aligns with your brand’s voice and visual identity.
• Neglecting the Audience: Always design with your target audience at the center. If your message conflicts with their values, attitudes, or buying behaviors, they might be turned off.

Where Can I Find Inspiration for Billboard Ideas?

If you’re still stuck, there are tons of sources for inspiration. Websites like Behance and Dribbble showcase creative designs. Of course, social media is an excellent place to find creative inspiration as well—check out platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, or other spots where your target audience spends time.

Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from seeing other billboards in action! Hop in the car and go for a drive. Pay attention to which ads catch your eye, and if you’re able to identify the brand and their call to action in a short amount of time. Lastly, look at past winners of advertising awards for ideas that have been recognized for their creativity.

Turn Billboard Ideas into Reality with Alluvit Media

When you launch your billboard advertising campaign with Alluvit Media, you gain access to our in-house design team at no additional cost. Our expert designers have helped create amazing ads for businesses of all sorts. Whether you have a particular vision or are open to other creative billboard ideas, we’ve got you covered. 

Fill out our short online form to get connected with an Account Executive, who can help you build your dream campaign.