Why I Rented a Billboard and You Should Too - A Story of Hilarious Success and Eyebrow Raises
So, there I was, standing in front of a massive billboard on the busiest highway in Vegas, featuring—wait for it—my smiling mug next to an ad for our latest tech gadget. Why did I, a seasoned skeptic of traditional advertising, decide to rent a billboard? Pull up a chair; this is going to be good.
How My Billboard Journey Began
It all started when my business partner (and lovely wife Ashley) suggested we try something "a bit more old school" for our next ad campaign. I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain. But here's the thing. She's got this adorable way of challenging my anti-materialist, digital-only stance by throwing out wild ideas like renting a billboard. "Let's make a splash, literally," she said. So, I caved. We went big—literally.
Renting a billboard isn't just slapping paint on a giant board, folks. It's about location, demographics, and yep, a whole lot of guts. We picked a spot that's so busy, you'd think there was a free iPhone giveaway every day at rush hour.
Billboard Rental Costs: The Wallet Factor
Let's talk turkey—how much does it cost to rent one of these roadside behemoths? More than a few PS5 games, I'll tell you that. But less than a small yacht. We're talking a range of costs here, depending on size and location. For us? It was a significant chunk of our marketing budget, but the impact was like hitting a casino jackpot.
And here's where it gets spicy. The cost is just the start. Then you've got design, production, and not to mention, trying to measure the darn ROI. But, as a guy who loves a good gamble, I was all in.
Why Billboard Advertising Isn't Just for the Mad Men Era
I love mocking dated marketing tactics, but here's the plot twist—I became a billboard believer. Why? Because in this digital age, where every click and view is fought over like the last slice of pizza, a billboard stands unbothered, reaching thousands of eyes without a single competing notification.
In my experience, standing out isn't just about being online. It's about being omnipresent. A billboard doesn't wait for you to swipe or click; it's just there, bold and unavoidable.
Unexpected Perks of Billboard Renting
- Brand visibility on steroids
- Makes your brand a landmark (literally)
- Engages locals and commuters alike
- Provides a creative playground for your designs
- Acts as a conversation starter (and boy, did it start conversations)
- Brings a sense of legitimacy and scale to your business
- Gives you a break from digital ad fatigue
- Infuses a fun 'retro' vibe into your modern marketing mix
And don't get me started on transit billboard ads—those are another beast. Imagine your brand zooming past in traffic, catching eyes and sparking curiosity. It's like your ad is on a road trip, and everyone's invited.
Ever thought of going big with your advertising or sticking to the cozy confines of digital? What's stopping you? Let's chat in the comments below!