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Growth marketing through out-of-home advertising

November 17, 2023 | Jimit Mehta

As businesses continue to evolve in the digital age, it's no secret that traditional advertising methods like print ads, TV commercials, and billboards are being replaced by more modern, targeted digital marketing strategies. However, in this ever-changing landscape, one advertising tactic that has stood the test of time is out-of-home advertising. From posters and billboards to transit ads and experiential installations, out-of-home advertising can create a memorable and engaging experience for potential customers. And when paired with the principles of growth marketing, this advertising approach can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand their reach and drive growth. In this article, we'll explore the world of out-of-home advertising and how it can be leveraged to create effective growth marketing campaigns that get results.

The basics of out-of-home advertising

Out-of-home advertising, also known as outdoor advertising, refers to any type of advertising that reaches consumers outside of their homes. This can include billboards, posters, transit ads (e.g. ads on buses or trains), and even experiential installations like interactive billboards or pop-up displays. The key difference between out-of-home advertising and other forms of advertising, such as television or digital advertising, is that out-of-home advertising is typically seen by people who are outside and on-the-go, rather than sitting in front of a screen.

Out-of-home advertising is a highly visual medium, and as such, it often relies on eye-catching imagery, bold typography, and minimal text to convey its message. It's designed to be seen quickly and easily, which is why it's often placed in high-traffic areas where it's likely to be seen by many people.

In recent years, out-of-home advertising has become increasingly sophisticated, with the use of digital billboards and screens allowing for more dynamic, interactive advertising experiences. However, at its core, out-of-home advertising is still about capturing people's attention in the real world and creating a memorable experience that sticks with them long after they've passed by the ad.

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What is growth marketing and how does it work?

Growth marketing is a marketing strategy that focuses on identifying and pursuing the most effective ways to grow a business. Unlike traditional marketing, which may focus on simply raising awareness or generating leads, growth marketing is all about finding innovative and efficient ways to acquire and retain customers in order to drive sustainable business growth.

At its core, growth marketing is data-driven and iterative. It involves continually testing and refining different tactics to find the most effective ways to attract and retain customers. This can involve everything from A/B testing different ad copy or landing pages to experimenting with different social media platforms or referral programs.

One of the key principles of growth marketing is the "funnel," which describes the different stages a potential customer goes through on their way to making a purchase. By understanding the different stages of the funnel and the key actions customers take at each stage, growth marketers can identify areas for improvement and optimize their tactics to increase conversion rates.

In practice, growth marketing can involve a wide range of tactics, from social media advertising to SEO to email marketing and beyond. The goal is to identify the most effective channels and tactics for a given business, and to continually refine and optimize those tactics to achieve sustainable growth over time.

Why out-of-home advertising can be effective for growth marketing

Out-of-home advertising can be an effective tool for growth marketing for several reasons. First, out-of-home ads can reach a wide audience, including people who may not be active on social media or other digital platforms. This means that out-of-home advertising can help businesses connect with potential customers they may have otherwise missed.

Additionally, out-of-home advertising can be highly targeted, based on the location and placement of the ads. For example, a business that wants to target commuters can place ads on buses or trains, while a business that wants to target a specific neighborhood can place ads on billboards in that area. This allows businesses to reach specific audiences with tailored messages, which can be highly effective for driving conversions.

Out-of-home advertising can also be highly memorable, thanks to the visual nature of the medium. When done well, out-of-home ads can create a lasting impression in a potential customer's mind, which can lead to increased brand recognition and loyalty over time.

Finally, out-of-home advertising can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience, especially compared to other forms of advertising like television or radio. With the right strategy and targeting, businesses can get a lot of bang for their buck with out-of-home advertising, making it a smart investment for growth marketing initiatives.

The different types of out-of-home advertising and how they can be used for growth marketing

Out-of-home advertising includes a wide range of formats, each of which has its own unique strengths and opportunities for growth marketing. Here are some of the most common types of out-of-home advertising and how they can be used to support growth marketing:

  1. Billboards: Billboards are large, static signs that are typically placed alongside roads or highways. They can be highly effective for building brand awareness, as they offer a high-impact way to get a brand's message in front of a large audience.

  2. Transit advertising: Transit advertising includes ads placed on buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. These ads can be highly targeted based on the routes and locations of the vehicles, and can be effective for reaching commuters and other people on-the-go.

  3. Street furniture: Street furniture ads include things like bus shelters, benches, and phone booths that are used by pedestrians. These ads can be effective for building brand awareness and engaging with people at the street level.

  4. Digital out-of-home advertising: Digital out-of-home advertising includes things like digital billboards, screens in public places, and interactive installations. These ads can be highly dynamic and engaging, and can be used to create memorable brand experiences that stick with people long after they've seen the ad.

  5. Experiential installations: Experiential installations include things like pop-up displays, interactive art installations, and other immersive experiences that are designed to engage people in unique and memorable ways. These installations can be highly effective for building brand awareness and creating buzz around a new product or service.

Overall, the key to success with out-of-home advertising is to select the format that best aligns with your brand's goals and target audience. By understanding the strengths and opportunities of each format, growth marketers can create effective campaigns that drive real results.

How to create a successful out-of-home advertising campaign for growth marketing

Creating a successful out-of-home advertising campaign for growth marketing requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps to consider when developing an effective campaign:

  1. Define your goals: Before you begin creating your campaign, it's important to define your goals. What do you want to achieve with your out-of-home advertising? Are you looking to build brand awareness, drive sales, or something else? Defining your goals will help you create a campaign that's tailored to your specific needs.

  2. Identify your target audience: Once you've defined your goals, you need to identify your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your campaign, and what messaging will resonate with them? Understanding your audience will help you create effective ads that speak directly to their needs and interests.

  3. Choose the right format: As we discussed earlier, there are many different types of out-of-home advertising formats to choose from. When selecting a format, consider your goals, your target audience, and your budget to determine which format will be most effective for your needs.

  4. Develop a strong creative concept: Once you've selected your format, it's time to develop a strong creative concept for your ad. Your ad should be visually striking, easy to read, and aligned with your brand messaging. Consider including a clear call to action that encourages people to take the next step, whether that's visiting your website, making a purchase, or something else.

  5. Choose the right placement: Placement is key when it comes to out-of-home advertising. You want to select locations that will reach your target audience and provide maximum exposure for your ad. Consider factors like foot traffic, proximity to relevant locations, and visibility when selecting your placement.

  6. Track and measure your results: Finally, it's important to track and measure the results of your out-of-home advertising campaign. Use tools like QR codes, unique landing pages, or other tracking mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of your ads and make adjustments as needed.

By following these steps, growth marketers can create effective out-of-home advertising campaigns that drive real results for their business.

Measuring the effectiveness of out-of-home advertising for growth marketing

Measuring the effectiveness of out-of-home advertising is critical to understanding the impact of your campaign on growth marketing efforts. Here are some ways to measure the effectiveness of your out-of-home advertising campaign:

  1. Track engagement: Tracking engagement is one of the most important ways to measure the effectiveness of your out-of-home advertising. You can use tools like QR codes, unique landing pages, or custom URLs to track the number of people who engage with your ad, and how they engage with it.

  2. Measure reach: Measuring the reach of your out-of-home advertising campaign is another important way to determine its effectiveness. You can use tools like traffic counters or geolocation data to determine the number of people who see your ad, and how many of those people fit your target audience.

  3. Analyze conversion rates: Another important metric to track is your conversion rate, or the percentage of people who take the desired action after seeing your ad. This might be making a purchase, visiting your website, or taking some other action that aligns with your goals.

  4. Monitor brand sentiment: Monitoring brand sentiment is also important when measuring the effectiveness of your out-of-home advertising campaign. You can use social listening tools to monitor mentions of your brand online and track whether the sentiment is positive or negative.

  5. Analyze ROI: Finally, analyzing the ROI of your out-of-home advertising campaign can help you determine whether the campaign was a success. You can calculate ROI by comparing the cost of the campaign to the revenue generated by the campaign.

By measuring these key metrics, growth marketers can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their out-of-home advertising campaign, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their efforts and drive real growth.

Examples of successful out-of-home advertising campaigns for growth marketing

There have been many successful out-of-home advertising campaigns that have driven growth for businesses. Here are a few examples:

  1. Apple's "Shot on iPhone" campaign: This campaign featured striking, high-quality photos taken with an iPhone, displayed on billboards and other out-of-home advertising formats. The campaign was highly successful in building brand awareness and driving sales, as it showcased the iPhone's capabilities and encouraged people to capture and share their own photos.

  2. Airbnb's "Live There" campaign: This campaign was designed to promote Airbnb's unique offering of home sharing experiences. The ads featured images of homes in different locations, along with taglines like "Don't go there. Live there." The campaign was successful in driving brand awareness and increasing bookings, as it spoke directly to Airbnb's target audience of travelers looking for unique and authentic experiences.

  3. Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign: This campaign involved replacing the Coca-Cola logo on bottles with popular first names, encouraging people to share a Coke with someone they know. The campaign was highly successful in generating buzz and social media engagement, as people shared photos of their personalized Coke bottles. The campaign also drove sales, as people sought out bottles with their own names or the names of their friends and family.

  4. Nike's "Just Do It" campaign: Nike's iconic "Just Do It" campaign has been running for over 30 years, and continues to be highly successful in promoting the brand's values of athleticism and perseverance. The campaign has been featured on billboards, in-store displays, and other out-of-home advertising formats, and has helped Nike become one of the most recognizable and successful brands in the world.

These are just a few examples of successful out-of-home advertising campaigns that have driven growth for businesses. By understanding the key factors that contributed to their success, growth marketers can create their own effective campaigns and drive real growth for their businesses.

The role of technology in out-of-home advertising for growth marketing

Technology has revolutionized the out-of-home advertising industry, making it easier and more effective than ever to reach target audiences and drive growth for businesses. Here are some of the ways technology is changing the game for out-of-home advertising:

  1. Digital displays: Digital displays allow for dynamic and interactive content, which can be updated in real time based on changing conditions or audience demographics. This allows businesses to deliver highly targeted and engaging content that resonates with their audience, driving brand awareness and sales.

  2. Data analytics: Data analytics tools allow businesses to collect and analyze data on audience behavior and engagement, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that optimize their campaigns for maximum impact. By tracking metrics like engagement, reach, and conversion rates, businesses can gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn't, and adjust their campaigns accordingly.

  3. Programmatic advertising: Programmatic advertising uses machine learning algorithms to automate the buying and selling of advertising space, making it faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. This allows businesses to reach their target audience more easily and at a lower cost, maximizing their return on investment and driving growth.

  4. Mobile integration: Mobile integration allows businesses to link their out-of-home advertising campaigns with their mobile apps or websites, creating a seamless and engaging user experience that drives brand awareness and sales. By incorporating mobile features like augmented reality or location-based services, businesses can create highly personalized and interactive experiences that resonate with their audience.

By leveraging these and other technologies, growth marketers can create highly effective out-of-home advertising campaigns that reach their target audience and drive real growth for their businesses. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for out-of-home advertising are only going to expand, offering exciting new opportunities for businesses to connect with their audience and achieve their growth goals.

Integrating out-of-home advertising into your overall growth marketing strategy

Out-of-home advertising can be a powerful tool for driving growth, but it's important to integrate it into your overall growth marketing strategy in order to maximize its impact. Here are some tips for doing so:

  1. Define your goals: Before launching an out-of-home advertising campaign, it's important to define your goals and how they fit into your overall growth marketing strategy. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or promote a new product? By setting clear goals, you can tailor your campaign to achieve the results you want.

  2. Know your audience: Understanding your target audience is key to creating an effective out-of-home advertising campaign. Who are they, where do they live, work, and play, and what are their interests and behaviors? By knowing your audience, you can create content that speaks directly to them, making your campaign more effective.

  3. Coordinate with other channels: Out-of-home advertising is just one piece of your overall growth marketing strategy. To maximize its impact, it's important to coordinate it with other channels like social media, email marketing, and content marketing. By creating a cohesive and integrated message across all channels, you can amplify the impact of your campaign.

  4. Use data to optimize: As with any growth marketing campaign, it's important to use data to optimize your out-of-home advertising efforts. By tracking metrics like engagement, reach, and conversion rates, you can identify what's working and what's not, and adjust your campaign accordingly.

  5. Measure your results: Finally, it's important to measure the results of your out-of-home advertising campaign and how they contribute to your overall growth marketing goals. Did the campaign achieve its objectives? How did it impact other channels, like website traffic or social media engagement? By measuring your results, you can learn from your successes and failures, and continually improve your overall growth marketing strategy.

By integrating out-of-home advertising into your overall growth marketing strategy, you can create highly effective campaigns that drive real growth for your business. By following these tips, you can make the most of this powerful tool and achieve your growth goals.

The future of out-of-home advertising and its potential for growth marketing

The out-of-home advertising industry has come a long way in recent years, thanks in large part to advances in technology. As we look to the future, there are exciting new opportunities for growth marketers to leverage out-of-home advertising in new and innovative ways.

One of the key trends we're seeing in the industry is the increasing use of data and analytics to create more targeted and effective campaigns. By using data to better understand audience behavior and engagement, growth marketers can create highly personalized and engaging content that resonates with their target audience, driving brand awareness and sales.

Another important trend is the rise of programmatic advertising, which uses machine learning algorithms to automate the buying and selling of advertising space. This makes it faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective to reach your target audience, maximizing your return on investment and driving growth for your business.

Other emerging technologies, like augmented reality and geolocation, offer exciting new opportunities for out-of-home advertising. By creating highly interactive and personalized experiences, businesses can create powerful connections with their audience, driving brand loyalty and sales.

As we look to the future, there's no doubt that out-of-home advertising will continue to play an important role in growth marketing strategies. With new technologies and innovations on the horizon, businesses can look forward to even more exciting opportunities to connect with their target audience and achieve their growth goals.

In conclusion, the future of out-of-home advertising is bright and full of potential for growth marketing. By staying on top of the latest trends and innovations, businesses can leverage this powerful tool to achieve their growth goals and create powerful connections with their audience.

Summary

Out-of-home advertising, once a traditional form of advertising, has become an exciting and innovative channel for growth marketers looking to drive brand awareness, engage with their audience, and ultimately drive growth for their business. This article explores the basics of out-of-home advertising and how it can be effectively used in growth marketing. It covers the different types of out-of-home advertising, how to create a successful campaign, measuring the effectiveness of the campaign, the role of technology, and integration into the overall growth marketing strategy.

Additionally, the article highlights examples of successful out-of-home advertising campaigns and discusses the future of the industry, including emerging technologies and the potential for more targeted and effective campaigns. By following the tips and insights presented in this article, businesses can leverage the power of out-of-home advertising to drive growth and achieve their marketing goals.

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