With the widespread changes society has seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging for brands to spread their messages to potential customers. Many people are spending more hours at home and less time commuting, so billboards and other out-of-home advertising methods are going unseen. However, consumers are still getting out and about, even if their habits have changed. Mobile billboards are a creative method for marketing in today’s changing retail landscape. Learn about mobile billboards, including why traditional advertisements are struggling, where to find customers during a pandemic, and how to reach your audience with modern, mobile billboards.
Why Traditional Billboards Are Struggling
Billboards have been part of daily life for decades. These large signs line most major roadways such as highways, freeways, and toll roads. From old-fashioned painted signs to banner-style canvas advertisements to cutting-edge digital displays, billboards are a standard part of most commutes.
These signs have been a basic element of many marketing campaigns because a single sign reaches a large audience. Depending on traffic flow, brands could count on millions of people seeing their billboards every month. International campaigns, hyper-local messages, and everything in between have been seen on billboards across the country.
What happens to such a foundational marketing tactic when our entire society changes its habits all at once? Billboards leveraged the power of a commuter culture, but in 2020, much of society abruptly stopped commuting. The move to remote work, digital schooling, and streaming entertainment has cut down on traffic. For example, the car-loving state of Texas has seen its overall traffic drop by 29%. Dallas traffic is reduced by 32%. This represents a major decline in ad views.
Many companies are wondering how to pivot their marketing strategy in response to these changes. However, before moving away from billboards entirely, take a moment to consider the entire market. People aren’t making their typical highway commutes, but they are still going places. Mobile billboards help you reach people where they are today.
How Do You Find People During A Pandemic?
Commuters are staying home during the workday, but they’re still leaving the house for other reasons. Thanks to public health programs that reduce the risk of disease transmission, many people feel safe running errands, eating in restaurants, and visiting other local establishments. You might not be able to reach people on the highways, but you can definitely find them in shopping centers.
Parking lots are full of cars across the country. There are many reasons why shoppers are out en masse. A year of adjusting to the pandemic’s “new normal” has helped people feel comfortable going out in public again. Consumers who might have ordered all their shopping through delivery apps in the spring of 2020 are now ready to return to stores themselves. After an extended time at home, many people enjoy the simple experience of shopping in person again.
The increased move to digital work and school has also freed up schedules for many families. Instead of doing the groceries on Saturday afternoon, today’s shoppers can pop over to the store between web calls or digital classes in the middle of the week. Shopping centers are steadily busy with people throughout the week. Capture these shoppers and drive them to your business with mobile advertising.
Reaching Your Audience With Mobile Billboards
Mobile billboards provide a powerful opportunity to reach today’s customers where they are. These truck-mounted signs are eye-catching yet portable, so you can use them wherever people gather. The pandemic has opened up a world of new marketing opportunities. Whether a local market sees its busiest activity outside grocery stores, gyms, malls, membership warehouses, movie theaters, restaurant districts, or any other attraction, a mobile billboard can be there as well.
Despite initial fears about the pandemic, the consumer market is strong and active. People have spent the past year exploring new brands, services, and entertainment options. As society becomes more optimistic thanks to public health advances and financial stimulus packages, the timing is ideal for reaching new customers. Mobile billboards allow you to reach customers who are already in a receptive state of mind, especially when you target shopping centers, entertainment complexes, and other spending hubs. Don’t miss this opportunity to capitalize on new consumer habits with a new marketing strategy.
Learn More With Bulldog Mobile Billboards
Despite the perception that everyone’s sitting at home and there’s no traffic to be found, people are still leaving the house. Nationwide, potential customers are shopping, eating out, and running other errands in person. Explore mobile billboards to reach customers where they are and get your message across like no one else can. If you’re ready to find new prospects and drive traffic to your company, Bulldog Mobile Billboards is here to help. Get in touch today to learn about today’s options for out-of-home ads.
