Outdoor media usage to promote your product or service is as important now as it has ever been. Creative outdoor advertising, like the famous Burma Shaving Cream signs that adorned highways from the 1920s through the 1960s, can set your outdoor advertising apart from any of your competitors.

If you need to be convinced of the power of an outdoor advertisement, look no further than the bright lights and glitz of Las Vegas. In the Nevada desert, outdoor media production is a huge market. Outdoor advertising signs tout every imaginable message.

Outdoor advertising is becoming the "in thing" because of the unfortunate rise in traffic gridlock. Motorists have more time to view an outdoor advertisement because they have no other choice. But you have a choice—consider these facts before creating a creative outdoor advertising strategy:

1. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Inc. (OAAA), advertisers spent $7.3 billion in 2007 (up 7% from 2006) on outdoor advertising.

2. There is an upsurge in the use of LED graphic displays because they can include text and animation. Great for use in retail, hotel and small business venues.

3. Outdoor advertising production is reasonably priced and can fit the budgets of most small-to-large companies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the power of outdoor advertising

In 2007 outdoor media signs were represented, in part, by 165,000 outdoor billboards, many on highways and roadsides. In 2008, these outdoor advertisements will be viewed by 234 million passenger vehicles, an increase of 16 million over the previous 5 years.

I recommend: The OAAA is a valuable resource for marketing statistics and outdoor media tools. Not only can you learn the why's for outdoor advertising signs, you can learn the what's and how's of outdoor marketing. Get the scoop on lighted outdoor media signs from The Led Sign Company.

Learn about outdoor media production and its products

Find the right creative outdoor advertising for your business by exploring the number of different outdoor media tools such as building signage, vehicle signage such as mobile billboards and mall/airport signage, to name a few options. The right outdoor production company can provide you with the expertise for just the right outdoor media signs.

I recommend: Clear Channel Outdoor offers various outdoor advertising mediums. Choose the outdoor media group, Lamar Advertising, an industry leader for your signage needs.

Think of the unconventional outdoor media, too

Stand out from the crowd by using inflatable objects and bright graphics to spread messages in an eye-catching way. Make it an outdoor advertisement that people will not forget.

I recommend: Grab attention with a gorilla or a space alien. Boulder Blimp Company offers inflatables in all shapes and sizes; no need to advertise with your name on it. Make it bright and mix in a spotlight or two with searchlights offered by AdvertisingBalloons.com. Check out some mobile media options at TransAd Outdoor Media and Ads on Wheels, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Eye-catching is the buzz phrase. Your outdoor ad needs to be memorable.
• •  Choose the most effective outdoor marketing campaign by using the most effective outdoor advertising production methods and products.