Are Digital Mobile Billboards a good investment?

Is it a Good Investment?

When small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are figuring out how to best advertise their products or services, the most important question they need to answer is: What is the most effective way to reach our ideal audience?

For many businesses, mobile billboard advertising is a highly effective solution—especially when incorporated into a Digital Out of Home (DOOH) marketing strategy.

What Are Mobile Billboards?

Mobile billboard advertising is a form of outdoor advertising where an ad is displayed on a truck that moves through various locations. Unlike traditional billboards that are fixed in place, these mobile ads can travel to different areas, offering greater flexibility and a broader reach.

In recent years, digital mobile billboards have become especially popular, with many advertisers opting for this dynamic format. Digital Out of Home advertising (DOOH) is widely regarded as the future of outdoor advertising because it blends the benefits of modern technology with traditional outdoor messaging.

Digital billboards are also more visually striking than static ads, and they are immune to the wear and tear that physical ads can suffer from weather. These digital boards can even display video, which is a proven method for capturing the attention of audiences.

One more advantage is that many digital billboards rotate ads, meaning advertisers can share costs by running multiple ads on a single vehicle, making it more cost-effective. Advertisements can be strategically placed to reach specific audiences, such as tourists or people attending events, maximizing your advertising dollars.

Why Is Digital Mobile Billboard Advertising Effective?

Mobile billboard advertising has a proven track record of effectiveness.

Studies by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) show that around one-third of people notice digital mobile billboard ads on a monthly basis. Of those, 57% pay attention to them most or all of the time.

Even more importantly, these ads drive customer action. According to the research, 67% of people engage with the brand after seeing a mobile billboard ad, either by visiting the business’s website, going to their store, or interacting with the brand on social media. Moreover, 61% take actions like scanning QR codes, downloading an app, or making a purchase.

One specific finding of the study revealed that 52% of people notice directional ads, and of those, 69% visited the advertised business—98% of whom made a purchase.

What Influences the Cost of Mobile Billboard Advertising?

As with any form of advertising, several factors determine the cost of running a mobile billboard campaign. Ultimately, the cost is often based on the number of impressions—how many people see the ad.

Key factors influencing the price include:

Location: Advertising costs vary depending on the location. High-traffic areas—like downtown centers—typically cost more due to the greater exposure. Advertising in more rural or less populated areas is generally more affordable.

Time: The longer you want your ad to run, the more it will likely cost. Additionally, certain times of year can drive up prices, particularly during busy seasons like summer or the holidays when demand is higher.

Campaign Package: Different mobile billboard companies offer different pricing structures. Some charge per impression, meaning you’ll pay based on how many people see your ad, while others charge for the duration of the campaign (e.g., for a day or week), even if the ad is shown for only part of that time or shared with other advertisers.

Is Digital Mobile Billboard Advertising Worth the Investment?

Despite varying costs, mobile billboard advertising offers significant benefits for SMBs. These ads can reach thousands of people in just a day, which is ideal for businesses looking to get their message out quickly and effectively.

Additionally, mobile billboards allow for targeted advertising. With advanced technology, ads can be tailored to specific locations and audiences. Mobile billboards can go places that static billboards can’t reach, such as residential neighborhoods or smaller, hard-to-access areas. This gives you the ability to tailor your message to the right people at the right time.

Conclusion

While costs for mobile billboard advertising can vary depending on location, time of year, and campaign duration, it is still an effective way for SMBs to reach a large audience in a short time. Mobile billboards offer high visibility, engagement, and flexibility—key components for a successful advertising strategy. When used strategically, digital mobile billboards can be a powerful tool to boost brand awareness and drive customer action.