If you think billboards are old news, think again. Billboard advertising (both digital and traditional) still packs a punch, and at Forward & Thinking, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be.
The advertising world has shifted massively in the past decade, with social media, programmatic display, streaming… the list goes on. But here’s the truth: out-of-home (OOH) advertising services (like billboards) are still grabbing attention where it counts. Especially now that digital out-of-home (DOOH) formats have levelled up the game.
What’s Changed?
Digital billboards have completely changed what’s possible. You can now plan smarter campaigns that target people based on the time of day, the weather, the day of the week, and even what’s trending online.
This data-driven approach has opened the doors for more brands to jump into OOH. You don’t need a giant budget (just a clever strategy).
But does this mean traditional static billboards are done for? Not even close.
Static Still Has Its Place
Classic billboards might not move, but they’ve got something digital doesn’t: consistency. With no split screens, no shared ad slots, and no interruptions, they have just one clear message, 24/7. That’s huge for brand recognition.
They’re also brilliant for long-term placements in key areas, such as high footfall locations, busy road junctions, or close to points of sale. They work because people see them over and over.
Add a clever concept (see Oatly or Lidl’s recent work) and you’ve got a campaign that sticks in people’s minds and might just go viral if it ends up on social.
The Power of Local
Billboard advertising is also hyper-local. You can tailor messages to your region and audience.
As an out-of-home advertising agency, we specialise in placing your message exactly where your audience is.
Digital DOOH? We Can Help
DOOH advertising is a game-changer. You can update creative on the fly, use dynamic messaging, and even react to events in real time (a sports win, a weather change, a trending meme, etc.).
At Forward & Thinking, we help brands harness this power. We buy across all UK billboard operators, securing the best rates and delivering full proof of posting, playout data, and post-campaign insights.
The Stats
If you’re still unsure, here’s a stat for you: 19.8 million UK adults saw a billboard last week. Billboard advertising reaches people where other channels can’t.
And according to recent research, people trust billboard ads more than online ones.
Plus, studies show a 198% increase in ad awareness when people see billboard campaigns.
Learn How OOH Advertising Can Work for You
Billboards are evolving and are still one of the best ways to be seen and remembered.
At Forward & Thinking, we craft bold, strategic campaigns that get you noticed. We’re the out-of-home advertising agency that brands trust to deliver real impact.
Want to know how our OOH advertising services can make your brand unmissable? Get in touch.
