Outdoor advertising is evolving rapidly, and standing out in 2025’s crowded landscape is both a challenge and an opportunity. Consumers are spending plenty of time out and about – nearly 70% of people actively pay attention to digital out-of-home (DOOH), which means well-crafted outdoor media ads can make a huge impact.
Whether you’re a local SME hoping to attract neighbourhood customers, a national brand aiming for broad exposure, or an event organiser promoting the next big festival, understanding the latest outdoor media ads trends is key.
Creative Strategies to Make Your Outdoor Ads Stand Out
Having the tech and understanding the trends is one thing; using them creatively is another. In 2025, standing out with outdoor advertising requires smart planning and a good dose of creativity. Here are some strategic tips to ensure your outdoor media ads grab attention and stick in people’s minds:
1. Pick High-Impact Locations and Timing:
Location is everything in OOH. Focus on high footfall zones and high-traffic areas where your target audience is most likely to see the ad. For static billboards, that might be busy intersections, shopping districts, or commuter routes. For mobile campaigns, plan your van routes around events or peak traffic times.
For example, if you’re advertising a new store to local shoppers, drive your digital van through the town centre at lunchtime and again around 5-6 pm when people head home. Strategic route planning can dramatically increase views. These mobile billboards can be navigated to high-footfall areas to expose your brand to a diverse audience. Also consider timing: if your audience is office workers, early morning and late afternoon are gold; for nightlife or event promotion, evenings and weekends might be better.
2. Tailor Your Content (Bespoke Messaging):
One size does not fit all in outdoor ads. The most effective campaigns tailor the message to the location and audience. This could mean adjusting your copy or visuals based on region (mention the city’s name or local slang to create a connection) or based on context (an ad near a gym might have a different tagline than the same ad near a university).
With digital screens, you can even rotate multiple messages in one spot, so use that to your advantage by targeting different audiences throughout the day. The goal is to make each viewer feel like the ad speaks to them. Be creative and playful if it suits your brand; people appreciate clever ads that break the mould.
Bespoke content that resonates will make your ad more memorable than a generic blanket message.
3. Use Bold Visuals and Clear Messaging:
Outdoor media ads often get only a few seconds to make an impression, so make them count. Use high-contrast colours, bold text, and imagery that can be understood at a glance. If you’re using video or animations on a digital billboard, ensure the key message appears prominently.
A simple, powerful headline or an eye-catching image can stop people in their tracks. Avoid cluttering your design; stick to one main idea or call-to-action. Remember, OOH ads that are simple yet creative tend to build brand trust and stick in memory.
4. Leverage Full-Motion and Storytelling:
If you have the capability (with DOOH screens or mobile LED vans), take advantage of motion and sequential storytelling. For example, you could have a short 5-10 second animation that ends with your brand logo and a strong call-to-action. Movement draws the eye – even something as simple as a moving background or a blinking element can be more engaging than a static image.
One strategy is to use a “surprise reveal”: start with one image or question, and a few seconds later reveal the answer or product. This can pique curiosity and ensure people look a second time. Just be sure not to make the sequence too long or complex (traffic audiences won’t see a long “movie”). Keep it punchy.
5. Incorporate Interaction or Calls-to-Action:
Encourage your audience to engage with your ad on the spot or their phones. This could be as direct as “Scan this QR code for a 50% off coupon” or as experiential as a hashtag prompting people to take a selfie with your billboard for a prize.
For event organisers, you might display a live social media feed or countdown clock to build hype and prompt onlookers to join the conversation online. Interactive elements can significantly increase recall – people love to be part of the ad experience rather than just being viewers. A simple call-to-action like “Visit us today – 5 minutes down the road on High Street!” makes the ad more actionable.
6. Optimise for Reach and Frequency:
In order to stand out, you should aim for a broad reach and repeated exposure. Plan for your target audience to interact with your message multiple times if possible. This could mean placing several billboards around town or having your ad van loop through a route multiple times a day. Repetition helps retention – so seeing your outdoor ad in a few different spots over a week will reinforce your message.
These creative strategies will help your outdoor media ads cut through the noise. The combination of the right placement and compelling creative execution ensures people not only notice your ad but also remember and act on it.
Create Outdoor Media Ads That Stand Out With Expert Media
Outdoor media advertising in 2025 offers incredible opportunities for those willing to be creative, data-driven, and forward-thinking. From embracing cutting-edge digital billboards and mobile ad vans to crafting compelling content and committing to sustainable practices, you can make your outdoor media ads truly shine and deliver results.
The strategies outlined above are a roadmap to help businesses and event organisers alike connect with audiences in memorable ways. Are you ready to put these ideas into practice and make your outdoor ads stand out? Expert Media is here to help turn your vision into a show-stopping reality.