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  • Monica Kollmann

What's out-of-home (OOH) advertising and why is it a great channel for marketing brands?

Out-of-home (OOH) advertising refers to any form of advertising that reaches consumers while they are outside of their homes. It encompasses a wide range of physical media and locations where ads can be displayed to capture the attention of people in public spaces. OOH advertising has been a staple of marketing strategies for many years, offering unique advantages that make it an effective channel for promoting brands.

An example of out-of-home (OOH) advertising
An example of out-of-home (OOH) advertising

Key examples of OOH advertising formats include:

  1. Billboards: Large outdoor signs placed along highways, streets, or in high-traffic areas to deliver a visually impactful message.

  2. Transit Advertising: Ads displayed on public transportation vehicles (buses, trains, taxis), in transit stations, and at bus stops or train stations.

  3. Street Furniture: Ads placed on public benches, kiosks, bus shelters, and other street-level infrastructure.

  4. Digital Screens: Modern versions of billboards and signage that incorporate digital displays to show dynamic, changing content.

  5. Airports and Malls: Advertising in busy areas like airports and shopping malls to reach a captive and diverse audience.

  6. Cinema Advertising: Ads shown before or during movie screenings in theaters.

  7. Sports Stadiums: Advertising within sports arenas and stadiums, reaching a concentrated audience during events.


There are several reasons why out-of-home advertising can be a great channel for marketing your brand:

  1. High Visibility: OOH ads are strategically placed in high-traffic areas, allowing your brand message to be seen by a large number of people. This exposure can generate brand awareness and increase recognition.

  2. Broad Reach: OOH advertising reaches a diverse audience, including demographics that might be challenging to target through other channels. It has the potential to reach people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

  3. Non-Intrusive: Unlike digital ads that can be blocked or skipped, OOH ads are harder to ignore. They are integrated into the environment and don't interrupt the consumer's experience, making them a less obtrusive form of advertising.

  4. Constant Exposure: OOH ads are typically displayed 24/7, providing continuous exposure to passersby. This constant presence can reinforce your brand message over time.

  5. Local Targeting: OOH advertising can be localized to specific geographic areas, allowing you to target a specific region or neighborhood with tailored messages.

  6. Complementary to Digital: OOH can complement digital marketing efforts by providing an offline touchpoint that reinforces online campaigns. QR codes, hashtags, or URLs can be included in OOH ads to drive online engagement.

  7. Creative Flexibility: The visual impact of OOH ads encourages creativity, enabling brands to use bold visuals, clever slogans, and eye-catching designs to capture attention.

  8. Brand Association: Placing ads in specific locations can create a strong association between your brand and that particular environment. For instance, an ad at a sports event can associate your brand with the excitement of sports.

  9. Long Exposure Time: People often spend significant time in public spaces, such as during commutes or while waiting. This extended exposure time increases the chances of your message being noticed and remembered.


While out-of-home advertising has many advantages, it's important to carefully consider your target audience, messaging, and the locations where your ads will be placed to ensure the best possible results. By incorporating OOH advertising into your marketing mix, you can leverage its unique strengths to effectively promote your brand and capture consumer attention in the offline world.

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