The words “out of home” advertising may be unfamiliar, but this advertising medium is more common that you think. From billboards to bus stops, innovative companies are finding unusual places to plant their marketing messages – and their popping up all over. With new formats, new technologies and some creative thinking, companies and their advertising agencies are finding exciting ways to marry their messages with the right medium to reach their customers in the most unusual – but effective – places including:

• Airport kiosks, bus shelters and baggage claim areas
• Stadium scoreboards, dashers, courtside displays
• Bus and other vehicle full and partial wraps – (inside busses, too)
• Promotional video in theaters
• In-store floor graphics, shopping cart panels, digital screens
• Information kiosks
• Place-based advertising in public restrooms, waiting rooms, golf courses, parking garages, rest areas and college campuses
• Shopping mall food courts, restrooms, free-standing displays, tabletops
• Wall murals and graphics
• And these are just a sample of what you can do

Out of home media goes where most other media can’t go to surround and immerse consumers out of home, where they spend 70 percent of their waking hours. Most importantly, it’s integrated to show up when and where people live their lives. Recently, Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital wanted to make a big splash with their message of personal (and award-winning) service and patient satisfaction. With large-scale elevator graphics – and restroom wall, floor and mirror clings – at the biggest event venue in Sioux Falls, they delivered their message to the crowds and got the attention they wanted with out of home advertising. So now that you’ve started brainstorming, here are a couple of very important tips:

1. Get it right. Out of home advertising offers the perfect opportunity to marry your message with the right medium. It must be the right message at the right time in the right place. It’s a medium for a busy world.
2. Keep it simple. Even with new media, old rules apply. Don’t make your audience think too hard to “get it.”

Before you begin, get inspired by visiting Pinterest or searching Google for “out of home advertising” or “brilliant outdoor advertising.” Or stop by HenkinSchultz where we can help you think beyond the billboard.