How Quickly Can I Launch a Billboard Campaign?

You’re ready to take the plunge and launch your billboard campaign. But what should your timeline expectations be for taking your ad from an exciting idea to a live billboard?

The exact answer depends on a number of different factors, including the type and location of your billboard. At Alluvit Media, we’ve launched hundreds of campaigns in as little as 2 weeks, and can streamline every element of the process to get your campaign live as soon as possible, so you can start seeing the results you’re looking for.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

How Quickly Can I Launch a Billboard Campaign?

When you have the perfect billboard campaign planned, you want to launch it like…yesterday. So how long can you reasonably expect the launch of your billboard to take?

The answer depends on a few key factors, starting with the type of billboard you’re planning to use.

Static Billboards

A standard static billboard takes around four to six weeks to go from ideation to completion. During this time, you’re locking in the logistics of your campaign—signing contracts, finalizing the ad creative, approving your proofs, waiting for the vinyl to be printed and shipped—leading up to the final install.

The biggest variables in this process are how quickly your ad creative is able to be locked in and the printing and shipping timeline of the vinyl printing. Working with an expert ad agency can expedite your ad’s creative, as you have the benefit of partnering with design pros who know what works and will turn around any edits in a timely manner.

Rush options may also exist with certain printers, so it’s worth asking about. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that rush options also mean rush fees, and these options aren’t always available, so don’t center your campaign plan around them.

Digital Billboards

When launching a digital campaign, you have the luxury of avoiding the vinyl production process altogether, which naturally speeds up the campaign process. Without having to factor in production time, you’re often looking at closer to a two-week launch timeline for a digital billboard campaign, making it a natural choice for time-sensitive campaigns that need to go live quickly.

Does the Location of Your Billboard Affect How Long It Takes to Launch?

If you’re set on using a specific billboard location that is already occupied, your launch may be delayed. This is because the advertiser currently using that board has “first right of refusal,” meaning they’re entitled to extend their campaign on that billboard before it’s made available to new advertisers.

When you work with an outdoor advertising agency, your expert Media Coordinators will be able to suggest comparable billboard locations if the billboard you’re hoping to use is currently occupied and under contract. However, if you’re determined to utilize that particular billboard, your launch may be delayed.

Does My Industry Impact the Launch Timeline for My Billboard?

Yes, the industry that you’re advertising for can absolutely affect the launch timeline of your billboard. Billboard ad campaigns for cannabis, alcohol, or political advertising require an approval and compliance process that can prolong your launch timeline beyond that of a typical campaign.

If you’re planning a campaign within one of these industries, be sure to leave space in your timeline to make it through the approval process so as not to experience unexpected delays.

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Your Campaign?

Billboard advertising is a long game; don’t expect to be flooded with calls or inquiries the day your campaign goes live. Out-of-home advertising (OOH) is built on familiarity, repetition, and trust, and those things take time. However, it’s those very factors that make OOH advertising so incredibly effective.

It’s said that consumers typically need to see something at least seven times before they take action. Evaluating the reach and frequency of your ad can help provide insights into how well your ad is performing and if it’s meeting that metric.

That’s why we recommend a minimum of 12 weeks for your campaign’s run. This is considered to be the minimum exposure for effective ROI, and builds visibility and recall with your audience. It gives viewers time to move from awareness to action, and establishes a consistent brand presence.

Launch Your Next Campaign ASAP

At Alluvit Media, we’ve launched hundreds of billboard campaigns across the country. In some cases, we’ve pushed campaigns live in as little as two weeks.

Our experts are able to streamline each step of the campaign process, moving you toward launch as quickly and effectively as possible. From free ad creative to targeted location strategy and beyond, you’re in the best hands when you partner with our Media Coordinators and Account Executives.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to receive your free proposal.

FAQs

What’s the right outdoor ad format for my brand?

There’s no single formula for success. Choose the outdoor ad format that best suits your campaign goals. Street furniture is great for local advertising, static billboards are a versatile choice across the board, and digital billboards allow you to launch as quickly as possible.

Is billboard advertising a good choice for B2B brands?

Absolutely. Billboard advertising is one of the most effective ways to build brand trust, which is what B2B advertisers are looking for.

I’m overwhelmed by my upcoming launch. What should I do?

Before doing anything else, create a go-to-market strategy. This allows you to identify your target audience, hone in on the best ways to reach them, and determine the best way to gain a competitive advantage.