20 Nov How to Design Effective Roadside Ads
Roadside ads play a crucial role in capturing the attention of drivers and pedestrians alike. These ads are strategically placed along busy roads and highways to promote products, services, or brands. In this blog, we will explore the world of roadside ads, their purpose, and provide tips on how to design effective and impactful ads that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
What are Roadside Ads?
Roadside ads, also known as outdoor or billboard ads, are large displays placed along roadsides to attract the attention of passersby. These ads come in various formats, including traditional billboards and digital displays. Roadside ads are designed to convey a message quickly and effectively, given the limited time viewers have to absorb the information while on the move.
What Should You Consider When Designing Roadside Ads?
Designing effective roadside ad requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
Have an Objective: Clearly define the objective of your roadside ad. Is it to create brand awareness, promote a specific product, or drive traffic to a website? Having a clear objective will guide the design process and ensure your message is focused.
Be Short and Concise: Roadside ads have limited space, so it’s essential to keep your message short and concise. Use clear and impactful headlines that can be read and understood within seconds.
Make Sure the Roadside Ad is Legible: Legibility is crucial for roadside ads. Use fonts that are easy to read from a distance, even at high speeds. Avoid overly decorative or script fonts that may be difficult to decipher.
Use Readable Fonts: Choose fonts that are bold and easily readable. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are often preferred for their simplicity and clarity.
Use Bold and High-Contrasting Colours: Bold and high-contrasting colours help your ad stand out and grab attention. Use colours that align with your brand identity and ensure they contrast well with the background to enhance visibility.
Include High-Quality Images: If your roadside ad includes images, ensure they are of high quality and relevant to your message. Images should be clear, visually appealing, and support the overall objective of the ad.
Have the Roadside Ad Location in Mind: Consider the location of your ad when designing it. Take into account the surroundings, traffic patterns, and viewing angles to optimise visibility and impact.
Include a Call to Action: A strong call to action is essential to prompt viewers to take the desired action. Whether it’s visiting a website, making a purchase, or contacting your business, clearly state what you want the viewer to do.
How Much Does it Cost to Design a Roadside Ad?
The cost of designing a roadside ad can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the size of the ad, and the expertise of the designer. It is recommended to work with a professional graphic designer or a specialised agency to ensure a high-quality and impactful design. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the scope of the project.
Tips for Designing Roadside Ads in Photoshop
Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure that the images you use in your roadside ad design are high-resolution to maintain clarity and sharpness.
Optimise File Sizes: Large file sizes can slow down the loading time of digital roadside ads. Optimise your files by compressing images and using appropriate file formats.
Consider Scale and Proportions: Keep in mind the scale and proportions of your design to ensure it translates well when displayed on a large roadside ad.
Utilise Layers and Groups: Organise your design elements using layers and groups in Photoshop to easily make adjustments and modifications as needed.
Test for Legibility: Before finalising your design, test it at different sizes and distances to ensure that all text and visuals are legible and impactful.
Should You Use Humour and Be Clever in Your Roadside Ad?
Using humour and cleverness in roadside ads can be effective in capturing attention and creating a memorable impression. However, it is essential to consider the context and target audience. Humour should be tasteful and align with your brand identity. Cleverness should not compromise the clarity and legibility of the message.
In Conclusion
Designing effective roadside ads requires careful consideration of the objective, legibility, visual elements, and location. By keeping your message short and concise, using readable fonts, bold colours, high-quality images, and including a clear call to action, you can create impactful ads that leave a lasting impression on viewers. Working with a professional designer and considering the tips provided will help you design effective roadside ads that effectively communicate your message to your target audience.
If you would like us to design and plan a campaign for your business please get in touch matt@amplifyoutdoor.co.uk / 01202 670687.