Why Local Outdoor Advertising is a Smart Move
When you’re running a local business, visibility is everything. You want people to know who you are, where you are, and what you offer, without needing them to search online or scroll through endless feeds.
That’s where local outdoor advertising comes in. From eye-catching billboards, sponsored roundabouts, posters at the bus stop, it’s a simple, effective way to put your business right in front of the people who matter most: your local community.
Here are the top 5 reasons local outdoor advertising could be a game-changer for your business:
1. You're seen where it matters most
Local outdoor advertising places your message directly in high-traffic areas, whether that’s a busy city road or a high traffic roundabout. It’s exposure in the real world, where your customers are already spending their time. Unlike online ads that can get lost in a sea of content, outdoor ads are big, bold, and hard to miss.
2. Outdoor advertising builds brand trust and familiarity
When people see your business name and message regularly around town, it starts to stick. That repeated exposure helps build familiarity, and with it, trust. It’s the same reason people feel more comfortable shopping at places they’ve “seen around” before. You become a known part of the local landscape, not just another name in the noise.
3. Your adverts are Always working, 24/7
Outdoor advertising doesn’t rely on algorithms, click-through rates, or someone remembering to turn on their phone. Once it’s up, it’s on. Your message is out there every hour of the day, making impressions whether it's rush hour, a quiet Sunday, or anything in between. It’s consistent and reliable visibility.
4. Great reach for your budget
Many small businesses are surprised at how cost-effective local outdoor advertising can be. One well-placed poster or sign can be seen by thousands of people every day, often for a fraction of the cost of digital campaigns. And unlike some digital platforms, where you're paying every time someone clicks (or doesn't), outdoor media gives you broad, ongoing exposure for a flat cost.
5. Perfect for promoting events, offers and launches
Have a new product, service, or launching a business you want to shout about? Outdoor ads are great for building hype and drawing attention to what’s new. Whether you're running a sale, launching a service, or hosting an event, getting the word out in the local area helps drive footfall and buzz right where it matters.
Ready to find out more about Outdoor advertising? Let’s chat!
There are many Outdoor advertising opportunities available in Greater Peterborough area, including fixed and digital billboards in key positions, roundabout sponsorships, bus advertising, town & city centre rolling and digital poster sites, roadway and pedestrian lamppost banners.
If you're a local business looking to boost awareness, and would like to explore how outdoor advertising can help you to communicate with your local audience, contact us and we'll help get your business seen!
Ready for a Chat?
Whether it’s design, advertising or marketing, drop us an email or give us a call, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions: Outdoor Advertising
1. What is outdoor advertising?
Outdoor advertising (also known as out-of-home or OOH advertising) includes any advertising you see outside the home—billboards, bus stops, posters, transit ads, digital screens, and more. It’s all about reaching people while they’re on the move.
2. Is outdoor advertising effective?
Yes! Outdoor ads are highly visible, can’t be skipped like online ads, and often reach people repeatedly as they commute or go about their day. It’s a great way to build brand awareness in a specific location.
3. How much does outdoor advertising cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the ad, location, and duration. A small local billboard might cost a few hundred pounds per week, while a high-traffic digital screen could be more. We'll help you find options that fit your budget.
4. How long should I run an outdoor ad for?
Typically, outdoor ads run for a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks to ensure good exposure. Longer campaigns work even better, especially for brand awareness or recurring events.
5. What kind of businesses benefit from outdoor advertising?
Almost any business can benefit! It’s especially great for local shops, restaurants, events, tradespeople, healthcare providers, and service businesses looking to get noticed in their area.
6. What’s the difference between static and digital outdoor ads?
Static ads (like traditional billboards or posters) stay in place and are printed. Digital ads run on screens and can rotate between multiple advertisers, be updated easily, and even run different messages at different times of day.
7. Do I need to design my own advert?
You can, but we’re happy to help! A professional design makes a big difference. Outdoor ads need to be bold, clear, and readable at a glance—less is more when it comes to text.
8. How do I choose the best location for my outdoor ad?
Think about where your target audience spends time—busy roads, high streets, near schools, retail parks, train stations, etc. We can help you pick spots that make sense for your business and your goals.
9. Can I track the results of an outdoor ad?
While outdoor ads aren’t as instantly trackable as digital ones, there are smart ways to measure impact. Try using a unique URL, QR code, phone number, or promo code to see how many people respond.
10. Is outdoor advertising still relevant in the digital age?
Absolutely. In fact, it complements digital marketing really well. It can drive people to search for you online or visit your website. It builds trust and visibility in the real world—something digital alone can’t always do.
About the author
The PAMCO
The Peterborough Advertising and Marketing Company is the advertising agency focussing on businesses in the Greater Peterborough area, providing design, advertising planning, media buying and advertising consultancy services.