Meta Description: If you put in the work, do the research, and create an ad that is tailored to your target demographic, you will see just how effective bus advertising can be.
How Effective is Bus Advertising?
Are you considering bus advertising for your next ad campaign but are not sure if it is the most effective option for your company?
Read on to discover how effective bus advertising can be when you approach it correctly!
Bus Advertising: What Is It?
Bus advertising is an extremely effective form of out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Most commonly placed on the outside of buses, companies will use these ads to target commuters who either use the bus or often see it during rush hour traffic.
OOH advertising is a great way to cast a wide net and get your ad in front of a swath of people. While they do reach many demographics, it does depend on what town or city your ads are placed in. If you choose to place bus advertisements in cities like New York and Chicago. You will reach a much broader demographic because public transportation is more commonly used there. On the other hand, if you place bus ads in smaller towns. You may only be reaching working-class citizens and the occasional commuter who sees the bus at a stop light.
Choosing Advertising Platforms
So, why choose bus advertising? Choosing platforms to place ads can be difficult. Ultimately your marketing team needs to do the appropriate research to understand what audiences you should target and where they typically are. There is nothing wrong with casting a wide net of ads on billboards, buses, or shopping center signs. But if you do this, you want to make sure the ads stick.
The Benefits of Choosing Bus Advertising
While having a creative, eye-catching, and memorable ad is important, there is one other element that can make your ad a hook, line, and sinker. This is consistency.
People who take the bus, whether they live in a big city or smaller town, probably take the bus just about every single day. This is great news for you. Because of this, bus advertising is a form of advertisement that can reach the same large group of people every single day, often at the same time of day. This kind of exposure tends to stick with people.
Are There Different Types of Bus Advertisements?
Yes, there are actually three different types of bus advertisements. You can place ads in and around bus shelters or stops, inside buses, or, of course, on the outside of buses.
Bus Shelter Ads
Placing ads in and around bus stops and shelters is a great way to reach people. Anyone who uses the bus has to wait for the bus at some point. These waiting areas typically have benches, shelters, pillars, or even just signs ready for your ad to be placed. The people who see these are likely going to see them every day of the week. That’s the consistency you want.
Internal Bus Ads
Internal bus ads are great as well. They typically are positioned near the roof of the bus and go from the front to the back. There is often plenty of available space, and they are frequently looked at.
Bus Wrap Ads
This one is perhaps the most important form of bus advertisement. You can place an ad on a wrap that goes across the entire side of a bus. This is often the most sought-after way to go because, not only do the bus users see this ad, all of the surrounding commuters see it too. It is essentially a moving billboard, making it the perfect way to get your products or services in front of as many people as possible.
Targeting an Audience With Bus Advertising
Even though bus advertising casts a wide net to multiple demographics, it’s still important to target specific audiences. For instance, if you are placing your ads on small town buses, focus more on working class individuals. And if you are placing your ads on buses in New York, make it as inclusive to all demographics as possible. Have your marketing team do the research to figure out what cities your ads will do best in. This is the best way to get the best bang for your buck.
The Details: How Does It Work?
Ad placements are first come, first serve. So, be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spots. Especially if you plan to place ads during busy times of the year, like the holidays. Ad spots can get taken up quickly, so you will want to start working on your campaign early and stay on top of it.
How Much Does Bus Advertising Cost?
External bus ads can range anywhere from $160 to $6,500. It all depends on the scale of your ad. In addition to this cost, the size and scope of your ad will also play a role in determining the overall price per ad.
Is It Worth It?
So, the final takeaway question. Is bus advertising worth it? The short answer is yes, it can be. The only catch is that it is up to you and your marketing team or agency. If you put in the work, do the research, and create an ad tailored to your target demographic, you will certainly see the benefits that bus advertising can bring.
