Mobile Advertising

Every day on the streets, as we head to work or go out with friends, we see an unnatural number of advertisements. Some are fixed in place, like large billboards, while others move, like the ads on vehicles. What makes this topic somewhat perplexing is that each type has its own way of grabbing attention, along with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we will detail the differences between advertising placed on a vehicle that moves with it through the streets, and static advertisements found on walls, poles, or bridges. We will also try to answer the question on many people’s minds: Which is better? Mobile advertising or static billboards?

What is Mobile Advertising?

When we say “mobile advertising,” we mean ads placed on a mode of transport, whether it’s a taxi, minibus, bus, or even a delivery vehicle. This ad is designed, printed, and applied to the vehicle’s body. It travels the streets, tours the entire city, and is seen by a large number of people in different locations.

The big advantage here is that the ad isn’t confined to one spot. It moves with traffic, passes through main roads, popular districts, residential areas, malls, schools, and all of this in a single day!

How Does This Advertising Succeed?

Vehicle ads succeed when they are eye-catching. This means the design looks good, the colors are clear, and the message is short and simple. The driver next to you at the traffic light, or the person standing on the sidewalk, will inevitably have their eyes drawn to the ad the moment they see the vehicle.

If the ad is well-made, it will stick in people’s minds. They will remember the brand even if they weren’t planning to buy anything. This helps build brand awareness, especially for new companies or those entering the market.

Advantages of Mobile Advertising

1. Wide Reach: The ad reaches many different locations without you having to pay rent for each spot. The vehicle travels the city, and the ad goes with it.
2. Different Attention Grabber: People dislike repetition, but when they see a new ad every day on a different vehicle, it makes them notice it more.
3. Works Around the Clock: Whether morning, noon, or night, the vehicle is moving and the ad is being seen, even without running a massive campaign.
4. Cheaper Than Digital Screens: An ad printed on a vehicle costs less than booking an electronic screen in a large square or mall.

And Its Disadvantages?

1. No Control Over Location: You can’t always guarantee the vehicle will pass through areas where your target audience is.
2. Difficult to Measure: It’s hard to know exactly how many people saw the ad, making evaluation require methods beyond just numbers.
3. Affected by External Factors: Like traffic jams, rain, or even the driver parking the vehicle where the ad isn’t visible.
4. Limited Design: You can’t display a lot of information because people see the ad in seconds while moving.

Now, Let’s Look at Static Billboards

Static billboards are the classic type of advertising. They are in one fixed location: like a banner on a bridge, a sign on a fence, or a large ad on a building. They are clear, large in size, and can be seen from a distance.

These billboards work on the principle that people pass by them daily and see them. This repetition causes the message to stick in their minds.

Their Advantages

1. Fixed and Guaranteed: The ad is in the same place, so you’re guaranteed that everyone passing by will see it every day.
2. Large Space for Content: You can display an image, product name, price, and even contact information.
3. Stronger in Certain Locations: Like highways or on top of tall buildings, a static billboard delivers the message clearly and prominently.

And Their Disadvantages?

1. Expensive in Prime Locations: If you want to place an ad in a busy spot like October Bridge or Salah Salem Road, you’ll pay a hefty price.
2. Difficult to Change: If you have a limited-time offer that ends, or need to make an update, you have to print a new billboard, costing time and money.
3. No Movement: The ad is static, so people who see it multiple times might get bored, especially if the design is ordinary.

So, Which Type Should You Choose?

This depends on your goal, budget, and the type of audience you want to reach.

• If you want to introduce people to your name quickly and your ad is simple and eye-catching, vehicle advertising will be excellent.
• If you have a clear message and are focusing on a specific location where your audience is, and your budget allows, static billboards will be a strong choice.

Can We Use Both?

Absolutely, and this is what many people do. Combining vehicle advertising with static billboards can give you a very powerful result.

For example, place your ad on vehicles touring the city, and at the same time, put up a large billboard on a main road. This ensures people see your ad multiple times in different places.

Conclusion

Mobile vehicle advertising and static billboards each have their own way of working and a different impact. Neither is absolutely better than the other; each has its time and place.

The intelligence isn’t in choosing one and abandoning the other. The intelligence lies in understanding your project’s nature, knowing your audience, and selecting the appropriate type at the appropriate time.

In all cases, an attractive design and a clear message are the foundation that makes any advertisement succeed – whether it’s moving on wheels or standing still, pointing people towards you.