The Difference Between Advertising on Billboards and Promoting on Cars

In light of the intense competition in the Saudi markets, companies and institutions strive to attract the attention of the public through innovative and effective advertising methods. While billboards remain one of the most famous traditional advertising tools, advertising on cars has emerged as a modern and eye-catching method that helps reach a wide audience in a smart and mobile way. In this article, we highlight the fundamental difference between these two methods to help you choose the best approach for your upcoming campaign, drawing on our expertise at Al-Omari Agency.

Advertising on Cars

Billboards

Moving Advertisements

Advertising on Billboards: A Fixed Visual Presence

Billboards are an ideal choice for advertisers seeking a strong and permanent visual presence in vital locations. These boards are usually installed on highways, bridges, and important intersections, making them visible to hundreds or even thousands of cars daily.

The main advantage of this type of advertising is its permanence and stability, which allows for repeated viewing and embeds the message in people’s minds. Additionally, the large size of billboards offers an opportunity for striking designs and clear logos that can be seen from afar.

However, despite its effectiveness, roadside advertising remains relatively expensive, especially if you are targeting high-traffic areas. Changing or modifying it requires additional time and cost, making it less flexible compared to other advertising methods.

Advertising on Cars: Advertising That Moves With You

On the other hand, advertising on cars offers a dynamic and innovative way to advertise. It involves wrapping vehicles (whether small cars, vans, or even trucks) with advertising designs that carry the company’s identity and marketing message. As the car moves through streets and neighborhoods, the advertising message reaches various places daily, expanding coverage and increasing reach opportunities.

This type of advertising is more flexible and less costly, giving small and medium-sized companies an effective presence without the need for a huge investment. It is also easy to modify or update according to the campaign or seasons, providing advertisers the freedom to change quickly as needed.

Another important advantage is that car advertising creates a different kind of visual interaction, especially in crowded streets. The distinctive design attracts the attention of passersby and drivers, especially if the vehicle is fully covered with colors and unique logos.

Difference in Audience Reach

One of the main differences between the two methods lies in how the advertisement reaches the audience. Billboard advertising depends on its fixed location, primarily targeting people who pass that road daily. Therefore, if you are targeting a specific group of people within a neighborhood or certain area, billboards might be a suitable option.

Meanwhile, advertising on cars stands out due to its ability to reach diverse segments of the audience in various locations, whether in the city or suburbs. This makes it ideal for businesses aiming to reach a larger number of people in a short period or for those involved in delivery services and field visits.

Cost and Investment Differences

From a financial perspective, billboards require a higher budget, whether in terms of space rental or design and installation costs. Obtaining prime locations also requires procedures and permits that may be cumbersome for some.

In contrast, car advertising is relatively less expensive, especially if you own a fleet of cars that you can use directly. Even if you rely on rented or dedicated advertising vehicles, the overall cost remains lower compared to billboard advertising, with a higher short-term return if the design and target areas are chosen carefully.

Flexibility and Ease of Updates

One of the strongest points of car advertising is its high flexibility. You can modify the advertising message at any time, whether to promote a new product or keep up with a certain season like Ramadan or back-to-school periods. The process takes only a few hours and is relatively low cost.

In comparison, changes to billboards are not as easy. You need to dismantle the old board, prepare a new design, and then install it again at the same or a different location, which means more time and higher costs.

Visual Impact and Overall Impression

Visually, billboards leave a strong impression in terms of grandeur and permanence, especially in national campaigns or large advertisements for well-known brands. Car advertising, however, relies on the element of “surprise” or “moving distinction,” as a vehicle carrying an attractive advertisement design amid traffic may attract more attention than a traditional billboard.

Therefore, the choice of method depends on the type of message to be conveyed, the target audience, and the nature of the business. Official campaigns and those heavily focused on brand identity may suit billboards, while campaigns seeking wider spread across multiple locations and flexible interaction may prefer car advertising.

What Does Al-Omari Agency Offer You?

At Al-Omari Agency, we have extensive experience in designing and implementing both billboards and car advertising with high professionalism and superior quality. We don’t just offer an advertisement; we provide an effective way to communicate with your audience, combining creativity and marketing strategy.

Whether you want advertising coverage in a prime highway location or to launch a mobile campaign that penetrates streets and neighborhoods, our team is ready to provide innovative advertising solutions that achieve your goals precisely.

A Smart Choice Based on Your Goals

There is no absolute better choice between billboards and car advertising. Each method has its own advantages and suits specific goals and conditions. What matters most is understanding your audience, defining your marketing goals, and choosing the method that maximizes the benefit from your budget.

If you’re unsure about the best option, don’t hesitate to contact Al-Omari Agency. We are here to help you build an effective outdoor advertising plan with suitable prices and unforgettable striking designs.