Design Tips for Creating a Successful Ad Campaign

We get it—designing a billboard can be scary, especially if you’ve never done it before. Your ad could be posted on a huge billboard on the side of a busy highway, or maybe on a smaller one right next to your storefront, or … anywhere, really. 

But regardless of the size or location of your billboard, we promise, creating a stunning design that’ll get customers running to your business isn’t as hard as it may seem—just make sure you follow these design guidelines. 

Keep it Minimal 

Have you ever been speeding down the highway on the way to work, and passed a billboard that’s packed with so many words or elements that you don’t even know where to look? That’s what you should avoid. 

We generally advise using no more than eight to ten words, and using one central image. This will help ensure that passersby can actually read what it is you’re trying to say, and see that stunning photo or graphic. 

Be Legible 

Trust us, we know that it can be hard not to use those super fun, calligraphic fonts. They’re so elegant, and maybe they capture your brand’s essence to a T. 

But they’re also really hard to read quickly. We advise using large, bold, easy-to-read typefaces to ensure that onlookers can read your message!

Similar to what we said in our first point, designing an ad that’s easy to read is one of the most important aspects when it comes to billboard advertising. Avoid crowding too many words in one space, adding too much text overall, and using large or difficult words. 

Be Bold 

High contrast, large font, and engaging images are great ways to get your message across quickly. 

Be Remembered 

Try relying on imagery over words—use engaging elements or photos that will stick in a potential customer’s mind after they see the ad. 

Catchy taglines, silly puns, and memorable photos are a great way to do this. 

Be Appropriate

Remember, billboards are viewed by anyone who happens to come across them, and most have restrictions on what can and can’t be advertised on them. Categories like politics, adult or sexual content, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco have many guidelines that must be followed. 

Even if your business doesn’t fall under any of those categories, profanity, hate speech, or innuendos may still be declined. 

Still don’t feel like you’re ready to tackle that ad design on your own? No worries—our design team is here to help, whether that’s by creating your ad for you from scratch, or providing some feedback along the way. 

For more information on how to get that personalized help or if you need a design template, visit our Design Page. 

For more detailed tips and tricks, visit our Design Tips Page.