If you’ve been looking for a great return on your business’ marketing spend, look no further than Los Angeles billboards. As the 2nd largest city in the United States, with almost 4 million residents and 50 million tourists each year, your billboard will get noticed. It’s the home base of multiple big businesses. The population is always on the go (meaning they’ll see your ads). And the demographics are diverse.

Traffic Jams Are Your Marketing Buddies

When you’re a commuter, traffic is the bane of your existence. But when you’re marketing your business, it’s a boon for your ROI. A commuter stuck on the 405 when it's a glorified parking lot becomes your billboard's captive audience.

With an average commute time of 32 minutes, billboards offer many opportunities to increase your business's visibility. And, you’re not limited to one size. There are three types of billboards available in LA: Bulletins, Posters, and Junior Posters.

Bulletin Billboards: Go Big or Go Home

These are the biggest boards available. Bulletin billboards are often the preferred option for big companies and massive ad budgets. Usually placed in high-traffic areas, over major roadways, or on expressways, these offer you the most coverage.

Typically purchased for extended periods, these billboards give you great value. Your reach will be long-lasting. And, because drivers pass them multiple times each day, they’ll see them more frequently and have a bigger impact. An added bonus is that they’re not only eye-catching for commuters; pedestrians see them too!

If you’re looking to achieve name recognition or build your brand, it’s hard to go wrong with bulletin billboards. Most are 14’ x 48’ in size, but it varies.

Posters: 30 Sheets of Coverage

Posters, often called 30 sheets, are an attractive option for advertisers who want decent coverage for their ad campaigns. At 10’ 5” x 22’ 8,” these medium-sized boards don’t cost as much but still increase your visibility. They usually run for a 4-week period.

Usually placed on local roads, posters are ideal to help you reach specific customer demographics with short-term campaigns. They’re an option well-suited to local promotions or events.

Junior Posters: 8 Sheets for Neighborhood Campaigns

Not all businesses need city-wide coverage for their ad campaign. For a local neighborhood presence, junior posters are a great, cost-effective option. They are ideal for reaching highly specific demographics using localized targeting. Placed for enhanced visibility in a viewer’s line of sight, junior posters are usually placed in high-traffic or well-populated locations close to your physical location.

Have the Lights Dimmed on Digital Billboards in Los Angeles?

Highly desirable, digital billboards can be launched quickly and without printing costs. With the ability to update your ad in real-time and sync it with social media, it’s hard to beat. If you have a time-sensitive campaign, or you want flexible purchase options, you want to go digital. You can rent for a day or a year!

However, in 2009, the Los Angeles city council banned new digital billboards. They are now only allowed in specific areas in or around the city. While there has been some movement in trying to overhaul the sign code, there have also been attempts to ban digital billboards on cars.

What Impacts Billboard Pricing?

There’s a wide range of prices when it comes to billboards in the Los Angeles area. On the low end, you might see prices of $2,000/month. But, on the high end, you may be paying upwards of $20,000/month. They can go up even more at certain times of the year.

When it comes to billboard prices, you’ll notice the price varies based on a number of factors:

1. How much demand is there for this location?
2. What neighborhood does it advertise to?
3. How good is its location within the community?
4. Do the primary neighborhood demographics match my ideal customers?
5. How many views or impressions can I expect the billboard to deliver?
   
   

The most coveted spots are in-demand. But, many factors come into play with billboard pricing. Boards on the right-hand side of the street almost always cost more because they’re easier for car occupants to read while moving. Visual barriers, like buildings or landscaping features, reduce board prices. But if you plan for that obstruction in your ad design, you may still find good value in a less competitive location.

Final Thoughts

While billboard advertising in Los Angeles won’t guarantee seeing your ad in lights with a digital display, it will get you noticed. And, there are many options for businesses at a variety of price points. For the number of impressions, you can get from a single billboard, the ROI has amazing potential. And, if you can plan your ad design around a visual barrier or two, you will find opportunities to maximize your return for minimal investment.