How to Save Thousands on Billboard Advertising in Bangladesh!
How to Save Thousands on Billboard Advertising in Bangladesh!
Billboard advertising is one of the most powerful ways to reach a wide audience in Bangladesh. But if you’re not careful, the costs can add up quickly. The great news is that there are smart strategies to help you save money while still running an effective campaign. At Out of Home BD, Bangladesh’s largest out-of-home advertising portal, we know how important it is to balance cost and reach. This guide will walk you through how to save thousands on billboard advertising while maximizing the impact of your campaign.
What Determines Billboard Advertising Costs?
Before we dive into how to save money, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for when it comes to billboard advertising in Bangladesh. The cost is usually determined by four key factors:
- Location: Prime spots in Dhaka or Chittagong, like Gulshan or Bashundhara, are more expensive than rural or less-traveled areas.
- Size: Larger billboards naturally cost more to rent and maintain.
- Duration: Short-term contracts may cost more than long-term ones, where companies often offer discounts.
- Type of Billboard: Digital billboards tend to have different pricing from traditional ones.
Knowing what affects the price allows you to choose options that give you the most bang for your buck.
Personal anecdote: A client of ours once opted for a prime location in Dhaka for a month-long campaign but ended up switching to a smaller, but still busy area outside of the city. They saved 40% and saw almost the same results.
1. Use Long-Term Contracts to Your Advantage
One of the easiest ways to save money on billboard advertising is by opting for a longer-term contract. Most billboard companies in Bangladesh offer discounts for longer commitments. If you know that your campaign will run for several months or even a year, locking in a lower rate can save you a significant amount.
For example, a one-year contract might cost significantly less per month than a three-month contract. At Out of Home BD, we always recommend that our clients consider long-term commitments for the best rates.
Example: A small retail chain saved 20% by choosing a year-long contract with a billboard provider instead of renewing every three months.
2. Choose the Right Location Without Breaking the Bank
It’s tempting to go for the most high-profile billboard locations in Dhaka, but these can be very expensive. Instead, consider targeting areas that are still high-traffic but don’t carry the same premium price tag. For example, busy intersections in growing neighborhoods like Uttara or Mirpur can provide high visibility at a fraction of the cost of Gulshan or Banani.
New (NESB): Targeting lesser-known but upcoming areas gives you a fresh advantage over competitors who are focused on central locations. Easy: Out of Home BD provides data on traffic flow and audience demographics, so choosing the right spot is easy. Big Impact: Even at a lower cost, these locations can still deliver a massive reach, especially for local businesses.
3. Consider Digital Billboards for Cost-Efficiency
Digital billboards are an exciting new option in Bangladesh’s advertising landscape. While they might seem more expensive upfront, they can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Why? Because you can display multiple ads on a rotating schedule, allowing you to share the space with other advertisers.
This is especially great if you want a billboard in a prime location but don’t want to shoulder the entire cost yourself. You get visibility without the premium price.
For example, one of our clients, a local restaurant, shared a digital billboard with three other businesses. This cut their advertising costs by 60% while still keeping their brand visible in a prime spot in Dhanmondi.
Safe (NESB): Digital billboards are a reliable, modern solution with the ability to change ads quickly and without the added printing costs.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Many advertisers don’t realize that billboard rates are often negotiable. At Out of Home BD, we’ve seen firsthand how flexible billboard providers can be, especially if you’re willing to sign a longer contract or book multiple billboards at once. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or added perks like extended run times or extra ad placements.
One of our clients managed to negotiate a two-week bonus on a six-week campaign, essentially getting 8 weeks for the price of 6.
5. Time Your Campaigns for Off-Peak Periods
Just like with any other type of advertising, timing is everything. If you’re running a billboard ad during peak times like Eid or national holidays, you’ll pay a premium. However, if you can schedule your campaign during quieter months, you might be able to save big.
Easy: Out of Home BD helps clients identify these off-peak times, making it easier for them to plan and save.
6. Share Billboard Space with Another Brand
Billboards are large and can be shared between two or more brands, splitting the cost while still getting a significant amount of exposure. This is especially useful for smaller businesses that might not have the budget for a full billboard.
Big (NESB): Sharing a billboard with a complementary brand can make your message stand out even more. For instance, a café and a gym could team up on the same billboard, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Quote: “We saved thousands by sharing a billboard with a complementary brand and saw increased foot traffic to our stores,” said a local boutique owner.
7. Use Data to Maximize ROI
At Out of Home BD, we always recommend using data to drive your billboard advertising decisions. Tools like audience analytics and traffic data can help you determine the best locations, times, and billboard types for your ad. This ensures that you’re spending your money where it matters most.
For example, if your target audience is mostly commuting to work in the mornings, you’ll want to ensure that your billboard is in a high-traffic area during those times.
8. Test Different Ad Formats for Maximum Impact
Not all billboard ads are created equal. Sometimes, a simple change in design can make all the difference in the world. At Out of Home BD, we help our clients test different formats to see what works best.
- Billboard vs. Digital Ads: Try both and see which format brings in the best results for your brand. Digital billboards can be particularly useful for businesses that want to rotate multiple messages.
- Interactive Elements: Adding a QR code or a short URL can make your billboard more interactive, helping you track engagement and adjust your strategy.
9. Leverage Multi-Channel Marketing
While billboards are highly effective on their own, they work even better when combined with other marketing channels like social media or radio ads. By coordinating your billboard message with your online or offline marketing efforts, you can create a stronger, more consistent brand message.
Personal experience: We had a client who paired their billboard campaign with social media ads. The synergy between the two platforms helped them see a 25% increase in sales within just a few weeks.
10. Billboards: The Long-Term Benefits You Can’t Ignore
Billboards aren’t just a short-term solution. The long-term visibility they provide helps to build brand awareness over time. Even if someone doesn’t need your product or service today, seeing your brand repeatedly in their daily life can make them think of you when they do need it.
Safe: Billboards offer a reliable way to stay top-of-mind with consumers, making them one of the most trusted forms of advertising in Bangladesh.
Conclusion: Saving Money with Smart Billboard Advertising
Saving money on billboard advertising in Bangladesh doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or reach. By choosing the right locations, negotiating deals, and using innovative options like digital billboards, you can maximize your impact while staying within budget. At Out of Home BD, we’re committed to helping our clients get the most out of their advertising campaigns. Whether you’re a small business or a larger corporation, there are countless ways to cut costs without cutting corners.
"With Out of Home BD, you're not just buying a billboard – you're investing in smart, data-driven advertising that saves you money while delivering big results."
