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How are hoardings different from billboards?

hoarding around an office development London

If you’ve ever stepped out, you may have noticed eye-catching ads plastered above your head. Some call them billboards. Others refer to them as hoardings. But are they the same thing? Not quite.

Distinctions between billboards and hoardings

If you’re working with a hoarding service in the UK, understanding the difference between hoardings and billboards is crucial. It can really help you get the best bang for your buck.

First things first: what is a billboard?

In the UK, a billboard typically refers to a large outdoor advertising structure. You’ll see them on roadsides, above buildings, near train stations. Basically, they are present anywhere with a high footfall or vehicle traffic. A billboard is designed to catch your attention quickly, often in just a few seconds. Billboard ads tend to be bold, simple, and straight to the point. Think of brands like Coca-Cola or McDonald’s. Their billboard designs are clean, colourful, and instantly recognisable.

What about hoardings?

Now, here’s where it gets a bit more British. Hoarding in the UK usually refers to the wooden or metal boards that go up around construction sites. But they’re not just for keeping dust and debris in. Marketers saw an opportunity. These boards became prime real estate for advertising. You’ll often find hoardings promoting the very development going up behind them.

Hoardings are static, often stretching across long lengths. You can add more detail to it than your average billboard. Since pedestrians might walk slowly by or even stop to read them, hoardings give you a bit more space. You can utilise the space to tell a story or show off multiple visuals.

Why does the distinction matter?

If you’re working with a creative marketing agency, understanding these subtle differences helps shape your campaign’s goals. Billboards are your way to offer fast-paced exposure to a large audience. But if you’re looking to create something visually immersive, hoardings can be incredibly effective.

At the end of the day, both hoardings and billboards are powerful tools to showcase your commodity. You cannot ignore the importance of either of them. However, to get proper assistance in putting up an immersive visual campaign, you should connect to a trusted source like Reade Signs. We have been a prominent hoarding service in the UK, working in the field for several years. Contact us today to find out more.

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