How to advertise on a billboard

There are many ways to advertise, but few offer a 24-hour presence, targeted coverage and bold, colorful images to thousands of people every day – and at a cost-per thousand exposure that is relatively low. In some cases, it can be absolutely free. Outdoor advertising companies seek to keep all their billboards running with commercial, paid messages. The reality, however, is that there usually will be boards available where advertisers have dropped their contracts for a variety of reasons, leaving outdoor signs empty. Use your negotiating skills to ask the advertising company to post your billboard message as a public service announcement until it can obtain the next corporate advertiser.

 

Billboards are most likely located throughout your area, but finding one that is available might be tricky.

• Browse  outdoorbillboard.com under the heading “billboards for rent.”
• Search “outdoor advertising near me” on Google and look for local companies.
• Drive around the area and note the billboards in your market that offer potential for your messages. Visit those companies to discuss vacancies and the possibility of public service assistance to The American Legion.

As a nonprofit organization with a history of supporting veterans, their families and the youth of America, The American Legion qualifies as a 501c(19) charitable entity. Many outdoor advertising companies assist American Legion posts and departments with signage as a free public service on their unsold boards for a month or more. Others, however, may have rigid policies that preclude public service advertising. Every company and location is different.