Outdoor advertising, also known as out of home (OOH) marketing, remains one of the most effective ways to reach a wide audience. From billboards to transit ads, businesses are constantly asking key questions about costs, locations, and the benefits of choosing OOH advertising. Below, we answer the most common questions.
What does out of home mean in marketing?
Out of home (OOH) marketing refers to any form of advertising that reaches consumers when they are outside their homes. This includes street pole ads, billboards, transit advertising (on buses, taxis, trains), and digital outdoor screens. OOH helps brands gain visibility in high-traffic areas where people are commuting, shopping, or socializing.
How do I find the right location for my advertisement?
Choosing the right location is crucial for outdoor advertising success. Consider these factors:
- High-traffic areas like highways, busy intersections, and shopping districts.
- Local areas – intersections close to your business.
- Audience relevance – for example, street pole ads near a university for student-focused products.
- Visibility – clear sightlines without obstructions.
- Demographics of the area (income level, lifestyle, age group).
Advertisers often work with media owners who provide audience insights and traffic counts to guide the best placement decisions for the particular brand or business.
How much does advertising cost in South Africa?
Advertising costs vary depending on the medium:
- Billboards are priced based on size, location, and duration.
- Street pole ads and lamp post ads are more affordable options.
- Transit advertising depends on the number of vehicles and routes covered.
On average, OOH campaigns in South Africa can start from a few thousand rand for smaller ads to several hundred thousand rand for large-scale campaigns, using multiple forms of OOH advertising.
How much is it to rent a billboard?
Renting a billboard typically depends on:
- Location (urban vs. rural).
- Traffic volumes.
- Size and format (traditional or digital).
- Scale.
- Duration.
This makes billboard rental a flexible option for businesses that don’t want to invest in erecting a permanent structure.
How much does it cost to advertise on a billboard?
The total billboard advertising cost includes:
- Design and printing/production of the creative.
- Rental fee of the billboard space.
- Installation costs for mounting the ad.
If you’re wondering how much a billboard is in South Africa, expect prices to vary widely by city. For example, Johannesburg and Cape Town command higher rates than smaller towns due to higher traffic and visibility.
Where to advertise my business in South Africa?
Popular OOH options include:
- Highway billboards for mass reach.
- Street pole ads for local targeting and frequency.
- Transit advertising for mobility across different neighbourhoods.
- Mall advertising to reach shoppers.
The right platform depends on your target audience, budget and objectives.
One of the main benefits of using street pole advertising and transit advertising as a form of OOH advertising is repeated exposure – why?
Street pole and transit (ads on buses and taxis) advertising, offers repeated and long exposure. Street pole ads, offered by Adreach, come in runs of three and branded vehicles move through multiple neighbourhoods daily. Commuters and pedestrians encounter the ads repeatedly, reinforcing brand awareness and recall over time. Unlike online ads that disappear with a click, transit and street pole ads remain visible on busy routes for weeks or months.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor advertising continues to deliver high visibility and strong brand recall in South Africa. Whether you’re asking how much is a billboard in South Africa, looking at the cost of a street pole ad campaign, or simply deciding where to advertise your business, OOH offers various options to suit different budgets and business objectives.