Billboards come in a number of different sizes but there are a set of universal rules that should be followed to make your billboard stand out.

• Keep text to a minimum for roadside billboards, making use of bullet points when text is necessary.
  
  
• For billboards at train and tube stations more words can be used as people are waiting around at these locations and therefore have more time to view and read billboards.
  
  
• Photos and pictures work well. If used for branding ensure that the photo reflects the image that you wish to portray about your business.
  
  
• Using humour is always a good way to connect to your audience, particularly when used on billboards located where people have time to read them.
  
  
• Billboards are about branding - use the correct colours and make logos prominent.
  
  
• Include your website address. Including a phone number is not particularly important - people like to think about things and obtain more information before phoning a number.
  
  
• Use colours that contrast - the billboard must be completely clear when viewed at a distance. Always print off the design and check that it can be clearly read from a distance.
  
  
• ‘Interactive’ billboard ads are a promising growth area, working through sending out a bluetooth text to people within the vicinity of a particular billboard ad. This is also sometimes known as bluepod marketing - combining this with billboard advertising creates interaction with your brand, a call to action, and buzz. Find out more about bluetooth marketing.