Tips for First-Time Advertisers
Thinking of running your first Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) ad? Great move.
DOOH — like digital billboards, mall screens, or transit TVs — is a powerful way to grab attention in the real world. But unlike social media or online banners, you only have a few seconds to make an impression.
So how do you create an ad that works?
Here are five key tips to help you design a DOOH ad that actually gets noticed — and remembered.
1. Keep Your Message Short and Simple
Most DOOH screens display content for just 5 to 20 seconds. That’s not enough time to read a paragraph.
✅ What works:
- “50% OFF THIS WEEKEND”
- “NOW OPEN: SS15 BRANCH”
- “ORDER ONLINE: mybrand.com”
🚫 What doesn’t:
- Long descriptions
- Multiple offers or messages in one ad
- Quick transitions between scenes/images
Rule of thumb: Stick to one clear idea per ad.
2. Use Bold, High-Contrast Visuals
DOOH screens are viewed from a distance and often in bright environments. Your design needs to pop instantly.
✅ Tips:
- Use large fonts (sans serif is better)
- Choose strong color contrast (e.g., white text on dark background)
- Highlight key words (like “FREE” or “NEW”)
Avoid light-on-light colors or overly detailed images — they get lost.
3. Include a Call to Action (CTA)
What do you want people to do after seeing your ad?
✅ Good CTAs:
- “Visit our showroom for a free consultation”
- “Scan to order”
- “Try our RM5 lunch set”
Even if you can’t track clicks, a clear action prompt makes your ad more memorable and purposeful.
4. Think About Time and Place
Your audience and setting matter. A message that works on a weekday morning train screen may not be right for a nighttime highway billboard.
✅ Examples:
- Morning: “Skip cooking tonight. Order now.”
- Weekend: “Brunch set from RM12 – this Sat & Sun only”
In the beautiful metropolis of Jakarta, it is macet all day everyday. You are just guaranteed views. And in slow, standstill traffic, unskippable vibrant formats or videotron work 100%.
Plan creative around location and time slot when booking — it makes a difference.
5. Less is More — Especially with Animation
Yes, DOOH can play videos and motion ads. But don’t overdo it.
✅ Keep animations:
- Smooth and subtle
- Around 3 seconds between transitions
- Focused on reinforcing, not distracting from your message
Simple fade-ins or moving text can add polish without overwhelming viewers.
Bonus Tip: Test and Learn
If you’re using a platform like VideOOH.Deals, you can test different visuals across different locations to test which messages work best.
Start small, see what works, and scale up from there.
Final Word
Your first DOOH ad doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be clear, eye-catching, and relevant.
Follow these basics and you’ll already be ahead of many first-time advertisers.
Need help designing your first ad? We’re happy to offer free templates or advice — just reach out.
