Billboard Designs are the keystone of your success in billboard advertising. Billboards are huge! Literally. Every day, we pass by these giant signs on highways, busy streets, and in city centers. But have you ever wondered what makes some billboards stand out while others just blend into the background? Well, buckle up! We’re going to reveal 7 Billboard Design Secrets that top advertisers use, but don’t often share. These tips will help you design a billboard that grabs attention, delivers your message, and leaves a lasting impression.

Understanding What Makes a Billboard Work

Let’s start with the basics. Billboards are meant to be quick, bold, and to the point. Most people only have about 5-10 seconds to look at a billboard while driving by. So, your billboard must get your message across quickly and clearly.

Imagine a billboard that’s cluttered with too many words, small fonts, and dull colors. Would you remember it? Probably not. That’s why it’s important to make every element on the billboard work together to grab attention immediately.

Billboard Success Secret #1: Keep It Simple

One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing billboards is trying to say too much. You’ve got to keep it New, Easy, Safe, and Big (NESB).
Here’s how:

• New: Make sure the design is fresh and stands out.
• Easy: People shouldn’t struggle to understand your message.
• Safe: Your message should connect with something the viewer already knows.
• Big: Think big and bold — large fonts, large images.

I once saw a local burger joint use a billboard with just three words: “Best Burgers Ever!” That’s it. With a picture of a juicy burger, it immediately made me want to go there. Keeping it simple works!

How to Choose the Right Layout

Layout is everything. Think of your billboard as a canvas. Where you place the image, text, and logo makes a huge difference. You need to make sure that the message and visuals balance each other out.

Billboard Success Secret #2: Follow the Rule of Thirds

A great layout idea is using the rule of thirds. Divide your billboard into three sections, both horizontally and vertically. Put the most important parts (like your logo or key message) in the middle, where it will naturally catch the eye. Images can fill one or two sections.

Here’s a Quick Layout Guide:

Colors Matter – A Lot!

Have you ever noticed how some billboards almost jump out at you? That’s not by accident. Colors play a huge role in how people see and remember billboards.

Billboard Success Secret #3: Use High-Contrast Colors

When it comes to colors, think bold. You want high-contrast combinations that are easy to see from far away. For example, black text on a yellow background is one of the easiest color combos to read from a distance. On the other hand, colors like light blue on white? Hard to see, and easily ignored.

Here’s a quick comparison to show which colors work best:

Remember, color is the first thing people notice. Make it count!

Crafting the Perfect Billboard Message

Now that we’ve covered the visual part, let’s talk about your message. Writing for billboards is all about short and snappy.

Billboard Success Secret #4: Keep Your Text to 7 Words or Less

Yes, you read that right — 7 words or less! The shorter, the better. Remember, most people are driving past your billboard. They don’t have time to read a paragraph.

For example, a billboard for a pizza place might say, “Hot Pizza. 5 Minutes Away!” It’s short, it tells people exactly what they need to know, and it gives them a reason to take action.

Funnel Your Message Using AIDA

When writing your billboard text, think of the AIDA funnel:

• Attention: Grab attention with bold visuals and colors.
• Interest: Spark curiosity with a short, engaging message.
• Desire: Make people want what you’re offering.
• Action: Tell them what to do next (e.g., visit, call, or go online).

In just a few words, your message should follow this AIDA flow.

Text Size and Font Choice

Okay, let’s talk about something people often forget: the size of the text. No matter how catchy your message is, if people can’t read it, it’s useless.

Billboard Success Secret #5: Big, Bold Text Wins Every Time

Here’s a good rule to follow: The text on your billboard should be readable from at least 500 feet away. That means big, bold fonts that contrast well with your background.

Also, stick to simple fonts like sans-serif. Fancy fonts might look cool up close, but they’re harder to read from a distance.

Make it Creative, Make it Memorable

Great billboards don’t just give information—they tell a story or make an emotional connection. This is where creativity comes in.

Billboard Success Secret #6: Think Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your design. Use humor, clever wordplay, or surprising visuals to make your billboard stand out. One of the most famous examples is a 3D billboard for a hair product. The billboard featured long, flowing hair that actually moved with the wind. It was so creative that it became an instant hit and got people talking!

You don’t always have to use 3D designs, but think of ways to make your billboard unique and memorable. Even a clever tagline or fun image can leave a lasting impression.

Follow Billboard Design Best Practices

By now, you’ve learned some great billboard secrets. But how do you put them all together? Let’s wrap it up with a list of best practices to keep in mind when designing your billboard.

Billboard Success Secret #7: Stick to These Best Practices

1. Keep it simple: No more than 7 words.
2. Use high-contrast colors: Make sure the text is readable.
3. Big fonts: Your text should be legible from 500 feet away.
4. One key message: Don’t overwhelm viewers with too much information.
5. Creative visuals: Make your billboard stand out with bold designs.
6. Clear call to action: Tell viewers what to do next, whether it’s visiting your store, website, or giving you a call.
7. Test it out: Before finalizing your design, step back and imagine driving by it at 60 miles per hour. Would you get the message?

Conclusion: Go Big or Go Home

Designing a billboard might seem simple, but it’s an art. By following these 7 design secrets and using the NESB framework (New, Easy, Safe, and Big), you’ll create billboards that grab attention and drive action. Remember to keep things simple, bold, and creative. You’ve got a few seconds to make an impact, so make every element count!

Your billboard is an extension of your brand, and when done right, it can lead to big results. So, the next time you’re driving down the highway and spot an unforgettable billboard, you’ll know exactly what design secrets went into making it great.

Start designing your next billboard today and see how much of a difference these secrets make!

or Hire an Agency with success records.

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