How to Design a Billboard That Actually Works
The best billboard designs are simple. They have a strong offer, a clear call to action, and very few words. The goal is for drivers to understand your message instantly.
The 5 Golden Rules of Billboard Design
Drivers only have a few seconds to read your board. Keep it punchy.
1. Seven Words or Less
We recommend using no more than five to seven main words. If it takes longer than 3 seconds to read, it's too long.
2. Huge, Legible Fonts
Use bold, non-serif fonts. Avoid thin, script, or decorative fonts that are hard to read from 500 feet away at 70 MPH.
3. High Contrast Colors
Black on yellow, white on black, or yellow on black. High contrast ensures your message pops against the sky and background.
4. One Clear Call to Action
Don't include a phone number, website, AND address. Pick the single most important way for customers to reach you and make it massive.
5. Focus on the Offer
A billboard should be simple, memorable, and focused on one clear offer. "Free Roof Inspection", "Exit 45 for BBQ", "Injured? Call 555-5555". Don't waste space on corporate fluff.
Good vs. Bad Design
Welcome to Johnson & Sons Family Dentistry
Serving the community since 1995 with comprehensive dental care for the whole family.
Services: Cleanings, X-Rays, Root Canals, Whitening, Braces
Call us today at (555) 123-4567 or visit www.johnsonandsonsfamilydentistry.com
1234 Main Street, Suite 100, Cityville, State 12345
- Too many words (impossible to read at highway speeds)
- Multiple calls to action (phone, website, address)
- Weak contrast and hard-to-read fonts
- Cluttered with unnecessary information
TOOTHACHE?
555-123-4567
- Under 5 words
- Massive, legible font
- Extremely high contrast (Black on Yellow)
- One clear, memorable call to action
Need Help with Design? We've Got You Covered.
Blanning Company can handle the design work for you. If you sign a two-year agreement, we waive the design, printing, and hanging fee. Let our experts create a high-converting billboard for your business.
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