Jun 29 • By Matador Mobile Advertising
Do Billboards Still Work in 2025?
(And What to Do When Price and ROI Don’t Make Sense)
In 2025, with social media, online ads, and attention spans shrinking by the second…
You might be wondering: Do billboards still work?
And more importantly, are they worth it for you?
Let’s start with the data…
“Out of home (OOH) advertising revenue surpassed $9.1 billion in 2024, a 4.5% increase from the previous year.”
The numbers don’t lie. People are spending alot of money on billboards, so it must work for someone…
But as a small or mid-sized business owner, you’re probably wondering:
Let’s break it all down.
Will Billboards Actually Help My Business?
Short answer: Sometimes.
In the right context, they absolutely work.
In a world overwhelmed by digital noise, traditional and digital outdoor ads offer a refreshing contrast.
The Solomon Partners 2023 analysis found that out-of-home ads (like billboards) deliver significantly higher recall than TV, radio, print, podcasts, and online ads.
But if you’re a small or mid-sized business, effectiveness depends on your goal, your budget, and your market.
Here’s what makes billboard campaigns stand out:
Digital fatigue: People ignore pop‑ups, banners, and feeds, but with limited distractions when driving, you’re more likely to see a 14‑foot sign on the side of the road.
Instant credibility & visibility: A billboard says “we’re real, local, and established.”
The “I saw you on a billboard!” effect: That “just-seen” emotional boost adds to trust and word-of-mouth.
Billboards are best when you want to:
Build strong local brand awareness
Lock in long-term campaigns
Give customers clear direction (e.g., “Take Exit 9 for the Best Crab Cakes in Baltimore”)
But billboards are not always the right solution…
The Challenges With Traditional Billboards
Consider the following factors:
High Cost: You’re often looking at $2,000–$15,000/month depending on demand factors such as location, time of year, etc.
Lengthy Setup: Permits, approvals, and installation can cost extra and take weeks to complete.
Long-Term Commitment: Most vendors require 1–6 month contracts because of the high setup and installation investment.
Limited Inventory: Prime billboard spots are in limited supply. Often, billboard companies are booked out months to a full year in advance.
Low Flexibility: Once the design is up, it’s final. If it flops, it stays that way. You can't simply tear down the vinyl without incurring heavy fees.
So what other options do you have?
Your Other Outdoor Options
| Method | Reach | Cost | Flexibility | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fence Banners | Low | Low | Fixed | Storefronts, intersections |
| Yard Signs/Posters | Low | Very Low | Flexible | Neighborhood drops, local blitz |
| Sign Wavers (People) | Medium | Mid | Short-term | Temporary promos, weekends |
| Booths/Tents | Low–High | High | Location-bound | Events, fairs, activations |
| Mobile Billboard Trucks | High | Mid | Highly Flexible | City-wide campaigns, short-term blitzes, competitive areas |
Each of these works in the right setting, but has its own trade-offs.
How to Get Billboard Performance with Less Commitment and More Flexibility?
Digital mobile billboard trucks might be the solution for you.
They’re exactly what they sound like: Large, digital LED screens that drive through high-traffic areas, looping your ad over and over.
Digital billboard trucks let you:
Launch in days (no permits or setup)
Go where the people are: downtown, events, even under competitor billboards.
Run any videos, graphics, that fit on the truck
Test different creatives without paying for a new print job
Change routes anytime to follow traffic, events, or campaigns
Run with virtually zero commitment: Run for a one-day event or build a multi-week campaign.
The flexibility of mobile billboards enables you to fill the gaps that traditional billboards leave, allowing you to compete in markets regardless of billboard availability.
Billboard Advertising Costs: Traditional vs Mobile
| Format | Average Cost | Commitment | Setup Time | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Billboard | $2,000–$15,000/mo | 1–6 months | Weeks (permits) | Long-term brand awareness, static routes |
| Mobile Billboard | ~$1,000/day | 1–10 days | 1–2 days | Event-based, short-run blitzes, high competition |
| Matador Mobile: "Just Pay for Gas" | ~$125 (4 hours) | One-time | 24–48 hrs | First time trial, local awareness |
Try a Mobile Billboard for Yourself and Just Pay for Gas
Wondering if mobile billboards are right for your business?
Here at Matador Mobile Advertising, we offer a low-risk, first-time trial, allowing you to try a mobile billboard for next to nothing.
We’ll run a 4-hour local campaign, and you just cover the cost of gas, and driver ($125).
This Is Perfect for…
Service business looking for new local leads
Launching a product or opening a new location
Event organizers who want to add extra flair to their event
Local restaurant, bar, or dessert shop
Political campaign trying to boost recognition
Businesses who are just plain curious about what mobile billboards could do for you
Closing Thoughts
Billboards work. But they don’t work for every business or every campaign. Due to the higher cost and commitment, Mobile billboards may be a higher flexibility alternative with similar results.
If you think mobile billboards could be right for you, check out our first-time trial offer and get your campaign running this week.
Then, decide where to take your advertising!