Thinking About Going Digital? Here’s When (and How) to Make the Switch
If you own or sell billboards, you’ve probably thought about making the jump from static to digital. And for good reason—digital billboards let you sell multiple ad slots, update messages instantly, and attract more advertisers. But when is the right time to switch? And what should you consider before making the investment? Let’s break it down.
Signs It’s Time to Go Digital
Switching to digital isn’t just about keeping up with the times. It’s about making smart business decisions. Here are a few signs that upgrading might be the right move:
- Advertisers Want More Flexibility – If clients are asking for short-term campaigns, real-time updates, or multiple rotating messages, digital gives them exactly that.
- Your Billboard Is in a High-Traffic Area – The more eyes on your board, the more valuable those rotating ad slots become. If you’ve got a prime location, digital can seriously boost your revenue.
- Competitors Are Making the Move – If nearby billboard companies are going digital, sticking with static could put you at a disadvantage.
- You Want to Tap into Programmatic Advertising – Digital billboards let you sell ad space through automated platforms, bringing in new revenue streams you’d never get with a static board.
- Clients Are Tired of Printing Costs – Let’s face it—printing vinyls isn’t cheap. Digital lets advertisers change messages instantly without the hassle of production and installation.
What You Need to Know Before Making the Switch
- Check Local and State Regulations – Not all areas allow digital billboards, and some have strict rules about brightness, animation, or placement. Before making any moves, check with your local and state authorities to avoid headaches later.
- Start Where Demand Is Highest – If you’re not ready to go all-in on digital, start by converting a board in a high-traffic area where you already have advertiser interest.
- Educate Your Clients – Many advertisers don’t realize what digital can do. Show them how they can run time-sensitive promotions, update messaging on the fly, and get more value out of their ad spend.
- Plan for the Investment – Digital billboards aren’t cheap, but they can pay off quickly. Do the math, explore financing options, and make sure your market can support the transition. Verde offers financing options for your new display.
- More Designs Needed – Digital boards require more design time upfront to get your advertisers live, and those digital customers will want to keep updating their ads in the future. Make sure you have in-house design or a service like Tasty Ad to assist you in ad creation.
- A Reputable Digital Manufacturer – Make sure you select a digital billboard screen that will not only look good, but will run smoothly. We recommend Watchfire Signs.
The Bottom Line
Switching from static to digital isn’t just about upgrading—it’s about staying competitive and increasing revenue. If you’re seeing strong demand, have a great location, and understand the regulations, making the move could be the best thing you do for your billboard business.
