10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to start your own offline advertising empire

by Avalonesa
8 replies
Hey folks, I'm wondering how billboard advertising empires start off.

What gives them the right to just make a billboard where they want? How can we replicate their success?
#advertising #empire #offline #start
  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    Originally Posted by Avalonesa View Post

    Hey folks, I'm wondering how billboard advertising empires start off.

    What gives them the right to just make a billboard where they want? How can we replicate their success?
    I once knew a guy who had built a billboard company. He started with one, and when I knew him he had around 120.

    He took me up in his helicopter to show me a few of his locations.

    I personally think you would be better off finding one for sale and buying it. There would be much less risk because you would be able to look at the books and know how it has performed over the last five years. You would likely pay more than building your own, but lower risk exposure is worth the extra cost.
    Signature
    Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8031521].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Avalonesa
      Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

      I once knew a guy who had built a billboard company. He started with one, and when I knew him he had around 120.

      He took me up in his helicopter to show me a few of his locations.

      I personally think you would be better off finding one for sale and buying it. There would be much less risk because you would be able to look at the books and know how it has performed over the last five years. You would likely pay more than building your own, but lower risk exposure is worth the extra cost.
      But even if I wanted to build my own, who's permission do I need?

      Presumably my city council's right?
      Signature

      Read the rules -- no affiliate links allowed in posts or sigs.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8031555].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dave147
    Here's one:

    Australia Businesses For Sale - Billboard Advertising / Leasing & Sign Business Business For Sale. Sell a business for FREE at GlobalBX - Businesses For Sale
    Signature

    THESE PRODUCTS FREE @ adsense-expert
    When You Get The 300 Logo Templates Here
    $500.00 in FREE Advertising For You Here

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8031589].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DABK
      You mean, you want to own the places where billboards go on?

      You want to add a billboard holder on top of a building, then rent out the billboard, or create an ad and display it there?

      You need to check with the zoning department to find out what you need. Some properties are zoned in such a way that a billboard 'thingie' can go on there without anyone's approval (assuming the parameters are not exceeded, i.e., if it says you can have one that's 21 feet tall and you build one that's 21 feet tall or shorter, you don't need to do anything that much (pay for the permit to build, have it inspected). If you want to build one that's 30 feet tall, you'd have to apply for a zoning variance, then, if you get it, you go through all the other steps (get the permit, get inspected, etc.).

      In the US, most (maybe all) cities have a website with info as to how to contact the zoning department or their zoning code online.

      Here's the City of Chicago Zoning Ordinance chapter 12, deals with signs:
      http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Illinois/chicagozoning/title17chicagozoningordinance/chapter17-12signs?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0#JD_17-12-1000

      Here's the link to apply for billboards with the city of Chicago:
      City of Chicago :: Signs: Business Identification (On-Premise) and Advertising (Off-Premise)

      I know, you might not be in Chicago. Still, you'll get the idea. Your city, if it's large enough, will have something like Chicago does. If it's not, it will have it differently, possibly all done in person, nothing online.

      Generally speaking, small cities around Chicago copy what Chicago does a lot (why invest tons of money inventing the wheel when you Chicago's already done it). The same is probably true elsewhere.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8034016].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author arvindsingh00
    Billboard Advertising is really a good idea to promote any products around the whole city or locality.

    Choosing a right place is the main element to get on top of the roof.
    Signature

    Arvind Singh - India Law & Digital Marketing Delhi

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8152104].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SashaLee
    Hi there,

    While it's always good to replicate success, I think billboards are probably the ugliest form of advertising. When I go on holidays, I love to go to places where there are none.

    That being said - you'll need the property owner's permission along with whatever municipality (city/town/county/state) license/permit that's required to stick one up. I'm sure a call to your local county council office will clear that up right quick.

    All the best,

    Sasha.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8152379].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      I have an "Indoor BillBoard" biz (see photo below) A 2ft by 3ft wide frame with a MAP of the area in middle and Ads of local biz around edges.

      I place these on Lobby Walls of local hotels.

      I also make "Daily Special Boards" for popular restaurants. In middle is a "Write-On, Wipe-Off" slate with Ads around the edges.

      Don Alm....Sales & Marketing guy

      (Sorry....photo has too many bytes)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8153636].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    You initial investment can be hefty depending on what type of billboards you will be installing, vinyl vs LED etc. Do a search for Billboard Forum and you will find answers to pretty much every question you have.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8154589].message }}

Trending Topics