The shift from print to Digital Out-of-Home marketing has been a long one. The first digital billboards were installed in 2005, launching a shift that would see increasing digitalization of commercial and public spaces. Digital billboards provided dynamic messaging and video advertising, and would eventually become so much more.
Before long, digital billboards weren't just an alternative to print billboards. They'd gone portable, finding use in big activations, trade shows, and temporary set ups.
Today, the technology is more advanced than ever. It's become much more affordable to use and easier to deploy in a wider range of situations. Greater availability has seen portable digital billboard rentals become more common as they are increasingly deployed in shorter events rather than permanent installations. They've become a favorite tool of marketing agencies and brands planning their own activations.
How much has the technology behind portable digital billboards changed? These are some of the big new trends in digital billboard technology that are worth exploring if you're in marketing, event organizing, retail, property management, hospitality, or any of the industries that can put portable digital billboards to good use.
#1 Better Battery Power
Much like improvements in EV battery capacity, market-leading portable digital billboards today have improved battery capacity and are no longer restricted to places where a cord can reach a power source. You don't have to fuss around with extension cords or generators to set up where you want/
That means you can place portable digital billboards wherever you need. This freedom has opened up opportunities to use portable digital billboards in outdoor venues.
#2 Immersive Gamification Experiences
It's not just the hardware that's improved in digital billboards. There are companies now that can provide off-the-shelf and customized gamification experiences for your activations.
Gamification experiences provide interactivity, fun, and surprise that will bring audiences to you. They're one of the better ways you can attract attention when you're out in the world.
Today's leading digital billboard companies can help you create a custom experience that expresses your brand's personality and makes a lasting impression on participants.
You can make the most of these software improvements by working with a digital billboard company that acts as a turn-key partner and helps develop your content for activations.
#3 Easy Setup in Outdoor Environments
The best portable digital billboards on the market can now be used outdoors with ease. Digital billboards once required structural engineer certification, permits, and even liability insurance.
Today, the best products on the market can be placed anywhere you need, without needing a permit or a structural engineer to sign off on the setup. There are also digital billboard companies that take on all the risks and provide confidence, security, and safety.
#4 Interactivity
Portable digital billboards aren't just visual technology anymore. They increasingly use interactive technology to enhance the experience and give marketers more options.
One feature to look for in indoor billboards is touch control, while outdoor billboards can offer gesture control. These features can be used for gamification experiences, wayfinding, product information, and more.
Portable digital billboard technology has changed in some big ways since they were first introduced. There's never been a better time to explore the possibilities with portable digital billboards.
