How to make an LED billboard ad people notice: 7 practical tips

An LED billboard ad has only a few seconds to catch the eye of someone passing by car or on foot. In that short time it has to say who you are, what you offer and why you are worth remembering. Here are seven tips we follow when we prepare videos for our screen in Durrës.

1. One message, not five

The most common mistake is to squeeze everything into one spot: the menu, the opening hours, the address, three offers and a phone number. Pick one thing: "New wood-fired pizza", "Sale this weekend", "Our new shop is open". An LED billboard ad with one clear idea is remembered; an ad with five ideas is forgotten before it ends.

2. Few words, big letters

People read the screen from a distance and often on the move. Use as few words as possible on each frame, bold and simple fonts, and leave the text on screen long enough to be read twice. The rule is simple: if you cannot read it yourself at a glance, people walking past will not either.

3. Strong colour contrast

White text on a dark background, or dark text on a light one, is far easier to read than two similar colours. The international guidelines on text contrast were written for websites, but the same logic applies to screens in the street. Avoid red on green and text over busy photos.

4. A visible logo that does not take over

Your logo should be clear, at the end of the spot or in a corner the whole time. It does not need half the screen: people recognise you by your colours and your name, not by the size of your logo.

5. Calm movement, clear rhythm

Movement catches the eye, but too many effects at once are tiring. Two or three scenes with smooth transitions are enough. The opening has to be strong, because some people will only see the first second. Put the most important thing there.

6. A simple call to action

End by telling people what to do: "Find us by the square", "Follow us on Instagram", "Book today". A long phone number is rarely remembered, while a short Instagram name or a well-known place sticks far more easily.

7. Prepare the video for the screen

Before you start, ask us for the exact format and resolution of the screen, so your video fills the whole surface without black bars. Use high-quality footage, because every detail shows on a big screen. If you do not have a video ready, CityLed can film and edit one for you, and some packages include a professional video.

A checklist for your LED billboard ad

• One single, clear message
• As few words as possible on each frame
• Strong contrast between text and background
• A visible logo that does not dominate
• A strong opening from the very first second
• A simple call to action
• A high-quality video in the exact format of the screen

Run your video through this list before you send it. If one point is missing, a small change is usually enough: one sentence less, a stronger colour or a clearer first scene.

Test it before you send it

A simple test tells you a lot. Play the video on your phone with the sound off, hold the phone at arm's length and watch it just once. Do not rely on sound: in the street the message has to work from the picture alone. Then ask someone who does not know your business what they remember. If they can tell you your name and your offer, the video is ready.

Ready for your spot?

A good LED billboard ad does not need a big budget, just a clear idea. To learn more about the screen and your options, read our guide to LED billboard advertising in Durrës. When you are ready, see our packages and prices or send us a message and we will prepare it together.