Why Not To Place A Billboard Near Your Business?

Published On
July 1, 2025
Placing a billboard right next to your store may feel convenient—but it limits your reach and impact. This blog reveals why strategic distance is key and offers expert tips to help you choose the most effective billboard location.

Imagine you have a shoe store. Now, would you like to put up a big sign right next to your store? Or would you want people to see your sign before seeing your store? A common idea for all businesses is to reach new audiences and that’s why you should never place a billboard near your business. But that’s not all! In this blog, we will discuss the reasons behind it, the impact, the challenges of billboard advertising, and the best tips for choosing the right location.

The Goldilocks Principle of Billboard Placement:

Think about the story of Goldilocks and Three Bears. She didn’t want her porridge too hot or too cold. She wanted just the right temperature. Billboards work the same way! Put your billboard too close and it will not work as you hope. Place it very far and people will forget your name before they see you. The key is to find the “just right” spot.

Challenges with Billboards Near Your Business

Here are some of the main reasons why putting a billboard right next to your business isn’t the best move:

1. Limited Reach: If your billboard is right outside your door, very few new people will see your billboard. Only people already near your business will see it. You will miss out on attracting new customers from other areas.

2. Wasted Opportunity: Billboards are powerful for reaching new people. If placed too close, your interaction will be limited and you’ll be only reminding people who already know about and buy from you.

3. Visual Clutter: Your billboard may have to face visual clutter. Too many signs in one place can make your business look messy or desperate for attention.

4. Competing Messages: Your sign might get lost among nearby signs, trees, and buildings.

5. Cost Issues: Prime billboard spots in busy areas can be expensive. You might not get the desired returns causing losses.

How Distance Affects Billboard Impact?

Here’s a simple table to show how billboard placement affects your business:

Platform Billboard Location Who Sees It? Potential Impact
Right next to business Immediate area People already nearby Low chance of new customers
10–20 minutes away Neighboring localities People from other areas Higher chance of new customers
Far away (too far) Remote areas People who may forget you Low impact, hard to find business

 

Why Distance Matters?

  1. Billboards placed at a distance help you reach new people from farther areas. It brings new customers who wouldn’t have found you otherwise.
  2. When people see your billboard regularly on their way to work or school, they remember your business. They might not need your business right now but when they do, your business will pop into their minds first.
  3. Sometimes, billboards in less crowded or less expensive areas may cost you less but give you lots of attention.

Other Challenges with Billboards

  1. Most billboards are bought by huge companies. This makes it hard for small businesses to compete.
  2. Billboards are not eco-friendly. They might compel people to buy your stuff but that’s not great for Earth.
  3. Drivers and pedestrians are already distracted by several things on the roads. Placing your billboard near your place may get lost in the noise.

What Makes a Billboard Location Good?

Here are some things to think about when choosing a billboard spot:

  1. Check the visibility of your billboard. Is it properly visible to the audience or blocked by trees or buildings?
  2. Is your target customer likely to pass by this spot?
  3. Does the surroundings uplift your brand message? For example- a fast food store should never advertise near a Gym or a Hospital.
  4. Is the billboard facing the right way so people can see it?

Top Tips for Smart Billboard Placement

  1. Place your billboard 10–20 minutes away from your business. This will help you reach new customers and interact with people who don’t know you.
  2. Avoid cluttering your storefront with too many signs.
  3. Check for blockages in front of your billboard like trees or new buildings.
  4. Make sure your billboard stands out. It should not get lost among big brands.

Conclusion

Putting a billboard right next to your business might seem a good idea. But truly, it’s not! It doesn’t help you grow. You need to place a billboard a little farther away. This way you can reach new people and let them know about you. You can build a brand with your advertisement only when more people see you.  This is only possible when you place your billboards a little farther than assumed. So what’s the ideal distance? Place your billboard 10-20 minutes away from your business. This will allow you to reach more people, share a bold message, and possibly save you money. Are you looking for a billboard advertising agency that can fulfill your requirements? Connect with Vigyapan Mart billboard advertising experts today!