Why Event Boards Are More Effective Than Flyers or Digital Ads

Marketing is a battlefield, with every business fighting for attention. In the UK, where outdoor advertising regulations can be strict, choosing the right promotional tool is crucial. Many businesses turn to flyers or digital ads, but one tried-and-tested method remains unmatched: event boards.These durable, reusable, and highly visible signs achieve what flyers and online ads often fail to—long-lasting impact and real-world engagement. But don’t just take our word for it—let’s explore the facts, figures, and expert insights that prove why event boards are the ultimate promotional tool.

Visibility and Engagement: Event Boards Win Hands Down

Let’s face it: Flyers often end up in the bin, and digital ads are ignored or blocked. Event boards, on the other hand, demand attention. Positioned strategically, they provide 24/7 visibility without the need for reprinting or recurring costs.

Comparison of Engagement Levels

The success of any advertisement depends on how long it captures attention and encourages action. Flyers are often discarded within seconds, while digital ads compete with countless distractions. Event boards, however, remain visible for extended periods, reinforcing brand awareness and engagement. Here’s how they compare:

Disclaimer: Data is based on industry surveys and may vary depending on location and design.

Event boards act as silent salespeople, making them far more engaging than a fleeting flyer or a digital ad that disappears with a scroll.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Time

Many businesses assume flyers and digital ads are the cheapest option, but the reality is different when you factor in longevity and recurring costs.

• Flyers: The cost of designing, printing, and distributing flyers quickly adds up. Businesses often need to reorder frequently, making it a continuous expense.
  
• Digital Ads: Running pay-per-click (PPC) or social media ads requires ongoing investment, with costs varying depending on competition and targeting.
• Event Boards: A one-time investment in a high-quality property agency board can last for months without the need for replacement or additional spending.

Cost Analysis Over 3 Months

When comparing advertising costs, it’s important to consider both upfront expenses and long-term value. Flyers require continuous printing and distribution, while digital ads demand ongoing spending for visibility. In contrast, event boards offer a one-time investment with lasting impact. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Disclaimer: Costs depend on materials, location, and advertising strategy.

Clearly, event boards provide the best value over time, offering a long-term marketing presence without the ongoing costs associated with other methods.

Tangibility and Trust Factor

Consumers tend to trust tangible advertising more than digital ads, which can feel intrusive. Flyers feel tangible too, but they lack the durability and professional impact of a well-placed event board.

A study by Nielsen found that out-of-home (OOH) advertising, including event boards, is twice as effective as online ads in driving brand recall.

Weather-Proof & Eco-Friendly

Flyers get soggy in the rain. Digital ads rely on electricity and data centres that consume vast amounts of energy. Event boards, especially when made with weatherproof materials, stand up to the elements and reduce waste.

• Sustainability Win: Many property agency boards are now produced using recyclable or sustainable materials, reducing their environmental footprint. Unlike digital ads, which require vast amounts of energy to run data centres, event boards provide an eco-friendly advertising alternative. Businesses looking to meet sustainability goals can opt for biodegradable or recycled materials without compromising on quality or visibility.
• Reusability: Unlike flyers, which are typically a single-use marketing tool that gets discarded after a brief glance, event boards can be used repeatedly with minimal updates. If the event is recurring, a simple sticker update or a laminated section can extend the board’s lifespan. This makes event boards an excellent long-term investment, reducing waste while ensuring brand consistency across multiple campaigns.

Localised Targeting for Maximum Impact

One major drawback of digital advertising is that it can miss the mark when it comes to hyper-local engagement. While social media allows for geo-targeting, it doesn’t compare to the physical presence of an event board in a high-traffic area.A study by Outdoor Media Centre UK found that 48% of consumers said they were more likely to visit a business if they had seen an outdoor advertisement nearby.

The Psychology of Outdoor Advertising

People trust what they can see in their environment. The Mere Exposure Effect suggests that repeated exposure to something increases our preference for it. Event boards leverage this psychological phenomenon effectively.

• Example: A property agency board placed outside an estate agent’s office reassures potential clients of credibility and permanence.

Design Matters: How to Maximise Impact

While event boards are powerful, a poorly designed board won’t cut it. To ensure your board grabs attention and delivers results, follow these best practices:

✔ Keep it bold – Use high-contrast colours for maximum readability, even from a distance.
✔ Minimal text – Stick to essential details like event name, date, and a clear call to action.
✔ Brand consistency – Maintain uniform fonts, colours, and logo placement to reinforce brand identity.
✔ Strategic placement – Position your board where footfall is highest, such as near event venues or busy streets.
✔ Readable fonts – Avoid overly decorative fonts; opt for clean, bold lettering that’s easy to read.
✔ Weather-resistant materials – Use durable, waterproof materials to keep your board looking professional in all conditions.
✔ Directional arrows – If promoting an event location, arrows can help guide attendees effectively.
✔ Size matters – Ensure your board is large enough to stand out without overwhelming its surroundings.
✔ QR codes for engagement – Add a QR code linking to event details, booking pages, or your website for an interactive experience.

By following these design principles, your event board will not only capture attention but also drive action, making it a highly effective promotional tool.

Final Verdict: Event Boards Trump Flyers & Digital Ads

To sum up:

• Higher engagement: Unlike flyers, they don’t get ignored or discarded.
• Cost-effective: Unlike digital ads, they don’t require constant spending.
• More trustworthy: Unlike online ads, they aren’t seen as intrusive.
• Eco-friendly: Unlike flyers, they are reusable and sustainable.

Conclusion

Event boards aren’t just an alternative to flyers and digital ads; they’re a superior solution for businesses looking to create a lasting impact. They provide better engagement, higher cost-efficiency, and a stronger sense of trust among customers. By using event boards, businesses can reach a wider audience with minimal ongoing costs, all while being environmentally responsible.For those looking to elevate their marketing strategy, investing in a high-quality property agency board is the way forward. Whether for estate agents, events, or local promotions, these boards ensure your message is seen and remembered.At Printed Estate Agent Boards, we specialise in crafting high-quality, durable, and eye-catching event boards that ensure your message gets noticed. Upgrade your advertising strategy today!