Did you know that the fonts you use on your billboard impact the effectiveness of your out-of-home (OOH) advertisement? It’s true! Travelers need to see and understand your billboard’s message quickly and easily. When commuters are whizzing by your outdoor advertisement, fast and at a distance, the right font for your billboard improves the chance they will be able to read your message! So how do you know which typefaces are best? Read on for tips from the design pros at Penneco Outdoor.
Tips to Selecting the Best Font for Your Billboard
Right-Size Your Font
Your billboard needs to be legible from different distances, so the bigger font you use, the better. Why? The bigger the font, the further away your message can be easily read. Additionally, larger sizes mean that people will see your billboard for a longer period of time. Plus, big lettering takes up more space on your billboard, which means you’ll use fewer words and your message will have a bigger impact.
In General
- Travelers will be at least 500 feet from your billboard.
- Most viewers will be traveling at speeds up to 60 mph.
Be Stylish, But Not Too Stylish
Do a quick Google search for fonts and you’ll get 2.6 million results for all kinds of fancy typography. And while these are absolutely gorgeous, they may not be the right font for your billboard. Travelers aren’t able to make out what they say as they zoom down the highway. Additionally, many are simply illegible from a distance. (Or even up close, for some!)
Style Basics
- Use a font with even thickness.
- Choose print fonts over script fonts.
- Select lettering that’s not too thin.
In Sum
The font you use for your outdoor ad will have a big impact on the success of your advertising campaign by affecting how well viewers will be able to get your message. Think of your typography like the wrapping paper on a present you’re giving someone special. It adds to the appeal and excitement of the recipient!