4 Tips For Successfully Using Billboards in Charlotte
Billboards have been an effective marketing tool for nearly 200 years. Technology and image quality have changed dramatically during that time, but the result remains the same. Billboards offer companies a great way to reach lots of people on a daily basis. This becomes particularly obvious in big cities.
Charlotte is a prime example. With a population of approximately 885,000 and a number of key highways for people to get around, Charlotte billboards receive a substantial amount of views every day. The city perennially ranks among the fastest-growing in the country, so the number of impressions will climb for the foreseeable future. If you are not as familiar with the market, keep reading to discover four tips for successfully using billboards in Charlotte.
4 Tips For Successfully Using Billboards in Charlotte
Understand the Interstate System
Located on the border with South Carolina, Charlotte is a hub that many people travel through to reach destinations throughout the south. Interstates 77 and 85 both go through Charlotte. With that, there are two bypasses in the Charlotte area that feature a high amount of traffic. Those bypasses are I-277, also known as John Belk Freeway, and I-485. Don’t let the alternate numbers distract you. These are critical highways that people use to arrive at key destinations in metropolitan area.
Both travelers and commuters use I-277 to access the downtown area, which has high-rise hotels and corporate buildings along with multiple sporting venues. Bank of America Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are both directly off I-277.
I-485 is another critical bypass because people not going to Charlotte use it to circumvent the city altogether. It also runs past Charlotte/Douglas International Airport on the west edge of town, so locals and residents from outside of the city drive on this road frequently. Charlotte’s airport ranks as the sixth busiest in the country, so the interstate that funnels to it clearly has plenty of traffic.
As far as the primary interstates go, I-77 is the main way to drive from Charlotte toward the popular destination of Charleston, South Carolina. It also extends all the way up to Cleveland, Ohio. Interstate 85 goes to Atlanta and continues as far south as Montgomery, Alabama. Knowing the different types of travelers on each of these highways as well as understanding the massive volume of vehicles each day can help you fine-tune your marketing campaign for the consumers who will see your message on each.
Know the Professional Teams
Charlotte residents are passionate about their professional sports. The city recently added a Major League Soccer franchise to join its NFL football team and its NBA basketball organization, the Charlotte Hornets. Carolina Panthers games sell out the stadium all season long, and the fans are talking about the team year-round. If you can connect your Charlotte billboards campaign with the passion of the local sports fans, you will have an energized audience for your product or service.
Know the Professional Organizations
Charlotte is a thriving city because of its commerce. It is the second-largest banking center in the United States, trailing only New York City. Serving as the headquarters for Bank of America and Trust, Charlotte is home to two of the top six banks in the country. While banking catalyzed Charlotte’s growth in population and economy, many other industries are stationed in the city as well.
In 2018, Honeywell moved its headquarters to the town, and Lowe’s Home Improvement is also based in Charlotte. Before the pandemic, seven Fortune 500 companies were in Charlotte. This information can serve you well when designing your Charlotte billboards. Realize that your advertisement will be seen by high-ranking executives of some of the best companies in the world.
Know the Colleges and Universities
If you are looking to engage with a younger demographic, Charlotte has a number of colleges and universities in the area. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is likely the most obvious, but Johnson & Wales University has a campus in Charlotte. Other institutions include Queens University of Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University, and ECPI University. These schools draw in students from across the country and around the world.
Conclusion
Already the 16th-biggest city in the United States, Charlotte continues to grow. The city offers a wide range of demographics that can be reached. From multi-millionaire athletes and corporate executives to college students and airplane passengers, many people see Charlotte’s billboards every day. Understanding the dynamic of the city and its residents can catapult your campaign to new levels.
