August 8, 2024 – The latest expenditure results from the Outdoor Media Association for the first half of 2024 confirm the sustained growth trajectory of Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, which saw a significant 26% increase compared to the same period last year. This impressive growth underscores the trust and investment that advertisers and brands are placing in the OOH medium. 

A major driver behind this growth is the consistent investment in Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising. Media owners’ investments in expanding DOOH formats across multiple environments have further fuelled this trend. Additionally, transport and small format OOH advertising also experienced notable increases, with transport growing by 32% and small format by 24% compared to H1 2023. 

Retail remains the highest investing category, with a 13% growth in H1 2024, continuing its strong performance from FY 2023. Grocery groups are leveraging OOH to broadcast their value messages, driving consistent reach. This category’s performance is further bolstered by the active presence of fast food, takeaway, and delivery platforms competing for customer share. 

Household services emerged as the second highest performing category, showing an 11% year-over-year increase. This growth is attributed to the launch and promotion of new TV platforms, which have significantly driven up advertising spend in this sector. 

Diageo holds its position as the top spending advertiser in OOH for H1 2024. Notably, Unilever has secured a place in the top 10, with substantial investments in new product launches and support for existing brands. 

A deeper analysis into mid categories revealed several interesting trends. The retail general mid category saw the largest growth in H1, driven by brands like Specsavers and M&S. Household telecom, TV, and online services experienced an 80% growth, spurred by new product launches such as Sky Stream, Vodafone Play, and new series from online platforms. 

While some mid categories showed decreases, the overall growth picture remains positive, with minimal reductions in spend. 

Aoife Hudson, Deputy Managing Director at Talon said, “These results affirm the growing confidence and investment in Out-of-Home advertising from leading brands and advertisers. The significant increase in Digital Out-of-Home formats and the strong performance across various categories highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of OOH. We are excited to continue driving innovation and delivering impactful advertising solutions for our clients. 

The impressive growth of Out-of-Home advertising in the first half of 2024 highlights the medium’s increasing value and effectiveness for brands and advertisers. As the industry continues to innovate and expand, particularly in the digital space, OOH remains a vital component of comprehensive advertising strategies.  

As the second largest retail season after the winter holidays, the back-to-school shopping period is a pivotal time for brands to connect with consumers. Even though schools have just begun their summer holidays, parents are already feeling the pressure of preparing for the return to school amidst consistently high costs.  

In this blog, we lay our cards on the table – literally. These are OOHs ACES, the four cards we play to make sure your media plans deliver this back-to-school season.

Get to know the back-to-school AUDIENCE

Over the last year, the back-to-school shopping landscape has evolved. Inflation remains a major concern, with 84% of respondents feeling the impact of the cost of living on their shopping habits, though slightly down from last year. Interestingly fewer consumers are seeking offers (42% vs 89%), opting instead to budget more carefully, with 92% spending less, with a third spending between €200-€300. As a result of this there has been a notable decrease in higher spenders (down 20% in the €500-€1,000 range).

Timing as always remains crucial, with August emerging as the preferred shopping month as families prioritise summer vacations in June (21%) and July (17%) delaying back-to-school preparations. Women exhibit greater organisation, with only 2% waiting until the last week, compared to 12% of men.

Think CREATIVE

Retail environments are growing increasingly more creative, making it the perfect time to craft a recipe for success. Today’s consumers are inundated with advertisements, demanding that brands stand out. This is where the magic of creative solutions come into play. By thinking beyond traditional billboards, you can create truly immersive experiences that resonate deeply with shoppers.

Research underscores the effectiveness of impactful and unconventional OOH, which can drive up to 7x higher brand recall compared to standard media. These creative solutions don’t just elevate brand recognition by 5.9%, but also amplify emotional responses by an average of 120% and boost purchase intent by a substantial 176%. Digital OOH takes this a step further, enabling brands to deliver tailored messages dynamically and programmatically, achieving a 32% increase in brain response by displaying contextually relevant content.

OOH is EFFECTIVE at reaching back-to-school shoppers

Irish consumer confidence is on the rise this month – marking it the first uptick since January, signalling an opportune moment for brands to leverage Out of Home (OOH) advertising to effectively reach back-to-school shoppers. This positive shift indicates increased consumer optimism regarding spending and economic outlook. OOH plays a pivotal in driving consideration, particularly for items such as clothing (34%), footwear (35%) and tech (25%), which see rapid purchasing decisions within a day of exposure to an OOH ad.

Retail environments naturally spur consumer action, with OOH ads prompting 25.5% of consumers to discuss brands with family and friends, 21.6% to research a product on their mobile phone, and 15.1% to make a purchase. Point-of-sale ads further catalyse both in-store visits and online shopping, with 58% of consumers likely to visit a physical and 59% to shop online post-exposure.

Identifying the optimal OOH formats to capture back-to-school shoppers requires a nuanced understanding of their unique purpose. Roadside formats excel in raising awareness (+8%), while transport ads are the most liked advert (64%), and digital formats are effective in driving bottom-funnel metrics (57%). Each format serves a distinct role in engaging and influencing consumers throughout their purchasing journey.

SUSTAINABLE OOH

But OOH advertising is not only about reaching your audience – it’s the medium that gives back to communities. When planning your campaign, consider using sustainable practices such as opting for eco-friendly transportation methods like electric buses and adopting sustainable printing methods to minimise landfill waste. Additionally, ensure your digital campaigns are powered by renewable energy sources and that digital screens are powered down at night.

Why should we care? It matters to consumers, with 82% willing to stop buying from brands perceived as unethical. It’s also crucial for business success, as 72% of investors screen for sustainability risks. Furthermore, sustainability is significant for attracting talent, with one-third of GenZ rejecting jobs with poor sustainability credentials. Clients are also prioritising sustainability, with 43% of brands making it a key priority in their marketing strategy, up from 26% in 2021.

As we approach the back-to-school season, it’s essential for brands to leverage the power of Out of Home (OOH) advertising to connect with consumers in meaningful ways. By focusing on the ACES – Audience, Creative, Effective, and Sustainable – you can craft campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive action and foster positive brand associations. With consumer confidence on the rise, there’s no better time to think OOH’s ACES to ensure your media plan delivers this back-to-school. Reach out to a member of your Talon team to learn more.

Summer’s finally here – the season of sunny weather, or so we’d like to think! It’s that time of year when outdoor events are in full swing, and audiences are always OUT OF HOME. Despite the proven effectiveness of Out of Home (OOH) advertising, several misconceptions persist. Numerous studies have shown how impactful OOH can be, yet outdated myths continue to cloud its true potential.

It’s time to set the record straight, debunk these myths, and expose the real truths about OOH’s year-round impact.

THE PROVEN POWER OF OOH ADVERTISING

OOH advertising has consistently proven itself as a powerful tool for brand visibility and engagement. Recent research from our DOOH Aces reveals that nearly 70% of respondents pay attention to DOOH ads across various environments. Moreover, over 40% of respondents are more likely to engage with a diverse range of DOOH ads and formats.

Caroline Decourcy, our Insights Director, emphasises “OOH advertising continues to demonstrate its effectiveness by reaching diverse audiences with impactful messages that resonate. With the evolution of DOOH, what was once primarily a brand-building medium now drives consideration and action, making OOH a versatile channel capable of achieving multiple objectives in a brand’s media mix”.

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS

Myth 1: “Everyone Goes Away in the Summer”

To clear up the confusion: Yes, people do jet off during the summer months, but here’s the kicker – people are travelling throughout the year at nearly the same levels. The only noticeable dip? That tends to be around the Winter months.

Our consumer behaviour research this year reveals interesting insights. Despite the perception of widespread holidays, only ½ are planning a vacation this year. The 45-54 age group shows the highest inclination to travel. However, our countries beauty might be a factor as well, with 28% of respondents opting to stay in Ireland. Among them, 16–17-year-olds will be enjoying a local summer. Financial considerations are also shaping travel plans, with the 25-34 age bracket favouring staycations over international travel.

And with our nights beginning earlier and ending later – according to Hospitality Ireland, we now prefer going out in the early evening, and with the government considering legislation to extend nightclub hours – there really is a grand “aul stretch” in the evening. Meaning audiences are always OUT OF HOME.

Myth 2: “Summer campaigns lack creativity”

If you think summer campaigns are snooze-fests, THINK AGAIN! We’ve had multiple campaigns active throughout the summer that have captured consumer engagement. Here are a couple of standout examples:

Specsavers: Driving Appointments with Real-Time Data

To drive appointments at key moments, Specsavers executed a campaign around smarter planning and data-driven content. The strategy included:

• Geotargeting based on proximity to Specsavers stores
• Leveraging audience data to optimise targeting
• Dynamic creative linked to Specsavers’ live appointment data feed
• Triggering a sunglasses version of the creative based on real-time weather conditions

This approach was so successful that it won gold at both the Media Awards and the Digital Media Awards.

Lynx: Launching their Bold Fragrance Range

Most recently, Lynx took a bold approach to launch their fine fragrance range through a variety of special executions:

• Strategic Location Dominations: By targeting key locations, Lynx ensured maximum visibility and impact.
• Special Builds & Sensory Advertising: Creating immersive experiences through sensory advertising, Lynx connected with their target audience in memorable and engaging ways.

Summer campaigns aren’t just about playing it safe – they’re about being bold! With everyone in a good mood attending events and concerts, it’s prime time to connect. Summer rivals Christmas in events and opportunities. Break free from the billboards, dominate spaces and make OOH a more immersive experience.

Myth 3: “Summer campaigns are ineffective”

Hold onto your sunscreen, folks! OOH doesn’t melt away in the summer heat. In fact, OOH and DOOH are top picks among global consumers, commanding attention with their larger-than-life presence. According to Kantar’s latest study, there’s a 90% correlation between channels that grab consumers’ attention and the ones they prefer. Away with digital distractions – Consumers love in-person ad experiences, making campaigns seven times more impactful when they resonate.

But here’s the kicker: shutting down your brand strategies during the summer might dim your long-term brand metrics. Keep those campaigns running to build your brand and spark future demand. Peter Field’s research backs this up: brands that maintained or boosted media spend during a downturn saw a 63% stronger ROI and a 60% year-on-year growth.

Myth 4: “There are Better Channels to Spend Budget On”

Sure, there are plenty of media channels vying for your attention, but what’s better than investing in a medium that gives back to its community and serves as an ad platform for brands?

OOH operates in the public sphere, carrying with it an inherent responsibility to positively impact our local communities and environments. At Talon, we’re committed to helping brands create more sustainable campaigns. According to a recent Outsmart UK study, OOH emits less carbon per impression than any other measured media – comprising only 3.3% of UK ad power consumption and under 3.5% of its carbon footprint.

In this blog, we’ve busted through the myths surrounding Out of Home (OOH), proving its effectiveness and creativity even under the summer sun. OOH doesn’t just survive – it thrives, grabbing attention and creating memorable brand moments. We’ve debunked misconceptions about summer travel and showcased standout campaigns such as Specsavers and Lynx, proving OOH’s power year-round.

Choosing OOH isn’t just smart – it’s impactful and responsible. It’s a medium that gives back. As we navigate summer 2024, don’t get burnt by myths. Ensure your brand is fully covered with OOH.

The DOOH landscape has grown and evolved more than we could have ever anticipated. Despite its success. DOOH has had its fair share of challenges around measurement and share of voice.  

Understanding the potential of the channel, and to bridge the gap between the launch of industry research, Talon identified the need for some robust research which would focus on what DOOH can deliver once added to the OOH media mix.  

The study identified some interesting findings which we have accumulated into the key areas, presented as the ACES of DOOH: ATTENTION, CREATIVE & EFFECTIVE.

Attention 

Attention and attentive reach have become an important currency in measuring OOH. Almost 70% of respondents agree that they pay attention to DOOH Ads, consistent across various environments.  This study explored the relationship between attention and different points of a consumers journey, such as travelling by bus (39%), walking around a city/town (37%) or visiting a shopping mall (35%).  With all results lending to the fact that consumers are spending more time OOH and are more likely to notice OOH more when in a relaxed state of mind. 

The research also provided some interesting insights around engagement. Over 40% of respondents are likely to engage with a diverse range of DOOH ads and formats.  

Creative: 

The possibilities for creativity on DOOH formats are limitless, and investment by media owners has given rise to best-in-class quality screens displaying ads optimally. In fact, 50% of respondents agreed that relevant DOOH ads with a distinct design will capture their attention more effectively than other ads. 

Additionally, 34% indicate that motion is a crucial factor in driving attention and engagement, agreeing that they notice an OOH ad more with movement. furthermore, rewards offered and clear information about the product/service also aid in generating attention and engagement. 

Effective: 

The final “ace” and most compelling we’d argue is the effectiveness of DOOH. There is no doubt that DOOH is effective but putting some hard-hitting results behind it is key! 

Over ½ of respondents recalled seeing DOOH ads across a multitude of environments, following a similar pattern as with attention and engagement; there was consistent recall across formats and environments which supports previous research and learnings centred on multi format, multi environment effectiveness. 

The final element of the research piece focused on call to action and propensity to purchase. Over  40% consumers have taken a follow up action upon seeing a DOOH ad.   

Store visitations (in store visit & driving traffic online) and propensity to purchase yielded strong results. 37% of respondents agreed that they’d visit a store as a result of seeing a DOOH Ad.  Moreover, 40% agreed that DOOH would encourage them to purchase.   

DOOH is also more likely to drive traffic to an online store & store visitation than online ads (37% v 32%). On average, almost 40% of Irish consumers are likely to purchase the product or service they’ve seen advertised through a DOOH campaign.  

To summarise, DOOH’s role in generating awareness, recall, engagement, and attention is significant.  Our research has proven what we already know; DOOH is effective at driving key metrics across multi environments and initiating a call to action in many forms. 

This demonstrates that the role of OOH is evolving. Once viewed primarily as a brand-building medium, it can now drive consideration and action, positioning OOH as a channel capable of achieving multiple objectives in a brand’s marketing mix. 

In 2024, the world of sports is gearing up for another thrilling year filled with excitement and competition. According to the latest Onside Irish Sponsorship survey, the Irish sponsorship industry is projected to grow approximately 7%, reaching an impressive €227 million. It’s a pivotal year that marks the foundation of a transformative 5-year cycle, with global events like the Europa League final set to take place in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium next week, and the anticipation building for the Ryder Cup in 2027 and men’s Euros in 2028, all poised to elevate the landscape of sports sponsorship in Ireland.

Amidst this exciting trajectory, Out of Home (OOH) advertising emerges as a key player in driving growth and engagement. Despite facing challenges due to the onset of Covid, OOH sponsorship rebounded in 2023, just shy of the benchmark set in 2019. Notably, sports sponsorship commanding an impressive 89% share of this resurgence.

But with big events like the UEFA Champions League Final in London, UEFA Euros in Germany and not to mention the Olympics in Paris captivating worldwide audiences this year, the opportunity for brands to connect with consumers is greater than ever, whether through people travelling to watch these sporting events or gathering at home to cheer on their favourite athletes.

So, how do brands seize the moment and connect with these diverse audiences? It all starts OUT OF HOME!

1: INCREASE REACH WITH AN OMNI-CHANNEL APPROACH

Paramount for brands looking to maximise their reach and engagement. With consumers spending an average of 70% of their time outside, even more so during the summer. By integrating with digital channels, brands can amplify their reach by a staggering 68%. This powerful combination not only extends the brand’s visibility but also enhances engagement across multiple touchpoints.

2: BE AT THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

Being present at the exact moment is crucial for those looking to make a lasting impact. Proximity advertising resonates deeply with consumers, offering brands a unique opportunity to capitalise on the context, emotions, and activities associated with these sporting events.

3: LEAN INTO CONTEXT WITH DYNAMIC

Sounds simple, but stepping into the dynamic world of OOH isn’t just about being savvy – it’s about forging genuine connections with your audience. By leaning into dynamic, brands can tap into relevance and spark that connection. Studies reveal that when content is tailored to the moment, you can achieve an average +18% in brain response. And it’s not just about capturing attention, dynamic can help drive real results, with an average +16% uplift in-store sales which leads us to our next point…

4: DRIVE SALES THROUGHOUT THE PATH TO PURCHASE

OOH not only boosts footfall, creating opportunities for increased sales, but also drives recency through in-vicinity messaging, ultimately leading to higher sales. By closing the loop with impactful in-store advertising, brands can effectively drive sales at every stage of the consumer journey, maximising the impact of their OOH campaigns.

5: CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH BRAND ACTIVATIONS

Brand activations are a potent strategy to keep your brand top-of-mind in the lead up to sporting events. As technology evolves it’s becoming much easier to create large-scale experiences that captivate audiences. Blending traditional techniques and exciting new elements can really amplify creative ideas. According to Event track, 72% have a positive view of brands that offer high-quality event content opportunities, while 74% stated that engaging with branded marketing experiences increased their likelihood of purchasing the products.

With this year abuzz with excitement and competition, it offers brands a prime opportunity for engagement with their consumers. The above OOH strategies can not only help brands amplify sponsorship deals but also extend brand’s impact beyond the actual event itself – proving that OOH + Sports truly is the dream team for both brand engagement and growth.

To learn more about how you can maximise OOH and sports synergy, reach out to a member of our team today.