Why Are Posters an Effective Way to Advertise?

By Liam Sumner01/04/2025

Why Are Posters an Effective Way to Advertise?

We see posters everywhere – from promoting film and concert events to advertising sales and offers in stores. But in an increasingly digital world, how effective are posters in advertising? Should you include them in your marketing strategy? The short answer is yes! Read on for why they’re a highly effective way to promote your business, products or services.

Why are posters effective?

So, why use posters? Here are the top five reasons why posters are a great advertising tool for industries including retail, hospitality and arts and entertainment.

1. Visibility

Depending solely on digital marketing means limiting your reach. Don’t forget, not everyone is online; you could be losing potential customers by ignoring in-person advertising. One big benefit of posters is that they’re seen by a large number of people passing by – ensuring you’re not excluding any key demographics from your marketing campaign.

2. Far-Reaching

Posters can be placed in many different locations. Whether large-scale or local advertising, posters can be adapted to suit every location. Placing posters in different high-traffic areas will maximise exposure and guarantee they’ll be seen by the public, encouraging more visitors to your shop or event. Effective locations include:

  • Billboards
  • Public transport
  • Public restrooms
  • Shop windows
  • Storefronts
     

A1 A-board Pavement Sign Poster Display 

3. Versatility

One of the biggest benefits of posters is how versatile they are. Posters can be made to fit any size frame and be either portrait or landscape. Poster frames come in a variety of sizes, and you can also handily swap out your posters and other promotional materials whenever you need to.

Types of poster frames include:

  • Pavement A-frames to grab the attention of shoppers passing a storefront.
  • Snap frames to promote events or promotional offers.
  • Free-standing poster frames to draw the eye in stores and in reception areas.


4. Attention Grabbing

Successful posters grab attention. The eye-catching nature of them makes them memorable and, therefore, a fantastic marketing tool. They’re also great for prompting impulse purchases. If a customer sees promotional material online, it often doesn’t spark the same rapid response as in person. Whether it be promoting a sale, a new product, or a discount, posters are a highly effective way to give a call to action.

5. Affordability

Posters are also very cost-effective. While online marketing, such as PPC or social media marketing, can be costly, poster printing is usually a one-off payment and low cost, plus, there are often reductions for large bulk orders. Offering high exposure for a comparatively low cost, the ROI of posters is high for businesses.


These are just some of the reasons why posters are effective in advertising and marketing campaigns. By maximising visibility and attracting the attention of a wide range of demographics, posters are a fantastic marketing tool.

Whether your budget stretches to billboards or you’re looking for local marketing ideas, posters should be prioritised in any business strategy. Browse our full range of literature displays and signage for all our options here at Displaysense. 

6. Trustworthiness

One of the key aspects that set posters apart is the level of trustworthiness they command. Obtaining permission to display posters inherently implies a level of vetting and approval, which can significantly enhance the perceived credibility of the advertisement. This process of authorisation not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also adds a layer of legitimacy to your message. It indicates that a certain degree of consideration and approval has been involved, differentiating it from many other advertising forms that can be deployed without such scrutiny. This can lead to a stronger sense of reliability and confidence from the audience, as they recognise that the displayed content has passed certain standards and checks, ensuring that the message they are receiving is from a reputable source.

7. Customisation

Posters offer endless creative possibilities, allowing for complete personalisation to fit your brand identity and campaign objectives. You can meticulously tailor the design, choosing colours, graphics, and fonts that align with your brand's image and message. The content can be specifically crafted to engage your target audience, whether it's through persuasive calls to action or informative details. Placement is another customisable aspect; strategically position your posters in locations where they'll have maximum impact and visibility. This high degree of customisation ensures that each poster is not only a reflection of your brand but also an effective tool in capturing the attention and interest of your audience.

8. Longevity

Once placed, posters can continuously advertise your message for an extended period without any additional cost or effort, unlike digital ads which might require ongoing investment. This enduring presence means your brand remains in the public eye over a longer timeframe, reinforcing brand recognition and message retention. Furthermore, the physical durability of posters, especially when made with high-quality materials, ensures that they remain visually appealing and effective for as long as they are displayed.

9. Localised Targeting

Posters can be strategically placed in locations where your target audience is most likely to see them, allowing for more effective localised marketing. This targeted approach ensures that your message reaches the right people at the right time, significantly increasing the relevance and impact of your advertising. Additionally, by understanding and leveraging the demographics and behaviours of specific areas, posters can be designed to resonate more deeply with the local audience, fostering a stronger connection and response.

10. Tangible Presence

Unlike digital ads that can be easily overlooked, posters have a physical presence. They occupy a real space in the consumer's world, making your message harder to ignore or forget. This physicality means that posters can engage viewers in their everyday environment, whether it's during a commute, a shopping trip, or a leisurely walk. Their static nature also allows for repeated exposure, reinforcing your message each time a consumer encounters the poster, thereby enhancing recall and recognition over time.

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