OOH for College Towns in Fall

The fall season begins once again, and with the changing of the leaves, this season marks the return of students, teachers, and educators all across the country. There is a wave of new change and energy within all of them and us, bringing forth increased spending opportunities within the educational sector as well as the country at large.

Fall also represents one of the most valuable markets for out-of-home (OOH) advertising. From crowds flooding into football stadiums to packed downtown college streets, fall is when college communities are at their peak.

Looking to make the most of this advertising season or know more about its effects and advantages? We’ve broken OOH for college towns in the fall, so you don’t have to.

Why College Towns Are Prime for OOH in Fall

Fall is back-to-school season, meaning there is an immense population boom as students flood back to campus. This significantly increases the local traffic, both vehicular and foot, in a given geographic area. There are many fresh eyes that are able to take in creatively crafted messages.

The general emotionality and energy of back-to-school make audiences more receptive to brand messages, especially when they directly relate to students, staff, and nearby residents. Brands showcasing school supplies, books, entertainment, groceries, and adjacent industries see most success as they directly appeal to what college town residents desire.

From food and entertainment to apparel and electronics, fall marks a monumental spark in consumer spending, especially when it enhances the college experience!

Best OOH Formats for College Towns

1. Billboards on Commuter Routes

Commuter routes target students and parents, especially on move-in day and during game days. These OOH placements are also able to target large audiences of commuter students as well as on-campus residents, as they’re traveling back and forth between classes, from stores, and during their day-to-day. 

2. Transit Advertising

This form of OOH includes anything from bus wraps to ads on campus shuttles, as well as displays and posters within transit shelters. College students and college town residents are frequent users of transit advertising. Students and residents are able to access messaging in captive environments, especially if they lack their own personal vehicles.

3. Stadium & Event Advertising

As back-to-school season shifts into full swing, there are a slew of on-campus events, activities, entertainment, and football games. These moments are gatherings of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of fans within concentrated areas. Brands are able to access wide and valuable audiences in areas full of high energy and emotion, meeting audiences in the perfect decision-making moments.

College Towns & OOH

College towns in the fall are more than places where students live and study. They are areas full of spending, fun-seeking audiences, and demographics that are unafraid to spend when it comes to improving their lives and their enjoyment of their experiences. By strategically choosing OOH formats, advertisers can capture excited students and create lasting impressions that foster positive feelings for years on end.