Bulletin Billboards

Bulletin billboards are large-format outdoor advertising displays designed to communicate a brand, product, service or campaign to people travelling through busy areas. Their large advertising surface provides space for prominent branding, images and short messages, making them suitable for highways, major roads, commercial areas and other high-traffic locations.

What Are Bulletin Billboards?

Bulletin billboards are large outdoor advertising structures that typically provide a much larger display area than smaller billboard formats. A common bulletin size is approximately 14 feet high by 48 feet wide, although dimensions can vary depending on the market, structure and location.

They are generally positioned where people can view them while travelling along roads or passing through busy commercial areas. The actual audience and viewing time depend on factors such as traffic volume, road speed, viewing distance, billboard orientation and the surrounding environment.

How Do Bulletin Billboards Work?

A bulletin billboard uses a large advertising surface mounted on a supporting structure. The advertising can be produced using printed vinyl, other suitable large-format materials or, in some cases, a digital display system.

A typical bulletin billboard project involves:

• Choosing a suitable billboard location and size.
• Preparing artwork according to the billboard dimensions.
• Printing the advertising graphics where a printed display is used.
• Finishing the printed material for installation.
• Installing the advertising onto the billboard structure.
• Maintaining or replacing the advertising when the campaign changes.

Benefits of Bulletin Billboards

1. Large Advertising Area

The large surface provides enough space for prominent logos, product images, promotional messages and other branding elements. This makes bulletin billboards suitable for campaigns that need a larger visual presence.

2. Suitable for High-Traffic Locations

Bulletin billboards are commonly placed along major roads, highways and busy commercial routes. A suitable location can expose the advertising to people travelling through the area throughout the campaign period.

3. Strong Visual Presence

The size of a bulletin billboard allows businesses to use large graphics and readable typography. A well-designed billboard can communicate a simple message without requiring the viewer to read a large amount of text.

4. Flexible Advertising Applications

Bulletin billboards can be used for different types of campaigns, including brand awareness, product promotions, services, events, property advertising, retail campaigns and business directions.

5. Continuous Display

Unlike advertising that only appears during a scheduled digital campaign, a traditional printed bulletin billboard remains displayed throughout the agreed advertising period, subject to the conditions of the site and campaign.

Where Are Bulletin Billboards Used?

Bulletin billboards are generally suited to locations where a large advertising format can be safely installed and viewed by passing audiences.

• Major roads and highways
• Busy urban routes
• Commercial areas
• Business districts
• Shopping and retail areas
• Transport corridors
• Areas surrounding major developments
• Locations near events and entertainment venues

The suitability of a particular location depends on available space, visibility, traffic conditions, property ownership and applicable advertising requirements.

Uses of Bulletin Billboards

Businesses can use bulletin billboards for a wide range of advertising purposes.

• Brand awareness campaigns
• Product launches
• Retail promotions
• Business and corporate advertising
• Restaurant and hospitality advertising
• Property and development advertising
• Event and entertainment promotion
• Automotive advertising
• Service-based business advertising
• Directional and location-based advertising
• Seasonal marketing campaigns

Designing a Bulletin Billboard

Because many viewers see a bulletin billboard while travelling, the design should be easy to understand within a short period of time. Large text, clear branding and a strong visual hierarchy can make the main message easier to recognise.

Important design considerations include:

• Keep the main message short and clear.
• Use typography that can be read from the expected viewing distance.
• Make the company logo or brand identity easy to recognise.
• Use high-quality images suitable for large-format printing.
• Avoid filling the billboard with too much information.
• Use a clear call to action where appropriate.
• Consider road speed, viewing distance and billboard orientation.
• Make sure important information is not positioned where it may be difficult to see.

Bulletin Billboards vs Smaller Billboards

One of the main differences between a bulletin billboard and a smaller billboard format is the available advertising area. A bulletin provides a larger surface for branding and imagery, while smaller formats may be more suitable where space or budget is limited.

The appropriate billboard format depends on the location, viewing distance, campaign objectives, available space and advertising budget.

Printed vs Digital Bulletin Billboards

A traditional printed bulletin uses printed graphics installed onto the billboard structure. Once installed, the campaign remains in place until the advertising is replaced.

A digital billboard uses an electronic display that can show changing content. Digital displays can be useful for campaigns requiring multiple messages, scheduled content or frequent updates.

Both formats have different installation, operating and maintenance requirements, so the choice should be based on the needs of the campaign.

How Much Do Bulletin Billboards Cost?

The cost of a bulletin billboard campaign depends on several factors, including the size and location of the billboard, advertising period, artwork, printing material, installation, structure requirements and whether the display is printed or digital.

For a printed bulletin billboard, production and installation costs should be considered in addition to any site or advertising fees. A quotation can be prepared once the required size, location and campaign requirements are known.

How Long Do Bulletin Billboard Graphics Last?

The lifespan of printed billboard graphics depends on the material, printing process, ink, exposure to sunlight and weather conditions, installation method and maintenance. Outdoor advertising materials should be selected according to the expected conditions and campaign duration.

Graphics can be replaced when a campaign ends, a promotion changes or the advertising material requires renewal.

Bulletin Billboards in South Africa

Businesses using bulletin billboards in South Africa should consider the requirements associated with the advertising location. Depending on the site, this may include property-owner approval, landlord requirements, municipal outdoor advertising rules or other applicable permissions.

Requirements can differ between locations, so the proposed billboard site should be checked before production and installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bulletin Billboards

What is a bulletin billboard?

A bulletin billboard is a large-format outdoor advertising display used to promote businesses, products, services, events or other campaigns.

What size is a bulletin billboard?

A commonly used bulletin size is approximately 14 feet high by 48 feet wide, but actual dimensions can vary depending on the billboard structure, market and location.

Where are bulletin billboards normally placed?

They are commonly found along major roads, highways, commercial routes and other locations where a large outdoor advertising display can be viewed by passing audiences.

Can bulletin billboards be printed?

Yes. Traditional bulletin billboards can use large-format printed graphics, commonly produced on suitable outdoor advertising materials such as vinyl.

Can bulletin billboards be digital?

Some large billboard structures use digital LED displays, but a traditional bulletin billboard normally refers to a large static advertising format.

What should I put on a bulletin billboard?

The design should normally include your brand, a clear main message, relevant imagery and a simple call to action. Contact details or a website can be included where they can be read easily from the expected viewing distance.

How much text should a bulletin billboard have?

It is generally better to keep the message concise. People travelling past a billboard may only have a short time to view it, so the most important information should be immediately clear.

Can I use photographs on a bulletin billboard?

Yes. High-resolution photographs can be used for large-format billboard advertising, provided the images are suitable for the final billboard size and viewing conditions.

How long can a bulletin billboard campaign run?

The campaign duration depends on the advertising agreement, location, material and campaign requirements. Printed graphics can remain installed for the agreed campaign period and can be replaced when required.

Are bulletin billboards suitable for businesses?

Yes. They can be used by businesses in industries such as retail, property, automotive, hospitality, professional services, entertainment and many others.

Do I need permission for a bulletin billboard in South Africa?

Depending on the location and type of installation, approvals or permissions may be required from the property owner, landlord, municipality or other relevant authority. The requirements should be confirmed before installation.

How much does a bulletin billboard cost?

There is no single price because costs depend on the billboard size, location, campaign duration, artwork, printing, installation and other project requirements.

Can Signs4SA help with bulletin billboard advertising?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with your billboard requirements, including artwork, large-format printing, signage specifications and installation requirements. Contact our team to discuss your project and the type of billboard advertising you need.

Get a Bulletin Billboard for Your Business

Bulletin billboards provide a large-format option for businesses that want to communicate their brand, products, services or campaigns in suitable outdoor locations. The right billboard size, design and location will depend on the audience, viewing conditions and campaign requirements.