How Long Beach Billboards Help Local Businesses Drive More Sales

If you drive around Long Beach often, you probably can’t help but notice — billboards are everywhere. From big static boards near the 405 to flashy digital ones in downtown Los Angeles, they’ve become part of the city’s skyline. But what’s often overlooked is how powerful these Long Beach billboards really are for small and local businesses trying to stand out.

In a world where everyone’s fighting for clicks online, a well-placed billboard gives your business something rare — real visibility in the physical world. Outdoor advertising in Long Beach isn’t old-fashioned anymore. In fact, it’s making a comeback, especially for brands that want people to see them, remember them, and actually visit their store or site.

Let’s break down how this classic yet evolving marketing tool helps local businesses drive more sales — and why you might wanna consider getting your name up on one.

Why Outdoor Advertising Still Works for Local Businesses

Here’s the thing: digital ads can be scrolled past or blocked. Billboards? You can’t ignore ’em — they’re literally right there.

Billboards advertising in Long Beach works because it reaches real people, in real moments. Whether someone’s driving to work, heading to the beach, or waiting at a red light, your message stays in their line of sight. That kind of repetition builds what marketers call “brand recall” — basically, they remember you when it matters.

Outdoor advertising in Long Beach also taps into something deeper — community trust. When folks see your business name on a billboard near their local neighbourhood, it gives that small extra sense of credibility. It feels like, “Oh, they must be doing well if they’re up there.”

For local restaurants, car dealers, or even gyms, that visibility can quickly turn into foot traffic. And unlike digital ads that disappear after you stop paying, a billboard stays up 24/7, working quietly day and night.

The Main Types of Billboards You’ll See Around California

Not all billboards are created equal. Depending on what your goal is — long-term branding or short-term promotion — you’ve got a few solid options. Let’s look at the most common ones used in the California billboards network.

Static Billboards

The classic ones you see all over Long Beach. These are printed and mounted for a few weeks or months at a time.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly for long campaigns

• Great for consistent brand exposure

• Always visible — no tech failures

Best for: Local shops, law firms, or real estate agents who want long-term presence.

Digital Billboards (Los Angeles & Long Beach)

These are the high-tech boards that can change messages every few seconds. Digital billboards in Los Angeles are especially popular for brands that want to stay flexible.

Pros:

• Can rotate messages anytime

• Use animation or multiple creative

• Works well for time-sensitive offers

Best for: Restaurants, events, or e-commerce stores running seasonal deals.

Freeway Billboards

When you’re stuck on the 405 or the 710, you’ve got nothing but time to stare at what’s around you. That’s where Freeway billboards come in — they catch attention from hundreds of thousands of commuters daily.

Pros:

• Huge exposure

• Great for awareness campaigns

• Can reach both locals and travellers

Best for: Car dealerships, retail stores, or service companies.

Strategic Benefits of Long Beach Billboards

When you invest in Long Beach billboards, you’re not just renting space — you’re buying attention. Here’s why they work so well for small and mid-sized businesses:

Local Targeting

Billboards can be placed near your business, ensuring you reach people who actually live and spend nearby. That’s local SEO, but in real life.

24/7 Exposure

Your ad never sleeps. Unlike online ads that depend on impressions or algorithms, billboards are always visible — rain or shine.

Instant Credibility

People trust what they can see physically. A well-designed billboard makes your business look established and confident.

Cost-Effective Awareness

Dollar for dollar, billboards often deliver a lower cost per thousand impressions (CPM) than online ads — especially if you’re targeting local traffic.

Perfect for Brand Reinforcement

Pair it with digital campaigns for even better results. Someone might scroll past your ad on Instagram, then drive past your billboard the next day — that double-hit works wonders.

Real-Life Example: How Billboards Boost Sales

Let’s say there’s a local gym owner in Long Beach — small, family-run, trying to compete with big national chains. They decide to rent a static billboard near a major intersection with simple messaging:

“Locally Owned. No Contracts. Join Today at LB Fitness.”

Within the first month, they notice a 25% increase in walk-ins. When they asked new members how they heard about them, nearly half said “I saw your billboard driving home.”

Or think of a restaurant running happy hour deals — putting their ad on a digital billboard in Los Angeles with real-time updates (“2-for-1 Tacos till 7 PM”) drives evening traffic instantly.

It’s proof that outdoor advertising in Long Beach still moves the needle when done right.

Common Myths About Billboards (and the Truth)

Picking the Right Billboard Location

Location’s everything in real estate — and honestly, in billboards too. You don’t just want the cheapest board; you want the right one.

When choosing a California billboard, think about:

• Traffic flow: How many cars or pedestrians pass by daily?

• Visibility: Are there trees or buildings blocking it?

• Audience: Who’s likely driving that route — locals, tourists, or commuters?

• Nearby landmarks: Is it near shopping centers, highways, or schools?

  
  

A Freeway billboard on the 405 can reach millions monthly, but a smaller board near downtown Long Beach might bring you more relevant customers — it depends on your goal.

Combining Billboards with Digital Marketing

The smartest businesses don’t pick one or the other — they mix both.

A billboard works as your “awareness” driver, while digital marketing does the “action” work. Many brands now put QR codes or short URLs on their Long Beach billboards, linking to their website or a special offer page.

For example, a car wash might use a billboard that says:

“Scan this QR for $5 off your next wash!”

That small touch connects offline and online marketing perfectly.

You can also retarget users online — when people drive past your billboard, see your brand name, then later see your Google or Facebook ad, the recognition kicks in.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to billboards advertising in Long Beach, local businesses have a powerful advantage — you’re reaching people where they actually live and drive. Whether it’s a Static Billboard on Ocean Blvd or a Digital Billboard lighting up the 710, Bulletin Displays helps your brand stay visible, memorable, and impactful. In a digital world, outdoor ads feel refreshingly real — they don’t disappear with a click but connect directly with your local community.

If you’ve been thinking about getting one, start local. Walk your neighbourhood, see where traffic moves, and imagine your brand right there. You’ll realize quickly — Long Beach billboards aren’t just signs; they’re silent salespeople that work 24 hours a day.

FAQs

Q1. Are digital billboards better than static ones?

Not always. Digital billboards in Los Angeles are great for time-sensitive or changing promotions, but static billboards offer steady visibility and lower long-term cost.

Q2. How long should a billboard campaign run?

At least 3 months — that’s enough time for repeated exposure. Some local brands keep theirs up year-round.

Q3. Do I need professional design help?

Yes. A clean, readable design is crucial. Too much text or tiny logos waste your investment.

Q4. Can I measure billboard performance?

You can track traffic data, promo code redemptions, and online search spikes around campaign times. It’s not guesswork anymore.

Q5. What’s better for a small business — freeway or city billboard?If you want mass exposure, go freeway. If you want walk-ins, go for local street or downtown boards.