If you’re a business owner in the Philippines, you might be wondering: “Should I allocate my budget towards billboards or online advertisements?”
Both options hold their own unique strengths. You encounter LED billboards frequently along major roads like EDSA, C5, or NLEX, but at the same time, many individuals are scrolling through ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. So, the crucial question is—which method actually provides a better ROI (Return on Investment)?
Let’s analyze this in straightforward terms.
What exactly is ROI, and why is it important for your brand?
ROI (Return on Investment) is simply a sophisticated way of asking: “How much money do I receive back for every peso invested in advertising?”
However, there’s a caveat: not all ROIs are created equal.
Brand awareness ROI: When more individuals become familiar with your brand. (Consider: “Oh, I remember seeing that new milk tea company on the large EDSA billboard!”)
Conversion ROI: When customers actually purchase your product, sign up, or contact you after seeing your advertisement.
For instance: Investing ₱50,000 on a billboard might not result in clicks, but it could lead to thousands of commuters recalling your brand each day. In contrast, spending that same amount on online advertisements might yield measurable clicks, sign-ups, and even sales.
What’s Changed with LED Billboards?
Billboards have evolved beyond being simple “large posters.” With advancements in audience measurement technology, current LED billboards can now monitor how many people view your ad. Picture this: a billboard situated on EDSA can report how many commuters saw your advertisement today versus the previous day. That’s a significant upgrade from the earlier method of merely estimating the number of viewers.
Reasons businesses prefer LED billboards:
- Extensive visibility – Every driver caught in traffic sees it.
- Measurable impressions – Understand the actual audience size.
- Increased credibility – Being featured on a billboard conveys a premium and reputable image.
Some minor drawbacks:
- Billboards cannot be clicked.
- Their effectiveness relies on location and traffic patterns.
How Do Online Ads Operate?
Online advertisements are easier to visualize since you encounter them daily on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Google.
Here’s a breakdown of how they typically function:
- Impressions – the frequency at which your ad appears.
- Clicks – the number of individuals who engage with your ad.
- Conversions – the amount of people who actually make a purchase, sign up, or inquire.
Reasons businesses favor online ads:
- Targeted – Display advertisements only to your desired audience (e.g., 18–25-year-old coffee enthusiasts in Quezon City).
- Trackable – You can monitor precisely how many clicked or bought.
- Budget-friendly – Begin with as little as ₱500 daily if you wish.
However, there are some downsides:
- Fake traffic (bots) can deplete your budget.
- Ad fatigue – Users tend to scroll past if they view your ad too frequently.
- Click fraud – Occasionally, clicks fail to convert into genuine customers.
Comparing LED Billboards and Online Advertising
| Factor | LED Billboard | Online Ads |
| Reach | Mass audience (commuters, passersby) | Highly targeted (age, interests, location) |
| Measurement | Audience measurement, impressions | Detailed metrics: clicks, conversions |
| Engagement | Strong recall, prestige | Direct engagement: likes, clicks, shares |
| Cost | Higher upfront investment | Flexible, can start small |
| Trust Factor | High credibility, “big brand feel” | Can suffer from fake traffic skepticism |
| Best Use | Brand awareness, prestige campaigns | Driving sales, leads, and quick actions |
LED Billboards are ideal for situations when you want:
- Extensive brand exposure in high-traffic areas like EDSA or C5
- To appear credible and upscale
- To connect with thousands daily through a single placement
Online Ads are preferable if you need:
- Swift leads and sales
- Data-driven targeting (age, gender, interests, location)
- A flexible budget accompanied by measurable outcomes
Tip: Don’t favor one option over the other—integrate both. Billboards establish brand trust and recognition, whereas online ads prompt consumers to take action. Together, they provide optimal ROI.
Ready to Begin? With NYXSYS LED billboards along with Calton DAtx, you can eliminate the guesswork regarding your outdoor campaign’s effectiveness, you’ll actually have access to the data. Contact us today to reserve your LED billboard space and discover how measurable outdoor advertising can elevate your brand.