OneScreen.ai: Bringing Billboards Back for B2B Startups
Remember those classic road trip movies, where families would navigate their journeys based on the giant, eye-catching billboards lining the highway? Yeah, me too. Turns out, those things never really went away. They just got… smarter. And Alex Ewing, the CEO of OneScreen.ai, is leading the charge in bringing them back – this time, with a tech-savvy twist tailored for B2B startups.
See, Alex grew up in Oklahoma, a place where billboards weren’t just ads; they were landmarks. Now, he’s using that childhood familiarity to help startups navigate the wild world of advertising, ditching the digital noise for the undeniable impact of out-of-home (OOH) advertising.
OneScreen.ai: Bridging the Gap Between Startups and OOH
Think of OneScreen.ai as the ultimate matchmaker, but instead of setting up dates, they connect startups with the perfect billboard space. They’re like the Airbnb of advertising, but way cooler because, well, billboards. This software-enabled platform acts as the middleman (or middle-robot, given the tech involved), making OOH advertising accessible and, dare I say, fun for startups.
But what do they actually do, you ask? Here’s the lowdown:
- Location, Location, Location: OneScreen.ai ditches the guesswork and uses fancy data analysis to pinpoint the absolute best spots for your ad. They consider everything from your target audience’s daily grind to historical data, ensuring your message hits the right eyeballs at the right time.
- Data-Driven Success: Forget vague metrics – OneScreen.ai utilizes anonymized location data to track how your campaign is performing in the real world. It’s like having a team of invisible spies reporting on your ad’s every move (don’t worry, it’s all above board).
OneScreen.ai’s Success and OOH Resurgence
Okay, so they sound cool, but are they legit? Short answer: Absolutely. This ain’t some fly-by-night operation. OneScreen.ai has raked in millions in funding and is already profitable, with revenue tripling in the past yera. Clearly, they’re onto something big. And that “something” is the undeniable resurgence of OOH advertising.
Remember when everyone thought print was dead? Yeah, OOH is having its “I’m back, baby!” moment. The industry is expected to reach nearly ten billion dollars in the U.S. alone this year, and experts predict it’ll hit a whopping twelve billion by the middle of the decade. So, what’s driving this comeback? In a word: startups.
See, startups are kinda over the whole digital marketing thing. It’s like that one friend who used to be cool but now just spams you with chain messages. Between ad blockers, privacy regulations, and the ever-increasing cost, digital marketing is losing its shine. Startups crave something different, something real, something… well, something like a giant billboard with their name on it.
The Appeal of OOH for B2B Companies
Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, billboards are cool for selling sneakers or the latest burger joint, but B2B? Really?” Oh, ye of little faith, that’s where the real magic happens. B2B companies, especially those scrappy startups trying to make a name for themselves, are flocking to OOH like moths to a, well, a really strategically placed, well-lit billboard.
Take, for instance, Ramp, a fintech company that helps businesses manage their expenses. Or Karat, a tech recruiter connecting companies with top-tier engineers. These are not your grandma’s B2B companies (unless your grandma’s coding the next big app, in which case, shout out to your grandma!). These companies are young, ambitious, and they’re not afraid to think outside the digital box. And guess what? It’s working.
But why is OOH such a good fit for B2B, you ask? Let me break it down for ya:
- Ad Blocker Immunity: Remember how we talked about digital marketing getting stale? Well, OOH is like the VIP section that ad blockers can’t touch. You can’t exactly “skip” a billboard, can you?
- Privacy Law Workaround: With privacy regulations getting stricter than your high school principal, OOH offers a refreshingly straightforward approach. No cookies, no tracking pixels, just pure, unadulterated brand exposure.
- Creative Freedom: Let’s face it, digital ads can be kinda… meh. With OOH, B2B companies can unleash their creative beasts and craft eye-catching, memorable campaigns that stand out from the digital noise.
- Brand Recognition is King: Sure, a billboard might not lead to an immediate sale (unless it’s for a really, really good taco truck parked nearby). But for B2B, it’s all about planting seeds. OOH creates brand recognition and familiarity, so when those potential clients are ready to buy, guess who they’re gonna think of? Bingo!
Targeted OOH: Reaching the Right Audience
Okay, so OOH is cool again, but isn’t it a bit, you know, “spray and pray”? Nope. Not with OneScreen.ai on the scene. Remember all that data we talked about? This is where it gets really interesting. OneScreen.ai doesn’t just throw your ad on any random billboard and call it a day. They’re like advertising ninjas, strategically placing your message where it’ll make the biggest impact.
Here’s how their targetting magic works:
- Client Intel: First, you tell OneScreen.ai about your dream clients. Who are they? What do they eat for breakfast? Okay, maybe not that specific, but you get the idea.
- Location Scouting: OneScreen.ai then uses its data superpowers to pinpoint where these ideal clients hang out. We’re talking office buildings, coworking spaces, even their favorite coffee shops (no judgment, we all have our caffeine addictions).
- Data-Driven Placement: Armed with this intel, OneScreen.ai strategically selects billboard locations that maximize your ad’s visibility to the right people. It’s like they’re playing a real-life game of “Where’s Waldo,” but instead of Waldo, it’s your future customers.
- Impact Tracking: But wait, there’s more! OneScreen.ai doesn’t just leave your ad hanging. They use anonymized cell phone data to track how many people near your billboard end up visiting your website. It’s like magic, but with less smoke and mirrors and more algorithms and data science.
Measuring ROI and the Power of Real-World Presence
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: ROI. We all know it’s the holy grail of marketing, but measuring it with OOH can feel a little like trying to herd cats. It’s not as simple as tracking clicks or conversions like in the digital world. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible or unimportant.
The truth is, OOH’s impact often goes beyond immediate, trackable actions. It’s about creating those “aha!” moments when someone sees your ad and thinks, “Hey, I’ve heard of them!” It’s about building trust, familiarity, and that all-important brand awareness that paves the way for future interactions. Think of it like dating – you wouldn’t propose on the first date, right? OOH is about building that foundation, that connection that makes those future conversions so much sweeter.
Plus, let’s not underestimate the power of real-world presence. In our increasingly digital lives, a physical billboard is like a breath of fresh air. It’s tangible, it’s unavoidable, and it makes a statement. It says, “We’re here, we’re legit, and we’re not going anywhere.” And in a world saturated with fleeting digital ads, that kind of permanence is priceless.