Cost of Printed Building Hoardings?

Cost of Printed Building Hoardings: An Effective Marketing Tool at a Lower Price Than You Think

Printed building hoardings are becoming an increasingly popular marketing and advertising tool for construction sites, offering great value for money compared to many other advertising methods. With so many options available, choosing the right marketing strategy for a building development can be a challenge. However, advertising on construction site hoardings is a cost-effective choice, and in many cases, it costs less than you might think. In this blog, we’ll explore how advertising on hoardings works, why it is a valuable tool, and how the costs of producing printed building hoardings are more affordable than ever.

Why Choose Printed Building Hoardings for Advertising?

When considering different advertising methods, you might assume that traditional billboards, TV ads, or digital marketing will be the most effective. However, advertising on construction site hoardings offers a unique set of advantages, especially for building developments and large-scale projects.

One of the primary reasons why advertising on construction site hoardings is such a great choice is the cost-effectiveness of the advertising space. While advertising in other places may require leasing space or paying for access to prime locations, the space on a construction site hoarding is essentially “free.” All that you are paying for is the design and production of the printed hoarding. This alone makes it a much more affordable option than many other forms of outdoor advertising.

Additionally, the duration that the hoarding remains in place offers a significant benefit. Hoardings can stay up for months, if not years, depending on the length of the development project. During this time, your advertisement will be seen by thousands of passers-by, making it an excellent long-term advertising solution. This extended duration allows for a more substantial return on investment (ROI) as your advertisement is continuously visible, unlike some forms of advertising that are short-lived or limited to specific hours.

Another contributing factor to the affordability of printed building hoardings is the advancement of large-format digital printing. Thanks to faster and more efficient printing technology, the cost of producing printed hoardings has decreased significantly over recent years. The development of better and quicker large-format printers has lowered production costs, allowing you to get high-quality printed hoardings at a fraction of the cost compared to the past.

However, while the cost of production has reduced, the effectiveness of hoardings as an advertising medium remains high. The value per thousand impressions (CPM) is highly competitive, especially when considering the location of your site and the volume of passing traffic. A well-positioned hoarding can generate considerable attention, providing great visibility for your brand or development project.

Various Printing Methods and Their Cost Printed Building Hoardings

There are several printing methods available for producing printed building hoardings, and each comes with different benefits and costs. Below are some examples to help give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to production costs. Prices mentioned are for a standard installation in the London area and are exclusive of VAT.

Aluminium Composite Hoarding

• 85m² of digitally printed hoarding on 3mm aluminium composite: £3495
• 85m² of digitally printed hoarding on 3mm aluminium composite with anti-graffiti film: £4395
• Installation: £1495
• Bottom plinth (if needed): £310
• Top and bottom plinth (if needed): £495

Pros:

• Durable with good longevity, perfect for long-term advertising.
• If panels are damaged, they can be easily replaced.
• Good print quality, with the option for anti-graffiti protection.

Cons:

• Relatively expensive, especially when including installation and additional features like anti-graffiti film.
• Joins and screws may be visible, which may affect the overall aesthetic.

PVC Print with Aluminium Frame Hoarding

• 85m² of PVC digitally printed hoarding: £1495
• Aluminium frame system: £885
• Installation: £1295

Pros:

• Flat, seamless print for a smooth finish.
• Only a small section of the frame is visible, creating a clean look.

Cons:

• Getting the hoarding square and achieving a flat, tensioned print can be challenging.
• If vandalised, the entire print will need to be replaced.
• No anti-graffiti system available with this option.

Self-Adhesive Vinyl Printed Hoarding

• 85m² of digitally printed vinyl with over laminate in drops of 1300mm wide: £2595
• 85m² of digitally printed vinyl with anti-graffiti film in drops of 1300mm wide: £2895
• Installation: £2895

Pros:

• Anti-graffiti system available (if opted).
• If vandalised, panels can be replaced, although colour matching may be challenging.

Cons:

• Vinyl graphics can only be applied to specific hoarding faces (e.g., Smartply Siteprotect) or very well gloss-painted panels.

Each of these options offers varying levels of durability, aesthetic quality, and cost. The choice of material and printing method will depend on your specific project needs, budget, and the type of impact you want your advertisement to make.

Design Costs for Advertising Hoardings Cost Printed Building Hoardings

In addition to production costs, the design of the hoarding itself is a key factor in determining the overall cost. Design fees are typically charged by the hour, with an average rate of £75 per hour. However, design costs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the design and how much input you provide.

A key point to remember when it comes to design is that you’re paying for the time spent creating the design rather than the final result. Since design is a highly subjective process, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want before the designer starts working. Providing as much information as possible, such as hand-drawn sketches or photos of elements you’d like to incorporate, can help keep design costs down. The more precise and clear your vision is from the start, the fewer hours the designer will need to spend on the project.

If you’re unsure about what you want, conceptual design work can take a considerable amount of time, as designers will need to explore different options to find a solution that meets your objectives.

Additional Considerations for Printed Hoardings

While the pricing for printed hoardings is relatively affordable, there are a few factors you should keep in mind when choosing the right advertising solution for your building development:

1. Location of the Site:
   The location of your construction site plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of your hoarding advertisement. High-traffic areas with lots of pedestrian or vehicle movement will increase the number of impressions and, therefore, the value of the advertising.
2. Length of the Project:
   The longer your hoarding is in place, the more value it offers as an advertising space. Long-term developments can use hoardings as a consistent, visible advertisement that continues to reach new potential customers for months or even years.
3. Vandalism and Maintenance:
   While most hoarding materials are designed to be durable, vandalism can still occur. Depending on the material used (such as vinyl), some repairs may be necessary. It’s essential to consider the costs associated with replacing damaged panels, especially if you choose an option without an anti-graffiti system.
4. Branding and Design:
   A well-designed hoarding can do wonders for your brand. The key to effective advertising is ensuring that your hoarding clearly communicates your message and catches the attention of your target audience. It’s worth investing time and resources into creating a striking, professional design that truly represents your development or brand.

Printed building hoardings are an excellent, cost-effective advertising tool for construction sites, offering great visibility and long-term exposure. The affordability of production costs, coupled with the extended duration that hoardings remain in place, makes them a valuable investment for promoting your building development or brand.

Whether you opt for aluminium composite, PVC print, or self-adhesive vinyl, there are multiple options to suit different budgets and project requirements. By understanding the costs involved, including design and installation fees, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your hoarding campaign provides the best possible value for your marketing spend.

If you are considering using a printed building hoarding for your next project, it’s worth consulting with a professional to discuss your design, material, and budget options. With the right approach, a printed hoarding can be an incredibly effective way to reach your audience and build awareness of your development.