Lawyers’ Love Affair With Billboards
Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Love Billboards? And Why They Should Rethink Their Strategy
Billboards are everywhere, and if you’ve ever driven down a major highway, you’ve likely noticed a trend—personal injury attorneys dominate this outdated advertising medium. In fact, one could argue that if it weren’t for this particular industry, the entire billboard sector might collapse. But why do lawyers cling so tightly to billboards? Is it a misguided attempt at brand recognition, or just an ego-driven need to see their own faces plastered across the skyline?
The Appeal of Billboards for Personal Injury Attorneys
1. The Visibility Factor (Even If It’s Ineffective)
Law firms that invest in billboards believe that sheer exposure will lead to business. But visibility doesn’t equal engagement. A driver speeding down the highway at 70 mph has mere seconds to register an attorney’s name and phone number, and the chances of that driver immediately needing legal representation at that moment? Almost zero.
2. Ego Over Strategy
Many lawyers love seeing their own faces on billboards, as if their larger-than-life presence alone will inspire trust. But advertising should be about connecting with clients, not fulfilling a personal need for recognition. Consumers don’t hire attorneys because they’ve seen the same headshot 50 times on their daily commute—they hire based on trust, reputation, and credibility.
3. Lackluster Creativity
Legal billboards are infamous for their uninspired creative. Whether it’s a serious-looking attorney with crossed arms and a phone number in massive font, a particular Tampa lawyer harkening back to his good old days at college in EVERY SINGLE AD (even though it was probably more then 30 years ago), or a cringeworthy pun, the result is the same: forgettable. The best advertising evokes emotion and action—billboards for attorneys, on the other hand, rarely achieve either.
The Bigger Problem: Outdated Advertising and Neglected Digital Presence
While lawyers continue to dump money into billboards, many of their websites remain outdated, slow, and difficult to navigate. A poorly designed website sends a clear message to potential clients: If you don’t care about your own digital presence, how much will you care about their case?
Smarter Advertising Strategies for Attorneys
Rather than burning cash on overpriced, ineffective billboards, law firms should focus on data-driven digital marketing strategies that actually generate leads and build long-term brand authority:
- Google Search Ads & Local Service Ads – When people need a lawyer, they don’t scan billboards. They Google it. Investing in Google Local Service Ads ensures that law firms appear when and where potential clients are actively searching.
- SEO & Content Marketing – A professionally designed website with well-optimized legal content helps law firms rank higher on search engines and establish authority.
- Social Media & Video Marketing – Personal injury attorneys should leverage YouTube Video Ads and social media platforms to connect with potential clients in a more engaging, memorable way.
- Retargeting & Email Campaigns – Digital advertising allows law firms to re-engage potential clients who have visited their website but haven’t taken action.
Conclusion: Stop Wasting Money, Start Building a Better Brand
Personal injury attorneys have relied on billboards for far too long, but in today’s digital-first world, that approach is inefficient, outdated, and costly. Instead of pouring money into roadside ads with uninspired creative and minimal engagement, law firms should invest in smarter, measurable marketing strategies.
At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in creating customized digital marketing strategies that actually convert leads into clients. Don’t waste your budget on billboards—contact us today and let us help you build a brand that truly stands out.
Radio Ads Are Dead
The Decline of Traditional Radio Ads: Why Digital Alternatives Are Superior
For decades, conventional radio has been a dominant force in advertising, reaching commuters in their cars and workers in their offices. However, as technology evolves and consumer habits shift, traditional over-the-air radio is losing its effectiveness. If you’re still investing heavily in radio advertising, it’s time to reconsider your strategy and explore better digital marketing solutions.
Why Traditional Radio No Longer Delivers
1. Limited Engagement and High Tune-Out Rates
People often listen to radio passively, using it as background noise while driving or working. Unlike digital advertising strategies, where users actively engage with content, radio ads are easy to tune out. The lack of visuals also makes it harder to create a lasting impression.
2. Segmented Audiences and Volatile Listenership
Radio audiences are highly fragmented, divided across numerous stations, genres, and time slots. This segmentation makes it difficult to achieve broad reach without significant investment. Additionally, listenership peaks and valleys can make it challenging to predict ad performance, unlike targeted digital marketing campaigns that provide measurable results.
3. No Visual Component for Better Recall
Audio-only ads are inherently less memorable than ads that combine sight and sound. Without visuals, it’s harder to establish brand recognition, reinforce messages, or create a compelling call to action. Streaming video advertising offers a more engaging and effective alternative.
4. Lack of Immediate Actionability
Unlike Google Search Ads or YouTube Video Advertising, which allow users to click and engage instantly, radio ads rely on listeners remembering your brand later. In a world where instant gratification is key, this delay significantly reduces conversion rates.
Better Advertising Alternatives for Modern Businesses
If you’re still relying on traditional radio, consider shifting to more effective digital advertising channels that offer better targeting, measurable results, and greater engagement:
1. Streaming Radio & Podcasts on Spotify
Streaming services like Spotify allow advertisers to target specific demographics and interests, making ads more relevant and impactful. Podcast advertising also offers high engagement rates, as listeners are more likely to trust and respond to host-read ads.
2. Streaming Television (Connected TV & OTT Advertising)
Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising reach audiences across multiple devices—smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile phones—combining the power of sight and sound for maximum impact.
3. Google Search & Local Service Ads
People searching on Google are actively looking for solutions, making Google Search Ads one of the most effective ways to capture high-intent leads. Local Service Ads are another great way to target customers in your specific geographic area.
4. YouTube Video Advertising
YouTube Advertising combines visual and audio elements, offering a more immersive ad experience. With billions of users, it provides unparalleled reach and targeting capabilities based on user interests and behavior.
Let Mad Men Marketing Build Your Custom Media Plan
Traditional radio advertising is becoming less effective in today’s digital world. If you’re looking for a smarter, results-driven approach, Mad Men Marketing can help. Our team specializes in custom-tailored media plans that maximize your advertising investment and drive real business growth.
Contact us today to explore the best digital advertising solutions for your business!
Why Billboards Are A Waste Of Money
For decades, billboards have been a staple in traditional advertising, but in today’s fast-paced, digital world, they have become an antiquated, ineffective, and overpriced medium. Businesses looking to maximize their marketing dollars need to rethink their strategies—because putting all your eggs in the billboard basket is a costly mistake.
The Problem With Billboards
- Lack of a Captive Audience
Unlike digital marketing or even traditional media like television and radio, billboards never provide a captive audience. People driving past an advertisement are often distracted or focused on the road, making it nearly impossible to capture their full attention. - Impressions Are Fleeting
With digital billboards constantly rotating ads, your message is visible for mere seconds. This reduces the likelihood of retention and significantly diminishes the impact of your campaign. Static billboards are no better—while they may be visible for longer, they quickly blend into the background and become part of the everyday scenery. - Overpriced and Inefficient
Billboards demand a premium price for placement, yet their return on investment (ROI) is difficult to measure. Unlike digital marketing, which provides trackable engagement metrics, billboards leave businesses guessing about their effectiveness. If your advertising budget is limited, investing in a medium that lacks measurable results is a risk you cannot afford. - Lack of Immediate Actionability
Most people are not in a position to take immediate action when they see a billboard. Whether they’re driving or commuting, they can’t just stop and make a purchase or visit a website on the spot. Contrast this with digital ads, where users can instantly click to call, visit a website, or complete a purchase.
Smarter Alternatives for Your Marketing Budget
Instead of pouring money into an outdated medium, businesses should focus on advertising strategies that provide measurable results, better audience targeting, and higher engagement rates. Some effective alternatives include:
– Search Engine Marketing (SEM) & Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Get your brand in front of potential customers actively searching for your products or services. – Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn allow precise targeting based on user behavior and demographics. – Content Marketing & SEO: Creating valuable content and optimizing for search engines ensures long-term visibility and organic traffic growth. – Email & SMS Marketing: Engage with your audience directly through personalized campaigns that drive conversions.
Invest Wisely—Go Digital
If your business relies solely on billboards for advertising, you may be setting yourself up for failure. At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in data-driven, digital-first marketing solutions that deliver real results. Don’t waste your budget on an outdated medium—let us help you build a marketing strategy that works.
Contact us today to learn how we can maximize your advertising investment and take your brand to the next level.
What is Streaming TV?
What Is Streaming TV? A Guide for Advertisers and Brands
In the past decade, the way people consume television has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of rigid cable schedules and bulky satellite dishes. Instead, streaming TV has taken center stage, offering viewers the ability to watch their favorite content anytime, anywhere. But what exactly is streaming TV, and why should businesses pay attention to it? At Mad Men Marketing, we believe in staying ahead of the curve when it comes to media trends. Let’s break it down.
Understanding Streaming TV
Streaming TV, also known as Over-the-Top (OTT) television, refers to content that is delivered via the internet rather than traditional cable or satellite services. Platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV allow users to stream live television channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, without requiring a traditional cable subscription.
Types of Streaming TV
Streaming TV can be divided into three main categories:
- Live Channel Streaming Services – These platforms, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, provide access to live broadcast channels over the internet, often with cloud DVR capabilities for recording shows.
- Subscription-Based On-Demand Services (SVOD) – Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max allow users to access a library of content on demand for a monthly fee but typically do not include live channels.
- Ad-Supported Streaming (AVOD & FAST) – Free, ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee offer live and on-demand content at no cost to viewers, funded by advertisements. FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platforms provide live TV experiences similar to traditional cable but without the subscription fees.
Why Live Streaming TV Matters for Advertisers
The rise of live streaming TV has created new opportunities for brands to reach audiences in a more engaging and measurable way. Here’s why businesses should take notice:
- Highly Targeted Advertising – Unlike traditional TV ads, live streaming platforms allow advertisers to target audiences based on demographics, interests, and viewing behavior.
- Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) – Live streaming services use DAI technology to serve targeted ads in real time, maximizing relevance and engagement.
- Cross-Device Accessibility – Live streaming content is accessible on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and computers, giving brands more touchpoints to reach their audience.
- Measurable Performance – Digital ad placements in live streaming TV offer real-time metrics on impressions, engagement, and conversions, allowing for data-driven ad strategies.
The Future of Live Streaming TV
With more households cutting the cord and opting for internet-based live TV services, the industry is only expected to grow. The rise of FAST platforms and hybrid subscription models means advertisers have more opportunities to engage with audiences in real time.
For businesses looking to expand their digital marketing strategy, live streaming TV advertising presents an opportunity to reach audiences in a way that is immersive, targeted, and highly effective. Whether through FAST platforms, live TV streaming services, or hybrid models, brands can craft engaging campaigns that align with modern viewing habits.
At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in helping brands navigate the evolving media landscape. If you’re ready to explore live streaming TV advertising, let’s talk! Reach out to us today to craft a strategy that puts your brand in front of the right audience at the right time.
BEST BIG GAME TV Commercial
Another year another mixed bag of Super Bowl commercials (not to mention a huge blowout of a game). Some really stood out to me while others left me wondering if the $8 million price tag for some of these spots worth it? Super Bowl is seen by the largest audience in the world but for some companies it’s still a risk to ride on one 30 second commercial. Here’s my thoughts on my favorite spot this year!
FOX Indy
The FOX Indy TV spot had to take the top spot for me. With the Harrison Ford Jeep commercial, Nike women’s commercial, Uber Eats and the Jordan Hate commercial all in consideration. This was an ad with everything: great funny script, engaging visuals that had a throwback but modern look and style and at the end of the day it engaged the audience (fans or not) to meet one of their drivers and see what their sport is all about.
Pato O’Ward
This guy is a superstar. That’s what I come away with after seeing this spot. I’m not a huge racing fan myself but this still engaged me enough and locked his name in my head for future events, commercials etc. This is a monumental part of branding: getting a logo, phrase, call to action (or in this case a name of a racer) “stuck” in someone’s head. Every line of this script and every visual builds him up and gives him life and personality. Making him the perfect face of the sport, now he just needs to win the big race!
MAD Thoughts
This commercial while hilarious and awesome to watch, also gave us details on the sport mixed in with exciting visuals, transitions and pace. This hooked the people partly paying attention while covering all the bases of a big game spot. This would appeal to a wide audience while also appealing to fans of the sport. They kept it light and funny, but exciting and fast, while still showing us the sport, fans and racers and hopefully (for that $8 million price tag) hooked some new fans.