Who says there isn’t humor to be found in advertising? Truly great ads are capable of evoking strong emotions within their audience, something which can also be achieved through comedy. We’ve compiled some of the funniest signs and billboards we could find which show just how effective humor can be at grabbing someone’s attention.
The Stuff Of Nightmares
If one hasn’t experienced this situation at least once in their lives, then it is for the best that they never do. No words are even needed for the message in this billboard. It presents a problem and a solution side by side, relying on the imagery of the problem to be strong enough to make the solution look attractive.
What Did You Just Say?
The classic bait and switch. Catch someone’s attention with an alarming out of context statement, then clarify the usage. The result is most likely a hearty chuckle and some more eyes on your billboard. While it might seem that this billboard would lose its effectiveness if the viewer isn’t married, the resulting confusion would only make the statement more perplexing.
Puns Are Hanoi-ing
For those not in the know, Phuket is a popular beach resort destination found in Thailand. As far as location themed puns go, the jokes write themselves. Still, it’s refreshing to see an airline company have a sense of humor. There’s some tact to the implementation of the pun as it doesn’t come off too tasteless or brash.
Camera Shy
Beautifully elegant and creative- this is simply a non-rectangular billboard with a tarp covered over part of it. However, the message and visual effect is clear and effectively gets its point across. Most everyone can relate to being embarrassed by pimples so the humor in this billboard comes from the how relatable and human the message is.
Personal Hygiene
When advertisements interact with the surrounding world in a creative and unique way, it can catch oneself off guard. While this ad seems like a potential safety and fire hazard in the making, it catches the eye and makes creative use of something we usually ignore. It’s gross enough to create a sense of discomfort in the viewer which it then offers a solution to.
Your Dog Has A Case Of Humans
Ever heard someone say something along the likes of, “those people look like ants from up here?” Someone at Frontline ran with the concept, except with fleas instead of ants. The imagery of the obviously uncomfortable and itchy dog goes a long ways towards providing the framing required to interpret the people as fleas.
Happy Little Trees
No matter what’s troubling you, hearing Bob Ross say his signature line, “let’s paint some happy little trees” has a mysterious soothing effect. The tribute offered by this sign is sure to bring a warm smile to the face of just about anyone. Sure, there’s no joke per se, but it’s cute and playful- traits not normally found in road signs.
Calling You Out
Despite being placed in public spaces, the communication that happens between a billboard and the viewer is actually quite a personal and private one. The one-way direction of the message allows this billboard to call out passing drivers and personalize its message without actually adapting to each individual. Sure, it won’t hold true for everyone passing by, but it will be more effective for those that fit the message.
Worst Possible Spokesperson
Context is key when it comes to delivering a joke. In this case, the signs themselves are what you would expect. Instead it is their creative placement by employees that brings forth humor from the created implication.
Taking Advantage of a Local Joke
An excellent way to take advantage of a billboard is to attract the attention of the citizens with a localized joke. Funny signs and billboards have always been a perfect strategy for publicity creatives.
That’s Really What I’m Seeing?
WAIT? Look again. Confusing the viewers a little is not bad. Also, in this way, besides sending a funny message, you are getting people to pay more attention to your billboard and spend more time watching it.
Play and Improvise With the Elements You Have
It’s an old trick in billboard ads, but it doesn’t mean it’s not effective just because it’s old. People love to see things that are out of the ordinary, and this way, your message gets noticed and gets a smile on someone’s face.
BMedia: Puerto Rico’s Advertising Experts
If you’re looking for ways to promote your business within your community, bMedia takes charge. We can help you develop a creative strategy for your business.
We are Puerto Rico’s leading experts in outdoor and billboard advertising. Our professionals can help you strategize, execute and maximize the effectiveness of your promotional campaign and market research.
With a network of over 500 locations in high-traffic areas, we guarantee we can get your message across loud and clear.
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