How to Buy a Billboard in NYC
(And Why You Shouldn't)

So, you want to buy a billboard in NYC. You’re picturing your brand shining down from Times Square, seen by millions. It’s the classic marketing dream. But before you sign that six-month contract, let’s talk about what it really costs—and the smarter, data-driven alternative that’s taking over the streets.

The Real Cost of a Times Square Billboard

Let’s cut to the chase. A static Times Square billboard isn't just expensive; it’s an astronomical investment.

• Digital Billboards: $5,000 - $50,000+ per day.
• Static Wallscapes: $15,000 - $40,000 per month.
• Spectaculars: Can easily run over $100,000/month.

And that’s just for the space. You also have production costs, installation fees, and typically a minimum contract length of 4 weeks to 3 months.

The "Impression" Problem

When you buy a billboard, you are paying for "estimated impressions." Vendors will tell you that 300,000 people pass by daily. But how many look up? How many are tourists who will never buy your product? How many are looking at their phones?

"Traditional OOH (Out-of-Home) advertising has a measurement problem. You pay for exposure, but you can’t verify who actually saw it."

Enter Mobile Advertising: The Data-Driven Pivot

Smart brands are shifting budgets from stationary landmarks to micromobility advertising. Why wait for people to walk to Times Square when you can bring your ad to them?

1. Hyper-Local Targeting

Unlike a bus ad or a fixed billboard, Slekto’s network of digital backpacks moves with the crowd. We target:

• Specific Neighborhoods: SoHo, Williamsburg, West Village.
• Events: Concerts, sports games, store openings.
• Times of Day: Lunch rush, evening commute, nightlife hours.

2. Validated Impressions (GPS Tracking)

With Slekto, you don't guess. Our GPS-tracked riders provide real-time proof of performance. You know exactly where your ad was displayed and for how long. It’s digital OOH advertising with the accountability of a Facebook ad.

3. The Price Difference (CPM)

Here is the most shocking stat.

Taxi Tops vs. Backpacks

You might be thinking, "What about taxi advertising?"

Taxi tops are decent, but they have flaws:

Slekto riders are eye-level. We walk into lobbies, wait at crosswalks, and interact with the crowd. We exist in the human space, not just the vehicle space.

How to Buy Your First Campaign

If you’re ready to ditch the static billboard and try high-impact mobile advertising, here is how to start:

1. Define Your Zones: Pick the NYC neighborhoods that matter to your brand.
2. Set Your Budget: Start small with a test or dominate a zip code.
3. Launch Instantly: No 3-month lead times. We can be live in 24 hours.

Stop paying for potential. Start paying for performance.