Bulletin Billboard Salt Lake City | How to Design an Eye-Catching Ad

How to Design an Eye-Catching Bulletin Billboard for the Salt Lake City Market

Posted November 7, 2025

Driving through the Salt Lake Valley, you see them everywhere. Tucked between exits, standing tall along the I-15 corridor, bulletin boards are a constant part of our landscape. In a split second, they have to grab the attention of a driver flying by at 70 miles per hour. That’s not much time to make an impression.

So, how do you break through the noise and create a bulletin billboard Salt Lake City residents will actually remember? It’s not about cramming in as much information as possible. It’s about a quick, powerful punch. Here’s how to design one that works.

1) Embrace the “Glance and Go” Rule

The golden rule of billboard design is that you have about 5-8 seconds of a driver’s attention. Maybe less if they’re navigating traffic. Your design needs to be understood in a single glance.

Use 7 Words or Less:Seriously, count them. If your sentence is running long, it’s already failed. Think like a poet, not a novelist. “Fresh Donuts. Next Exit.” works. “We Have a Wide Variety of Freshly Baked Donuts and Pastries Made Daily” does not.
One Big Idea:What is the single most important thing you want people to know? Your business name? A killer deal? An upcoming event? Pick one. Your bulletin billboard Salt Lake City commuters see should have one clear message.

2) Leverage the Local Landscape

A billboard in Salt Lake City is not similar to that in Miami or New York. In order to connect, you must make your design feel like it is a part of this place.

Local Icons (Tastefully): You do not have to cover the Wasatch Mountains with icons but the slightest mention of our geography can give you an instant tie. Consider a color palette of our red rocks, desert sunsets or clear, mountain blues.
Speak to a Local Pain Point:Is it a service that helps with hard water? Mention it. Is your product perfect for a weekend in the Wasatch? Hint at it. A bulletin billboard Salt Lake City drivers see should feel like it’s talking directly to them and their lives.
Location, Location, Location:Is your board near the University? Gear your message to students. Is it on the way to the ski resorts? Use imagery that sparks that excitement. Tailor your message to the specific traffic on that route.

3) Make it Pop: The Look of Your Billboard

This is where you make people look. The trick is to keep it simple. When someone’s driving by, a messy billboard just turns into a blur.

Colors That Scream (In a Good Way):You want colors that really stand out against each other. Think bright yellow with black writing. Or white words on a deep blue sky. Stay away from colors that are too similar, like light grey on white. From the road, they’ll just vanish.
Big, Fat, Easy-to-Read Letters:This is not the place for a fancy, curly font. You need big, bold, blocky letters that your dad could read from two football fields away. A good test? Show your design to a friend and if they have to squint, the text is too small.
One Picture is Worth a Thousand Words:Pick one single, powerful image. A great photo of your burger, a happy family, or a simple logo. That’s it. Don’t crowd the board with five different pictures. Your image should tell the story instantly.

4) Tell Them What to Do Next

You’ve got their eye for a second. Now what? If you don’t tell people what to do, you’ve wasted your money.

Keep it Stupid Simple:The best calls to action are things people can remember easily.
- Good:“VisitRedIguana.com” or “Text TACOS to 12345”
- Bad:“Call us at 801-555-1234” – nobody is going to remember a phone number while driving!
What’s More Important, Your Name or Your Offer?If you’re a new business, your website or deal might be the most important thing. But if you’re a local legend like Crown Burgers, just your name and a picture of the food is all the call to action you need.

The Main Things to Remember

You have 5 seconds.Make them count.
Fewer words, one picture, one idea.
Make it feel like Salt Lake City.
High contrast and huge text are a must.
Always tell people what to do next.

Questions You Might Have

Q: So, how much does one of these actually cost?
A: It really depends. A great spot on a busy road like I-15 costs a lot more than one on a quieter street. You usually pay by the month, and it can be anywhere from a few thousand to a lot more. Always ask how many cars pass by each day.

Q: Can I just use my normal company logo?
A: Maybe not. If your logo has tiny details or small words, it won’t work. You need a super simple version that people can recognize in a split second.

Q: How long do I need to keep the ad up?
A: At least a month. People need to see it a few times before it really sticks in their mind. You’re building familiarity, not just making a one-time announcement.

Q: Who puts the ad up on the board?
A: The billboard company takes care of all that! You just give them the final design file, and they handle the printing and installation.

Getting a bulletin billboard Salt Lake City drivers will notice is all about being clear, bold, and local. Keep it simple, and you’ll turn a quick glance into a new customer. For more expert advice contact Reagon Outdoor Advertising.