Harnessing the Power of FOOH to Boost Engagement
- Domenica Cheek
- Feb 8, 2024
- 3 min read

In today's fast-paced digital world, local businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture the attention of their target audience and drive engagement. One strategy that has been gaining momentum in recent years is the use of FOOH, or Face-Out-Of-Home marketing.
FOOH refers to the use of digital displays and interactive elements to create dynamic and eye-catching advertisements that are placed in high-traffic areas, such as storefronts, malls, and transit stations.
But what exactly makes FOOH so engaging? The answer lies in its ability to combine traditional advertising with cutting-edge creative technology. By leveraging CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), businesses can create captivating visuals that capture the imagination of passersby and draw them in. Whether it's a larger-than-life product display or an interactive game, FOOH advertisements have the ability to stop people in their tracks and leave a lasting impression.
To illustrate the effectiveness of FOOH, let's take a look at some case studies of businesses that have successfully implemented this strategy.
Case Study 1: Ikea's "Living Billboard" Campaign
In an effort to showcase its commitment to sustainability and green living, IKEA launched an innovative FOOH campaign known as the "Living Billboard." The campaign aimed to demonstrate IKEA's dedication to sustainability by incorporating real plants into its outdoor advertising. IKEA placed billboards in prominent urban locations, but instead of traditional static advertisements, these billboards featured shelves filled with potted plants. Each billboard was carefully designed to resemble a miniature garden, with lush greenery cascading down the sides.
But the true brilliance of IKEA's "Living Billboard" campaign lay in its interactive elements. Passersby were encouraged to pluck a plant from the billboard and take it home, free of charge. Small signs attached to the billboard provided information about each plant species and offered tips on caring for them.
The campaign not only captured people's attention but also sparked conversations about sustainability and the importance of incorporating green spaces into urban environments. By bringing nature into the heart of the city and inviting people to participate in the campaign, IKEA created a memorable brand experience that aligned with its values and resonated with consumers.
Case Study 2: Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke Campaign
Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign launched in various countries around the world, replacing their iconic logo on its bottles and cans with popular first names, nicknames, and terms of endearment. The brilliance of this campaign lies in its ability to create a sense of personal connection between the brand and consumers. By featuring individual names on its products, Coca-Cola encouraged people to share a Coke with friends, family members, and even strangers, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
The FOOH aspect of the campaign came into play through various outdoor advertising channels, including billboards, bus stops, and digital displays. These ads featured images of Coca-Cola bottles adorned with different names, enticing passersby to look for their own name or the names of loved ones. In addition to the personalized bottles and cans, Coca-Cola encouraged consumers to engage with the campaign online by sharing photos of themselves with their personalized Coca-Cola products using the hashtag #ShareACoke. This social media component extended the reach of the campaign beyond physical FOOH displays, creating a digital buzz around the brand.
The "Share a Coke" campaign was a massive success, driving increased sales, brand awareness, and consumer engagement for Coca-Cola. By leveraging FOOH marketing in conjunction with personalized packaging and social media interaction, Coca-Cola effectively tapped into the power of personalization to connect with consumers in a meaningful way.
So, how can you effectively use FOOH in your local marketing efforts? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Get Creative with CGI: Use CGI to create visually stunning advertisements that capture the attention of your target audience.
2. Incorporate Interactive Elements: Add interactive elements such as touch screens or motion sensors to engage customers and encourage interaction with your ads.
3. Utilize Landing Pages and Retargeting: Drive traffic to your website by incorporating a call-to-action in your FOOH ads and using retargeting strategies to re-engage potential customers who have shown interest.
By using the power of FOOH, you can create memorable experiences that drive engagement and boost sales. So, what are you waiting for?
Until next time,
Domenica Cheek