Creative Guidelines

Enhance your advertising with Compass Media’s expert tips and tools. Our creative guidelines ensure your campaigns are visually striking and highly effective, optimizing your brand’s reach and impact.

Our Tips for an Effective Design

Keep It Simple

Simplify your message. Use clear, concise text and images to convey your point quickly and effectively.

Create at the Correct Ad Size

Ensure your ad fits the designated space properly. Proper sizing ensures visibility and readability from a distance.

Use Bold Fonts and Colors

Opt for striking fonts and vibrant colors. This makes your ad stand out and captures the attention of passersby.

Use the Correct Format

Ensure your content is tailored for the medium you choose. Whether it’s digital or static, format your design to suit the display size and viewing distance.

Be Appropriate with Your Content

Your advertisement should align with community standards and avoid controversial or inappropriate material. This maintains the brand’s integrity and audience trust.

When Advertising with Compass Media, You Must Adhere to the Following Rules:

No nudity, profanity, graphic violence, hate speech, innuendos or personal attacks.
No advertising for illegal goods or services.
All website domains must be fully functional and legitimate.
No false statements that can be verified or needlessly inflammatory.
No footnotes, disclaimers, or “fine print” of any kind.
The identity of the advertiser must be discernible. You must have a logo, brand name, or URL.
No negative ads towards a person, event, or business.

All political ads must have a clear and legible “Paid for by…” statement from a legitimate organization.
- All campaigns must be for a legitimate cause or candidate.
- No negative or potentially controversial ads will be
  accepted.
All music artists with explicit lyrics must put an “explicit content” tag on their ad.
No QR or Text Codes (they encourage distracted driving)
No deceptive or scammy content.
No sexually charged content.

Please note that all advertising content will be reviewed before it is able to appear on any billboard. Your ad may be approved or rejected for any reason at Compass Media’s discretion.

When Designing Your Billboard, You Must Adhere to These Rules:

No pure white backgrounds (RGB 235, 235, 235 or darker is OK).
Script or cursive fonts must be clear and easy to read.
All website domains must be legitimate and functioning.
Artwork must be professionally designed and follow sound
design principles.
No more than 7 words
Content must match the pixel dimensions of the target
billboards.
Any wasted space such as grey/white/black bars on the sides of
ads looks unprofessional and will be rejected

General Rules of Thumb

Less is More

Focus on simplicity in your designs. A clear and uncluttered message is more effective and easier for viewers to comprehend quickly.

Text Should Go Left to Right

Align your text for natural readability. This ensures that your audience can read and understand your message effortlessly.

High Contrast for Visibility

Ensure your text and background colors have high contrast. This enhances readability and makes your message stand out, even from a distance.

Try Not to Be Redundant

Avoid repeating the same message. A clear, concise message is more impactful and keeps your audience engaged.

Don’t Ask Questions That a Reader Could Answer “No”

Ensure your questions lead to a positive response. Negative answers can disengage your audience and reduce the effectiveness of your message.

Take a Look at Some Past Successful Billboards

Explore some of our most impactful billboard campaigns. These examples showcase how effective design and strategic placement can capture attention and deliver results. Let us help you create a memorable outdoor advertising experience.