Austin may be the official capital of the great state of Texas, but Dallas is bigger (and better, according to locals) in every way. The modern metropolis, called the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is home to nearly 10 million people, with a huge population uptick following the events of 2020.
Business has always boomed in Dallas, but economic activity is now reaching new heights thanks to amplified interest in the state. Even the locals are noticing more Dallas billboards than ever before.
There’s money to be made in virtually every industry, but you’ll need a strong advertising strategy to stand out and thrive. Here’s how to do it.
Learn the Dallas Way of Life
Stepping onto Dallas soil for the first time is like entering a new universe. The people are proud, high-energy, and hold everyone to a high standard. The business culture is the same way, and companies either sink or swim in this competitive environment.
It can be hard to break through as an outsider when entering the Dallas commerce arena, so you’ll want to network as much as possible and assimilate sooner than later.
Take cues from other successful businesses in the area and see how things are done in your industry. Advertising is a great way to see how brands differentiate themselves and craft a unique reputation within the city.
Expand Your Online Presence
Putting up Dallas billboards is important, but don’t ignore online marketing. So much of the economy has been digitized since the turn of the 21st century, and Dallas is no different.
Much of your advertising spend should go towards online campaigns, from social media websites like Facebook and Instagram to SEO and branded content development to draw more organic traffic.
If you want to make the best impression on the people of Dallas with your website, be sure to include some Texas themes that convey you aren’t just another faceless brand without roots. Add some well-known imagery of the city and culture to show you’re part of the scene.
Target High-Growth Neighborhoods
Dallas has dozens of beautiful, high-end neighborhoods that will make up your target audience, but the metric that matters most to you is growth. Determine where people are moving, where the investment is happening, and how your brand fits into the expansion equation.
The highest-earning zip codes aren’t always necessarily the most profitable for your business. Depending on your industry, you may want to focus on young urban professionals, students, new families, or others.
Also, keep in mind that Dallas has one of the larger senior community populations in the United States, and there are many ways to advertise to retired folks with some extra money to spend.
Connect with Established Networks
Community is a big part of the Dallas business scene, and you won’t be able to waltz in unannounced and expect to make money. Working your way into established networks of advertisers and marketers is a wiser approach.
Longstanding media outlets like the Dallas Observer, DFW Child, Dallas Morning News, and D Magazine are advertiser favorites, and offer a great entry point for any growing brand. From there, you can connect with the Chamber of Commerce and other small business registers that will put you in the mix.
Even if you don’t get the results you want immediately, this strategy will earn you more business in the long run and keep your reputation pristine.
Master Out-of-Home Media in Dallas
The power of OOH media remains strong in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and there are plenty of ways to go about it. Your business doesn’t need to spend thousands to get a spot on an inflatable advertising balloon, so start small and work your way up.
Small-scale opportunities for OOH media placements are everywhere around DFW, from street furniture and wallscapes to DART transit installments and more. You can even take advantage of wildposting in high-traffic areas to draw tons of attention to your business.
Don’t forget about the broad and effective Dallas billboards infrastructure that covers the many highways and high-volume roads from Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas. The roads are more jammed than ever, and while locals may complain about traffic, your business benefits from extra exposure via Dallas billboards.
Time is nearly as important as place with out-of-home media in Dallas, so be sure to schedule your ads accordingly with the time of day and season. Expect to pay more when the Cowboys are playing, but consider the extra traffic boost that you’ve been looking for.
Build Your Dallas-Based Business Today
Dallas has changed a lot in recent years, but the heart and soul of the city remains strong. It’s a business paradise for those who break through the tough exterior, and this advertising plan will put you on the right track.
Always keep an eye on how your ad plan performs, and don’t hesitate to mix it up with unique Dallas Billboards and other methods. Even in a place like Dallas, outside-the-box thinking pays off.
