Oliver Goodge, Head of Programmatic at i-media 

Greater focus on Creative Brilliance – Standardization of DCO  

It’s funny to say that the big focus for PrDOOH in 2024 will be on the creative, given that OOH is a creative-first medium above anything. However, with PrDOOH technologies and a suite of data capabilities now readily available, we’ll witness creative start to be pushed beyond its traditional barriers. DCO (Dynamic Creative Optimisation) will be the lynchpin of this drive in 2024.  

DCO is becoming increasingly popular with advertisers today and with good reason. The power to create hyper-personalised ad experiences through real-time data and machine learning algorithms to generate personalised and relevant ad content has revolutionised the way brands connect with their audiences. 

DCO offers advertisers virtually unlimited opportunities to show an ad that is precisely relevant for a user. However, DCO campaigns are only as good as the data that powers them and using insufficient data is like having the keys to a Lamborghini and never moving out of first gear; you have so much power available to you but you’re not using it.  

2023 saw a proliferation in available technologies and data sources and – coupled with the development of creative management tools within DSPs and the infrastructure readiness of media owners – paves the way for transformative DOOH creative in 2024. Imagine adaptive ads that respond to live social or event feeds, location-specific promotions, personalised product recommendations, sensor-triggered messages, and even augmented reality experiences. The possibilities are endless which makes DCO truly exciting, and 2024 will be the year we see advertisers truly embrace the power of data-driven creative optimisation in PrDOOH. 

Increased Focus on Data-Driven Targeting and Attribution at the Campaign Level: 

Data-driven targeting has become increasingly important in recent years. Advertisers now have access to a wider range of data sources, including first-party data, third-party data, and real-time data, and with advancements in the targeting technologies being developed, specifically AI and ML-powered tools. Advertisers can now readily identify patterns and make predictions about consumer behaviour.  

2024 is poised for a significant advancement. We’ll see advertisers leveraging a wider spectrum of data sources, transcending traditional demographic-based targeting to embrace behavioural insights that drive informed ad placements. DCO, AI, integration with other marketing channels, real-time data, mobile data, location data, beacon technology, geofencing, IP targeting, and search and social media data will be the key driving forces behind this evolution. 

We’ll also see the move towards attribution becoming standardized in PrDOOH. Attribution has always been challenging for any traditional offline channel, particularly traditional out-of-home advertising, limiting performance-led clients’ exposure to the channel. 

However, PrDOOH has been instrumental in establishing a robust attribution framework that goes beyond traditional metrics. By embracing multi-touch attribution, deterministic attribution, cross-channel attribution, real-time attribution, and a broader spectrum of performance indicators, PrDOOH is attracting performance-driven advertisers who seek measurable ROI. 

This paradigm shift away from individual-led attribution, is positioning PrDOOH as a powerful tool for data-driven advertising, revolutionizing the way brands connect with their audiences and achieve their marketing objectives. 

PrDOOH Will Bridge the Gap to Omnichannel Success 

PrDOOH has emerged as a pivotal element in marketers’ omnichannel strategies, seamlessly bridging the gap between physical and digital advertising experiences. In 2023, PrDOOH’s integration into omnichannel marketing frameworks has gained significant traction, as evidenced by VIOOH’s State of The Nation survey, which revealed that 71% of UK advertisers intend to prioritize PrDOOH’s tighter integration in their multi-channel campaigns. 

The collaboration between technology providers, demand-side platforms (DSPs), media owners, advertisers, and agencies will intensify, driving the creation of a unified and seamless experience for brands, enabling them to effectively plan, execute, and optimize campaigns across multiple channels. 

The synergistic convergence of data from PrDOOH and online channels is further enhancing targeting precision and providing a wealth of comprehensive insights. By integrating PrDOOH into their omnichannel strategies, marketers can maximize the impact of their campaigns through a cohesive and strategic approach. 

PrDOOH’s ability to seamlessly integrate with existing digital marketing efforts, coupled with its ability to provide granular audience data, makes it a powerful addition to any omnichannel strategy. As PrDOOH continues to evolve – and its integration with other marketing channels deepens – we can expect to see even more innovative and effective advertising campaigns that transcend the boundaries of traditional marketing approaches. 

More Energy (Green) Efficient Buying.  

PrDOOH advertising is taking a greener turn too in 2024. With sustainability and the reduction of  carbon emissions becoming paramount for brands, we’ll see a shift in cleaner media buying practices. While many in this space already have sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, we’re entering an era of increasing environmental consciousness.  

While DOOH is already one of the lowest emitters of CO2 when compared to other online media channels, media owners are taking additional steps towards sustainability. For instance, the i-media network has committed to utilizing 100% renewable energy by April 2024, demonstrating both a firm and responsible commitment.  

Carbon calculators can now empower brands to accurately assess their carbon footprint throughout the entire PrDOOH advertising process, from creative inception to media delivery. This data-driven approach will enable brands to make informed decisions that minimize their environmental impact, and position PrDOOH as a frontrunner in environmentally responsible media campaigns. 

Overall, let’s embrace a fast start this year to these game-changing initiatives. Real-time data (at i-media we have live portal access to ANPR and EPOS data which is now triggering campaigns), celebrating the power of dynamic creative, and omnichannel integration will make 2024 truly the year of PrDOOH.