Extension > Community > Retail Analysis and Development > Roadside Advertising in a Digital World
Roadside Advertising in a Digital World
Help your community get a sign on the digital highway
Can people find businesses, attractions, and other places in your town with a computer, a smartphone or GPS device? It's not enough to be in the phone book any more. You must have a web presence so customers and visitors can search for you via Google Maps, Mapquest and similar services. You also want to be found by owners of GPS devices and by the 150 million people using smartphones, such as iPhones and Androids, to get directions—and advice on where to go. Location-based mobile applications are revolutionizing the way people find and choose places to shop, to eat, to fix their car—you name it. Advertise your community and everything good it offers along the digital highway. University of Minnesota Extension workshops can give you the tools and know-how to make a mark in the digital world.
Printable Info Sheet (99 K PDF)
Benefits
- Understand how today's consumers use location-based services in everyday activities.
- Learn how to place your business or organization on a variety of digital maps.
- Make sure the available information about your business or organization is correct.
- Learn how to maximize your organization’s digital map presence.
What is GPS?
Global Positioning System technology uses mapping to show you where you are and how to get there. But now, people can also use GPS to decide where they should go - what restaurants, shops and parks lie ahead. This enhanced technology provides new opportunities to market businesses and communities.
Why should you consider GPS advertising?
- GPS devices, mobile phones and online maps guide visitors to points of interest in your community.
- GPS units are selling at a rate of 200,000 per month.
- An estimated 50 million people worldwide will be using GPS by 2010. That number could jump to over a billion, because GPS chips are being imbedded in mobile phones and laptop computers.
- A third (34%) of buyers of GPS devices earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually. About 45% make $75,000 or more.
How can Extension help?
Community economics educators offer:
- Affordable one and two-hour workshops that tell local businesses what they need to know to be more visible on digital maps;
- One-on-one training for organizations to create their own interactive custom maps for use on their websites; and
- Consultation to help communities examine their current presence on GPS maps, and how they might work together to strengthen that presence.
Who sponsors Extension programs about GPS?
- Chambers of commerce and tourism associations
- Convention and visitor bureaus
- Economic development offices
- Local media
- Local government
- Foundations
- Anyone interested in strengthening their local business climate
What have others said about the program?
- “Good info for local businesses to utilize.”
- “It’s easy and free to list!”
- “Thanks for the eye-opening presentation.”
- “I will take this info back to my town.”
