Though the capital is evolving with all forms OOH branding, the most valued media will always be print. The Hindi heartland of India is known for producing the maximum number of Hindi newspapers in the country. It is a brilliant symbol of media in Bhopal.
Bhopal, the new modern city, regardless of having a large number of English literate people is biased towards its native language. People love to read Hindi newspapers more than English. It is home to many renowned newspapers published in Hindi.
The city is progressing with different types of OOH branding. OOH involving all sorts of advertisements – on vehicles, bus shelters, sky walks, railway stations, hoardings, bill boards, signages and others are seen across the city.
Bhopal is crowded with buses, of which private, called ‘mini’ in Bhopali lingo captures a major share. Government buses, though lesser in number, are providing large areas for branding. It travels long distance and enhances brand vision.
A Docomo hoarding using bus shelter to attract eyeballs. Bus shelter is an excellent medium of local advertising. Location is its prime advantage. High footfalls offer a good publicity to the revered services and products.
With a strong population and less number of public buses on road, autos act as main mode of travel. Autorickshaw advertising is effective and affordable and penetrates in every part of the city. It is a great way to target the masses.
Railway stations have a high footprint. Due to this, they are a lucrative medium for branding and advertising. It offers various media options such as ticket advertising, chart advertising and OOH screens.
A banner of Patrika, a Hindi newspaper located at the bridge of railway station.
An increasing number of banners of coaching classes are coming up with more number educational institutes. Of the 219 engineering colleges in the state, Bhopal alone caters to 100.
People drinking water at station. A small banner for 'free drinking water' to promote the Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation in Bhopal.
Hoardings are large outdoor signboards found in places with high traffic. It provides continous advertisement round the clock. The city is filled with all possible forms of OOH.
Such DOOH - digital OOH are available over shops, signals and various places across the city. The digital space is heating up. Its eye-catchy and instantly captures attention.
Billboards at one of the busiest areas of Bhopal..
'Laqshya Advertising' using the public utility walls as mode of branding.
Under-bridges also provide a good source of advertisement. It is highly populated for most part of the day.
Sky walk at MP Nagar providing a long arm for advertising.
OOH! It's Bhopal...
Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty and rich heritage.
But that’s an old story. There is more to add to this beauty.
With modern urban planning, the city is shedding its old avatar to partake the media cluster in each and every domain. Appointing marketing and advertising agencies is one of the biggest steps taken by the heritage city on this progress ladder.
Mugdha Gangoli takes a small city tour to view this