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what’s the best way to advertise?
Long before billboards lit up Leicester Square or ads stopped us mid-scroll, Roman merchants were hand-painting posters for gladiator games on city walls. Egyptians carved symbols to guide shoppers to bakeries, while Greek vendors relied on vibrant visuals and town criers to draw a crowd.
Article Summary
Smart advertising blends timeless principles with modern tools to capture attention, build connections, and drive action. Whether DIY or through an agency, success comes from audience insight, creative impact, and strategic media choice. From digital to Outdoor, Audio to TfL takeovers, Global offers unmatched reach and expertise—helping UK brands show up where it matters, turn heads, and deliver measurable results that stand out in a noisy world.
These ancient tactics might seem worlds away from today’s dynamic, digital-first platforms, but their mission remains remarkably consistent: to capture attention, communicate clearly, and influence behaviour.
Today, though, the smartest advertisers go beyond just being seen or heard. They build deeper connections – using data to pinpoint the right moments, crafting creative that cuts through, and choosing media that moves people.
From Outdoor to Audio, Digital to dynamic formats, smart advertising means thinking beyond the obvious and leaning into innovation.
What is advertising?
At Global, we believe advertising should be brighter, built to capture attention and swiftly turn that into action. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping 48 sheet
billboard, a voice in your ears during breakfast, or a swipe-stopping moment online, great advertising doesn’t just sit there unnoticed – it sparks emotion and drives results.
This guide explores how the most effective campaigns blend timeless principles with powerful modern tools – and why, in an endless world of noise, choosing to think a little brighter makes all the difference.
DIY vs Agency Advertising: Which Way to Go?
When it comes to radio and OOH advertising, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The right route depends on your resources, goals, and appetite for risk. Here’s a quick overview of the two most common paths – In-house (DIY) and working with an agency – and what each one brings to the table.
DIY / In-House
Doing it yourself means full control over the brief, creative, and delivery.
Why it works:
- Speed & agility – You can turn things around fast, especially for reactive campaigns.
- Brand intimacy – Nobody knows your tone of voice, audience or goals like you do.
- Cost-effective – Save on agency fees and stretch your budget further.
- Control – Every creative, every caption, every channel – you call the shots.
Best for businesses with strong internal teams and tight turnarounds. But if you’re short on time, tools or talent, outsourcing might be the smarter move.
Agency Advertising
Agencies bring specialist skills, creative power, and serious media muscle.
Why it works:
- Access to experts – Creative directors, copywriters, media planners, and data analysts.
- Big ideas & bold execution – Agencies often bring jaw-dropping creative to life.
- Scalability – Need a multi-channel national launch? Agencies can deliver.
- Industry insight – Agencies are plugged into trends, benchmarks and innovation.
Great for brand launches or growth moments – though it often requires more budget and collaboration time.
So… DIY or Agency?
Often, the brightest campaigns blend both, where in-house brand knowledge meets external creative firepower. Whatever route you take, keep your audience front and centre, your goals in clear view. Use insight to guide you, creativity to spark attention, and clear outcomes to prove the value.
And if you’re looking for a media partner that offers the best of both worlds – creative collaboration and serious delivery – then you don’t have to look far.
Let’s Make It Brighter
At Global, we help brands of all sizes craft campaigns that reach more people, hold attention, and drive real-world action – from standout Outdoor to powerful Audio and everything in between.
Let’s chat. Whether you’re turning up the brightness on your next big idea or looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to help make it shine.
Drop us a message see how we can bring your next campaign to life.
Types of Advertising – A Quickfire Guide
From the street to your screen and everywhere in between, advertising wears many hats. Here’s a tour of the most common types – each with its own strengths, quirks and standout moments.
Online / Digital Advertising
From Google search ads and social posts to video pre-rolls and display banners, digital ads are everywhere. They’re fast, flexible, measurable, and perfect for precision targeting.
Outdoor (OOH) Advertising.
OOH includes all advertising in public spaces – and with Global’s Outdoor estate reaching 95% of the UK, it’s serious scale. Think 96 sheet billboards, stations, buses and more – out of home advertising is brand fame in bold, bright letters. See OOH meaning.
Billboard Advertising
The original impact format. From motorway supersites to iconic city placements, billboards deliver mass reach with creative punch. More.
Bus Advertising
From rears to full wraps, buses take your brand on the road – reaching drivers, pedestrians and passengers alike.
Train & Tram Advertising
Tap into high dwell-time. These formats hit busy, urban audiences with time to engage – a prime spot for storytelling.
TfL Advertising
TfL is arguably London’s most iconic, high-impact media network.
Our exclusive partnership with Transport for London (TfL) means access to the UK’s biggest OOH estate – from Underground stations and buses to trams and the Elizabeth line. With millions of daily journeys, TfL advertising isn’t just seen – it’s remembered.
Whether it’s cross-track digital, full-station takeovers or wrapped Routemasters, the network offers endless creative potential.
Check out one of our latest TfL takeovers here
Radio & Audio Advertising
Audio is always-on and incredibly personal. From ads on Heart to branded podcasts and digital audio via DAX, it’s a powerful way to cut through, especially when screens are off.
TV Advertising
TV still builds brands at scale – whether it’s traditional broadcast or on-demand. It’s cinematic, emotive and a proven driver of reach and recognition.
Where You Show Up Matters
The best advertising doesn’t always shout – it shows up with purpose. Whether it’s a podcast, a billboard, or a platform screen on the Underground, the most effective campaigns meet people where they are – and make them look twice.
Because in a world full of noise, attention isn’t assumed – it’s earned. And with the right media partner, it’s also possible.
Let’s go beyond the expected. Let’s put your message where it matters – and make something people actually want to notice.
Contact Global today to discuss how we can help your business.
