Not A Billboard, LLC | OOH Creative Agency | Portland, Maine
What’s on your billboard?
Offline advertising and IRL brand activations made for Maine.
What We Do
We help businesses get seen in Maine.
Not A Billboard, LLC (NAB) is an out-of-home creative agency made to launch products and grow brands in our beautiful, billboard-free state. NAB is founded on the belief that good things happen when you put yourself out there. That’s why we love offline and out-of-home advertising: it’s the perfect way to shoot your shot and turn your events into actual activations.
No billboards? No problem.
That’s right — billboards have been banned in Maine since 1978, so real world visibility requires more creativity. And that's where NAB comes out to play. From signage and sponsored placements to merchandise and mailers, we put your brand where Mainers stop, stare and share.
Get real-world visibility through experiential marketing, OOH advertising and IRL brand experiences. No billboards required.
Services
First go offline. Then go viral.
The real world is waiting. We help you show up.
Get seen OOH consulting and media strategy
We find the smartest places to put your brand for real world engagement.
- Out-of-home advertising
- Media placements
- Signage
- Guerrilla marketing
- Experiential opportunities
- Local events
Get noticed Brand and campaign development
The big ideas, taglines and looks that make your brand work IRL.
- Creative concepting
- Pop-ups and activations
- Memorable interactions
- Offline-to-online moments
Get remembered Print and promotional advertising
The stuff that ends up on fridges and favorite shirts.
- Direct mail advertising
- Sponsored ad placements
- Branded merchandise
- Promotional materials
- Print kits
NAB FAQ
Questions? We’ve got answers.
What is OOH?
OOH stands for out-of-home advertising. We also call it offline advertising. In most states, OOH is easy: just get a billboard. But Maine’s too beautiful for billboards, so up here OOH looks more like: sandwich boards, fleet vehicles, rideshares, merch, murals, pop-ups, parade floats, airplane banners, etc. We like to say, “If it’s out there, it’s OOH.”
What are Maine’s billboard laws?
Short answer: they’re banned. Maine decided natural beauty was worth more than ad space, and we agree. That’s why we celebrate (and specialize in) Maine-friendly OOH advertising.
The longer answer: In 1977 Maine's Legislature voted to prohibit “off-premises” advertising signs and the law took effect in 1978. The goal was simple: protect the state's scenic character. Today, only three other states have statewide bans: Vermont, Hawaii and Alaska. There are a few exceptions worth knowing. Businesses can display signs on-premises (think storefronts, building signage, anything on your property). Maine allows “categorical signs” for noncommercial and religious messages. And vehicles with advertising are exempt, as long as the signage stays within the vehicle’s dimensions and the vehicle isn’t parked somewhere permanently.
What about DOOH or MOOH? Are mobile billboards legal?
Recently, a mobile billboard truck from a Boston-based agency showed up in Augusta with political messaging. The screens got lots of attention, prompting the Maine Department of Transportation to reiterate their stance re: illuminated mobile billboards being illegal.
What is guerilla marketing?
This refers to low-budget, high-impact campaigns that take advantage of free channels in the real world: pop-ups, stunts, takeovers, etc. The goal generally is to catch people off-guard and inspire them to do the sharing for you. Bonus points if the channel serves a purpose outside of promotion (think: branded bibs at a pie-eating contest or handwarmers at a ski lodge).
What are examples of Maine-friendly OOH or outdoor advertising?
Ever see a giant boot driving down your street? What about a Subaru with an Allagash sticker? Ever stroll through Portland under the glow of “Call Joe”? Ever come across a stack of painted lobster traps? How about a sky banner soaring over the beach? Those are all examples of Maine-focused OOH activations. There’s also bus ads and baseball fields, murals, merch and magazine ads. If it’s outside, it’s OOH.
What’s the point of offline advertising? Isn’t everyone online now?
Yep. And that’s the problem. Algorithms shift, attention is scattered and online ads are easily skipped or ignored. Here’s the truth: you need a balance of online and offline marketing in order to achieve sustainable growth. Besides, we’re tired of online-only ad campaigns that cost a ton and go nowhere. Aren’t you?
What’s with the billboard thing?
Deep down, we’re billboard writers. We believe every brand deserves billboard-sized ideas, impact and energy. But we also have a genuine love for Maine’s unspoiled vistas. To us, this unique OOH environment creates a great opportunity for brands open to innovation.