Advertisers are made aware of this possibility, and some opt to have the ads refreshed daily. However, due to the quantity of ads placed, most advertisers don’t care about a couple of ads being damaged. You will never be penalized for damaged ads.

No Delays: Our process is designed to fit your schedule. Ad placement never interferes with your regular turnaround or cleaning times. We coordinate with you to ensure a smooth process.

We completely understand that your time is valuable. That's why PortaPlacements is designed to be zero-effort for providers.

You simply deliver and pick up your units as usual. Our team handles all the ad logistics:

• Ad Production: You are never responsible for preparing ad materials.

• Installation: We can send a dedicated team to install the ads in your units at the event site.

• Removal: After the event, you can pickup the unit and wash the fully bio-degradable ad away with all other waste.

Your operations remain uninterrupted, and you earn guaranteed extra income without lifting a finger. It's truly passive revenue!

• Undivided Attention and High Impact: Portable toilets and other restroom environments offer an enclosed, distraction-free space where visitors have "nothing to do but look at the ad displayed at eye-level". Unlike traditional print advertisements viewed for 3-5 seconds, indoor ads are viewed for an average of 1.5 to 3 minutes, providing 10 times longer exposure than billboards or digital banners. This ensures deeper message absorption and retention because the ad is the only promotion in the space, capturing undivided attention.

• Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Other Media: Restroom advertising is consistently described as more cost-effective than traditional forms of advertising, such as billboards, digital banners, or mailers. While digital advertising and social media campaigns compete with many other ads, restroom promotions stand out by being the sole message in their environment. This means a business can achieve a high ROI with less investment.

• Demonstrated Results and Recall: The high dwell time and lack of distractions lead to exceptional recall and action rates. Studies show 98% recall of restroom ads, with 84.4% recalling specific ads and 70% recalling the brand. Importantly, 81% of people take action after seeing these ads. This effectiveness for a relatively low cost is exemplified by one real estate agent who, for $175 per month across 26 restaurants and 70+ screens, generated 13+ conversations about real estate, directly linking a modest investment to tangible engagement.

• Cutting Through the Noise: In today's crowded advertising landscape, where consumers are bombarded with messages and often engage in "second screening" (looking at multiple screens simultaneously), traditional advertisers find it harder to get their messages noticed. Restroom advertising provides an alternative approach that truly cuts through the noise because of its exclusive presence in the space.

In essence, the "sole promotion in space" aspect of restroom advertising transforms a potentially inconvenient moment into a highly effective marketing opportunity, much like a solo spotlight on a performer on an otherwise dark stage – all eyes are on them, making every movement, every message, impactful and memorable without the distraction of a busy ensemble.

Research overwhelmingly demonstrate that high recall and action rates are a fundamental reason why restroom advertising is an effective and cost-efficient marketing strategy. This effectiveness stems directly from the unique environment of restrooms, where the advertisement often stands as the "sole promotion in the space," capturing undivided attention.

Here's what research says about the high recall and action rates, and why they work:

• Exceptional Recall Statistics:

  • Studies show an impressive 98% recall of restroom ads. This means nearly all visitors remember seeing an advertisement in that setting.

  • More specifically, 84.4% recall seeing a specific ad, and 70% recall the brand being advertised. Some research even indicates 92.5% could name specific advertisers without prompting, and 88.5% remembered at least four selling points.

  • The recall rate for restroom ads is often cited as significantly higher than traditional advertising media. For example, research on "Visutal urinals" showed a 90% recall rate, and retention of impressions was found to be 40% stronger than other media. When viewers are shopping for a product or service, the retention rate for that advertised product or service rises to 85%.

• High Action Rates:

  • A significant percentage of people, 81%, report taking action after seeing restroom ads. This indicates that the exposure translates into tangible engagement.

  • For instance, one real estate agent spent $175 per month across 26 restaurants and over 70 screens, and this investment directly led to 13+ conversations about real estate. While not always a direct sale, this illustrates the generation of qualified leads and brand recognition.

  • Case studies further support action: a bar campaign for a ride-share service resulted in 75% of customers recalling the ad and 30% using the service within a week. A beer brand saw an 18% increase in in-bar purchases and thousands of social media shares, while a public health initiative saw 35% more website visits and a 20% increase in testing appointments.

• Why These Rates are Achieved (Effectiveness):

  • Captive Audience & Distraction-Free Environment: Restrooms offer an enclosed space with limited visual stimuli, creating a truly captive audience. Unlike the constant bombardment of ads in daily life, consumers "have nothing to do but look at the ad displayed at eye-level". This minimal distraction allows the advertisement to stand out and be processed more deeply by the brain.

  • Significant Dwell Time: Restroom visits typically last between 1.5 to 3 minutes. This is 10 times longer exposure than billboards or digital banners, ensuring the ad message is fully consumed. This extended, uninterrupted exposure is crucial for brand recall and message retention.

  • Privacy and Personal Connection: The private setting of a restroom can make individuals more receptive to certain types of messages, especially sensitive, personal, or health-related ones. People feel a sense of solitude and are more open to engaging with and trusting such advertisements.

  • Social Influence and Word-of-Mouth Potential: When groups see the same ad, it can lead to discussions once they exit the restroom. This organic conversation amplifies the message, leading to further brand engagement and positive word-of-mouth.

  • Positive Reception: Despite some criticisms about intrusiveness, research consistently shows an overwhelmingly positive or neutral reaction (96-98%) to restroom advertising. This indicates that consumers are receptive to these messages when they are not expecting advertising.

• Cost-Effectiveness and ROI:

  • Given the high recall and action rates achieved through undivided attention and extended dwell time, restroom advertising is considered more cost-effective than many traditional forms. The advantage of being the "only promotion in the space" leads to a high return on investment (ROI) with less investment. It provides a valuable, low-cost option for businesses seeking to make an impact.

In essence, restroom advertising's effectiveness, measured by its high recall and action rates, is like a compelling monologue delivered in a soundproof room: with no distractions and ample time to absorb the message, the audience not only remembers what was said but is also moved to respond.

Here's what research says about the 81% action rate in the larger context of why restroom advertising works:

• Correlation with High Recall: The 81% action rate is often paired with an even higher recall rate, with studies showing 98% recall of restroom ads. This indicates that the advertisements are not only remembered by a vast majority of viewers but also compel a significant portion of them to act. Specific recall rates also include 84.4% recalling specific ads and 70% recalling the brand. Other research confirms high recall, with 78% of restroom visitors recalling one or more ads, 90% recall rates from "Visutal urinals", and 92.5% naming specific advertisers without prompting. This high retention, which can be 40% stronger than other media, sets the stage for action.

• Why it Works (Effectiveness) – The Psychological Mechanisms: The sources attribute these high action rates to several psychological advantages of the restroom environment:

  • Captive Audience & Distraction-Free Space: Restrooms provide an enclosed, distraction-free space where visitors have "nothing to do but look at the ad displayed at eye-level". This is emphasized as the "sole promotion in the space," ensuring undivided attention. With minimal external inputs, the human brain is more likely to process the advertisement, leading to a deeper impact and a higher likelihood of action. One source points out that traditional advertisers struggle to achieve "cut through" due to constant media bombardment and "second screening" habits, making restroom advertising an effective alternative that "really works".

  • Significant Dwell Time: Visits typically last 1.5 to 3 minutes, which is 10 times longer exposure than billboards or digital banners. This extended, uninterrupted exposure allows for deeper message absorption and retention, translating into action.

  • Privacy and Personal Connection: The private setting of a restroom makes consumers more receptive to certain types of messages, particularly those that are sensitive, thought-provoking, personal, or health-related. People feel a sense of solitude and are more open to engaging with and trusting such advertisements.

  • Positive Reception: Research consistently shows an overwhelmingly positive or neutral reaction (96-98%) to restroom advertising. This general acceptance, contrasted with the usual inconvenience Americans feel towards ads, means people are more open to receiving and acting on the information.

  • Social Influence & Word-of-Mouth Potential: When groups see the same ad, it can lead to discussions once they exit the restroom. This "organic conversation" amplifies the message, leading to further brand engagement and positive word-of-mouth.

• Demonstrated Examples of Action: The sources provide compelling evidence of the 81% action rate in practice:

  • A real estate agent spent $175 per month across 26 restaurants and 70+ screens, which directly generated 13+ conversations about real estate. This showcases direct lead generation and brand recognition.

  • A bar's campaign for a local ride-share service resulted in 75% of customers recalling the ad and 30% reporting using the service within a week.

  • A beer brand saw an 18% increase in in-bar purchases and thousands of social media shares from humorous restroom ads in sports bars.

  • A public health initiative promoting HIV testing in concert venues and nightclubs led to 35% more website visits and a 20% increase in testing appointments.

  • A mental health awareness campaign in restroom stalls led to a 15% increase in hotline calls.

  • An energy drink brand saw a 25% sales spike and increased social media mentions from college bar restroom ads.

• Maximizing Action through CTAs: To convert this high recall and attention into concrete action, the sources emphasize the importance of clear, direct Calls-to-Action (CTAs). Suggestions include using QR codes for exclusive offers or encouraging social media engagement via hashtags. It is noted that, while in the restroom, people might not have a pen to write down a number, so memorability is key. Digital integration, such as linking offline ads to online offers, is crucial for tracking ROI and facilitating consumer action.

• Cost-Effectiveness and ROI: The high action rates contribute significantly to the perceived cost-effectiveness and high ROI of restroom advertising. It is considered a valuable, low-cost option for businesses aiming to make an impact, as it leverages undivided attention to drive tangible results with less investment than many traditional advertising forms.

In conclusion, the 81% action rate in restroom advertising is not an isolated statistic but a powerful outcome of a strategically effective medium. It works because it offers an unmatched captive audience with extended dwell time in a private, distraction-free environment, leading to high message retention and a willingness to engage. This transforms a typically mundane moment into a highly impactful opportunity for brands to connect with consumers and drive measurable results. It's like planting a seed in fertile, undisturbed soil – given the right conditions, it has a much higher chance of sprouting and bearing fruit.

While brand image concerns, particularly regarding perceived intrusiveness and potential "tackiness," are indeed a criticism of restroom advertising, research into bathroom advertising offers several points that can be used to quell these concerns and present the medium as a strategically sound choice for many brands.

Here's how the sources suggest these criticisms can be addressed or mitigated:

• High Positive/Neutral Public Perception: Contrary to the idea that restroom advertising is universally disliked, research consistently shows an overwhelmingly positive or neutral reaction from viewers. One study found that 96% to 98% of people exposed to advertising via screens on a urinal were either positive or not bothered by it. The American Restaurants Association study found 75% of restroom visitors reported restroom advertising as a "good idea," which is rare for Americans who typically view ads as an inconvenience. This suggests that a significant majority of the audience is not negatively impacted by the presence of these ads.

• Undivided Attention and High Engagement as a Strategic Advantage: While some may perceive the captive audience aspect as intrusive, the sources frame it as a "unique, high-impact opportunity" and a "powerful tool" for brands. Restrooms offer an "enclosed, distraction-free space" where visitors "have nothing to do but look at the ad displayed at eye-level". This ensures "uninterrupted visibility". The substantial dwell time, ranging from 1.5 to 3 minutes, is 10 times longer than billboards or digital banners. This extended, undivided attention allows for deeper message absorption and retention, leading to high recall rates (98% overall, 84.4% specific ad recall, 70% brand recall, 90% for digital urinals). For brands struggling to "cut through the noise" in a cluttered advertising landscape, this focused attention is a significant benefit, not a drawback.

• Strategic Messaging and Creativity Mitigate "Tackiness": The effectiveness and perception of the ad heavily depend on its execution. The sources advise using "humor, wit, or emotional triggers" and ensuring "clear, direct Calls-to-Action (CTAs)". Creative, memorable ads are more likely to generate positive word-of-mouth rather than negative associations. The goal can be "name recognition" rather than overt sales pitches. Case studies show how humorous ads for a beer brand led to increased purchases and social media shares, and public health initiatives saw increased hotline calls and website visits, demonstrating that the content can be effective and well-received.

• Targeting for Relevance: The ability to hyper-target by event, audience demographics (gender, age, economic status), and location means that ads can be highly relevant to the specific audience viewing them. This reduces the perception of random, annoying advertising and instead presents information that is more likely to be pertinent to the viewer in that specific context (e.g., a ride-share ad in a bar or sports-related ads in stadium restrooms).

• Established and Used by Major Brands: Restroom advertising is not a new or untested medium; it is a "very well-established form of advertising, with a long track record of success". Big brands such as Sony, Uber, Nintendo, and Unilever have utilized it. This demonstrates that reputable, mainstream companies are willing to invest in this medium, suggesting that it's not inherently "tacky" or damaging to a premium brand image.

• Provider Control and Quality Assurance: For businesses and event providers hosting these ads, there's often the ability to "approve every advertiser and campaign". This allows the host venue to ensure that the advertisements align with their own brand standards and audience expectations, preventing inappropriate or low-quality content that could reflect poorly on their establishment or the brands advertised.

• Association with Public Service Announcements: While some expressed concerns about commercial brands being associated with sensitive PSAs, the fact that restrooms are recognized as an important, private space for critical public safety messages (e.g., human trafficking, sexual assault, mental health) can also underscore the unique ability of this space to deliver impactful and trusted messages. For brands, this could imply that the environment itself is seen as a place for serious, important communication, lending credibility to the advertisements placed there.

In essence, while the idea of "advertising in the shitter" may initially raise eyebrows, the sources suggest that with smart strategy, creative execution, and targeted placement, restroom advertising can overcome initial brand image concerns. It's like a whisper in a quiet room: while a shout might be jarring, a well-placed, thoughtful whisper can command profound attention and leave a lasting, positive impression that simply wouldn't be possible in a noisy, crowded hall.

Sources: https://www.ecoprod.co.uk/ten-reasons-why-your-company-should-be-using-washroom-advertising/

https://www.spectatornews.com/opinion/2022/03/doing-business-while-doing-your-business/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unexpected-power-bathroom-advertising-my-personal-revelation-singh-euc9f/