Ads That Get You – Making DOOH Feel Personal, Not Just Placed

The Best Ads Don’t Just Exist in a Space—They Belong There.

That’s the difference between background noise and tangible impact in digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. With Smartify, we ensure ads hit the right audience at the right time, with the right message, turning passive glances into meaningful moments. 

So, for Valentine’s Day, we tested this approach with a hyper-targeted, environment-specific campaign. The goal? To showcase that creativity fueled by real insights and strategic placement is what makes DOOH one of the most powerful advertising channels out there. It’s not just about where an ad runs but how it adapts to its surroundings, elevates the audience experience, and resonates with the people who see it.

No generic love notes, just smart, in-the-moment creative that turns everyday places into moments of connection.‍

How We Did It: 

Instead of running one-size-fits-all Valentine’s Day messaging, we got tactical—tailoring creative to fit the environment. Smartify’s network of 1,800+ digital urban panels, EV charging stations, and Marketplace inventory let us take a step back and ask ourselves, “What would actually resonate with me here?” Because that’s the beauty of Smartify. It’s not just about getting on screens; it’s about being in the right place at the right time with something worth saying. Whether it’s catching shoppers mid-panic in a mall, giving salon-goers a well-timed nod to self-care, or reminding liquor store customers that wine is always the right answer, Smartify feels like part of the moment.

Liquor Stores: When in Doubt, Pour it Out

Let’s be honest—alcohol is a popular choice when it comes to Valentine’s gifts. According to a 2024 survey by Numerator, 17% of people who celebrated Valentine's Day planned to purchase alcohol. So, we leaned into it. Our content served up lines like: "Quickest way to their heart this Valentine’s Day? Through a glass *or bottle* of wine."

By owning the moment (and the undeniable truth that a glass (...or bottle) of wine can really set the mood), we made Smartify screens part of the experience, not just another ad. 

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Salons: Because Self-Love is the Real MVP 

Not everyone is frantically searching for gifts; some are looking inward and giving themselves the best gift of all: some well-earned self-pampering. Can you say Galentine’s Day? 

So, we flipped the narrative for salons: "Split ends or split up? This year, treat yourself. Nothing says self-love like a salon day.” This was about recognizing and validating how some people would celebrate Valentine's Day. A little wink from the screen that made them feel seen.

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Marketplace: The Procrastinator’s Safe Haven

Malls are full of panicked, last-minute Valentine's Day shoppers, and we weren’t about to let them suffer in silence. Instead, we offered a little comic relief: “Roses are red, violets are blue…and you forgot a Valentine's Day gift, didn't you? After all, nothing says ‘I planned this’ like a last-minute trip to the mall. Go buy a gift!” 

This was… yes… a gentle roast, but also a much-needed reminder to get moving and grab a gift that said, ‘I’ve had this planned for weeks.’

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Why This Matters (Beyond Just a Fun Valentine’s Day Experiment)

This wasn’t just a cute seasonal campaign—it was proof of concept. When DOOH ads align with real-world context, they hit harder. People notice them (because they feel relevant). They don’t feel intrusive (because they blend seamlessly into the environment). They are memorable (because they connect with people in a way that sticks).

Smartify proves that DOOH is a dynamic, real-time storytelling tool that meets consumers where they are when it matters most. With a network built for contextual relevance, Smartify helps brands break through the noise and make advertising feel seamless, natural, and—most importantly—effective.

The takeaway? Context matters. Relevance drives connection. And Smartify delivers both.

Let’s discuss how Screenverse and Smartify can tailor your campaigns to be more relevant, impactful, and unmissable. Feeling romantic? Send us a love letter (or send us a message through our contact form).