We know Maine OOH. Not a Billboard is an out-of-home (OOH) advertising agency ready to help businesses grow in our beautiful, billboard-free state.
No billboards? No problem! Keep Maine Billboard-Free. That's right. Billboards have been banned in Maine since 1978, so real world visibility requires real strategy. With NAB you get the impact of a billboard, the precision of digital and the freedom to reach audiences everywhere. From signage and sponsored placements to merchandise and mailers, we put your brand where Mainers stop, stare and share. Photo: RIP to the last billboard in Maine, the Shawmut Motor Inn sign in Kennebunkport.
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 activate your brand. AD Space logo over a map of Maine.
What is O-O-H? Out-of-home (OOH) advertising is any message that reaches people outside their homes. Not every format is legal in Maine. NAB helps you find the right ones here and places traditional OOH like billboards everywhere else. Traditional OOH: billboards, sponsored ads, direct mail, posters and digital displays. Transit: mobile billboards, fleet wraps, car-top units, rideshare, delivery vehicles. Street activations: sandwich boards, yard signs, bus shelters, benches, kiosks. Experiential: human billboards, chalk stencils, murals, guerrilla marketing, stunts and pop-ups.
Ready for real-life activations? See how NAB can help your brand break out with offline and OOH advertising. Illustration of a driver in a red convertible passing a billboard that reads: We're the best billboard writers in Maine.
NAB logo. More about Maine and OOH: frequently asked questions.
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. 
Wait, you do billboards now?

Out of state, yes. Maine banned them in 1978 and we'd like to keep it that way. But most of your customers arrive from somewhere, and most of them drive. We place your brand on boards in Portsmouth, Boston, Hartford and beyond, which is how you reach a Maine customer before Maine does.
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: a city takeover of stickers and flyers, branded bibs at a pie-eating contest or handwarmers at a ski lodge).
What are examples of Maine OOH?

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. AI is everywhere. 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.