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London Bus Advertising Sponsors the Winter Olympic Games: Promoting Sochi 2014 Across the Capital

by Edward Whitmore
16 March 2014

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Case Study

Discover how London Bus Advertising helped raise awareness for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi through a multi-format outdoor campaign, including bus supersides and branded taxis, reaching audiences across London.

Introduction: A Global Event with Local Impact

In 2014, London Bus Advertising proudly supported Sochi's bid to host the Winter Olympic Games through a dynamic and expansive outdoor campaign. This collaboration aimed to raise awareness of the Winter Olympics in Russia, particularly focusing on the Sochi2014.com website and promoting the excitement surrounding the Games. By leveraging London’s iconic public transport system, the campaign reached a massive audience, capturing the attention of both locals and international visitors alike.

The Sochi 2014 Campaign: A Multi-Format Approach

London Bus Advertising designed a strategic and multi-format outdoor campaign to showcase Sochi as the proud host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The campaign included a combination of bus supersides, taxi branding, and transport hub advertisements, all strategically placed across key locations in London. The idea was to maximise visibility across the capital and spark excitement about the Winter Games in Russia.

Bus Supersides: Reaching Central London’s Busy Streets

Bus supersides were the flagship advertising format for this campaign. These large, high-impact ads were strategically placed on buses running through high-footfall routes in central London. Positioned at street level, the bus supersides made it easy for pedestrians, commuters, and tourists to engage with the messaging.

London’s buses are an everyday feature of the city, meaning they offer unparalleled exposure. The bold, visually striking Sochi adverts caught the attention of thousands as they travelled through busy areas, reminding Londoners that the Winter Olympics were just around the corner.

Taxis: Spreading the Message Across the City

In addition to bus advertising, a fleet of Sochi-branded taxis took to the streets of London, further spreading the campaign's reach. With their distinctive designs, these taxis became mobile billboards, catching the attention of Londoners and visitors from all walks of life.

By incorporating a variety of transport mediums, the campaign was able to reach a diverse audience across the city—from commuters in central London to international tourists arriving at key transport hubs.

Reaching International Audiences Through Heathrow and Transport Hubs

To extend the campaign’s reach even further, Sochi adverts were also displayed at international transport hubs, especially around Heathrow Airport. These high-traffic locations welcomed visitors from across the globe, making them prime locations to spread the message of Sochi as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The presence of the campaign at these international touchpoints reinforced the global significance of the Winter Games and ensured that audiences from all over the world knew about Sochi’s role in hosting the event. As visitors from across the globe passed through Heathrow, they were met with compelling visuals that inspired them to learn more about the Winter Olympics and the Russian city hosting it.

Creating a Buzz Around the Winter Olympics

The Sochi 2014 campaign wasn’t just about advertising—it was about creating excitement and anticipation for the Winter Olympics. The use of vibrant imagery and impactful messaging helped to generate buzz and intrigue. By promoting Sochi as a “celebration of opportunity,” the campaign aimed to position the Winter Games as an exciting, inspiring event that would be remembered for years to come.

With the Olympics just a year away, the timing was perfect to get Londoners and international visitors excited about the Games. The presence of Sochi branding across London’s public transport network ensured that the event stayed top of mind for a wide audience.

Campaign Results: Wide-Scale Exposure and Engagement

The campaign’s multi-format approach ensured high levels of exposure for Sochi’s Winter Olympics messaging. From commuters catching a glimpse of bus supersides to tourists spotting the branded taxis at key London locations, the campaign succeeded in reaching a wide audience.

Key Highlights of the Campaign:

  • High Visibility: The use of buses and taxis ensured maximum exposure across London’s busy streets, transport hubs, and tourist hotspots.
  • International Reach: By placing advertisements around Heathrow Airport, the campaign engaged international audiences, increasing awareness of the Winter Olympics in Sochi across the globe.
  • Increased Awareness: The combination of bus advertising and branded taxis helped to position Sochi as the 2014 Winter Olympics host city, boosting its recognition ahead of the Games.

The success of the campaign demonstrated the power of bus advertising to deliver wide-reaching, impactful results. It highlighted how outdoor advertising can support global events by increasing awareness, engagement, and excitement.

Why Bus Advertising is a Great Choice for Your Brand

If you're looking to create an advertising campaign that captures attention and reaches a broad audience, London Bus Advertising offers a range of solutions to suit your needs. From bus wraps to bus sides and bus rears, we provide high-visibility formats that help brands connect with people on the go.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help your brand make an impact in London, whether it’s for an event, product launch, or an ongoing marketing initiative. Let us help you bring your brand to life on the streets of London!

For more information about how bus advertising can help your brand, check out our FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about London Bus Advertising? We have the answers. Below are some of the most common questions.

If you need more details book a call or reach out to our team.

What is bus advertising, and why use it?

Bus advertising uses exterior or interior spaces on London’s iconic buses to display marketing messages. It’s a powerful out-of-home format, offering high visibility across diverse demographics in high-traffic areas—especially in London’s bustling streets.

How do I know if advertising on London buses is right for my business?

If you want to raise brand awareness, target a large urban audience, or reach commuters and tourists on the go, bus advertising can be incredibly effective. Whether you’re a local enterprise or a global brand, London’s red buses are a powerful tool for achieving standout presence in the capital’s vibrant landscape.

How much does bus advertising cost?

Costs vary depending on factors like campaign length, bus format (e.g., full wrap vs. interior panels), and the routes you choose. Our expert team provides bespoke quotes to match your budget and marketing goals.

How do I measure the success of a bus ad campaign?

Key performance indicators for bus advertising campaigns include brand awareness uplift, increased website traffic, coupon redemption rates, QR code interactions, and social media activity. We also offer comprehensive post-campaign analysis, including surveys and analytics, to accurately measure campaign recall and impact.

Are there any restrictions on the types of ads or messages I can display?

All advertisements must adhere to Transport for London regulations and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing. Content deemed offensive or misleading is prohibited. Our experienced team will guide you through all applicable regulations to ensure your campaign runs smoothly.

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