The reality of digital fatigue and ad blindness

May 12, 2025 | Features

IMG 20240711 143952 The reality of digital fatigue and ad blindnessMandy Roscoe, managing director at Carrick Signs, explains the benefits of physical signage in a world of digital overload.

We’re living in the age of digital overload. The average person is hit with around 10,000 ads each day, whether they notice them or not, and most don’t. That sheer volume has led to what’s being called ‘banner blindness’, but in reality is just burnout.

And the data backs this up – 74% of consumers say they’re overwhelmed by digital advertising, and nearly a third of UK internet users are actively using ad blockers just to avoid the noise. Display ads now have a minute 0.1% click-through rate. That means 99.9% of people scroll right past them.

So, for small businesses hoping their boosted Instagram post or Google ad will magically deliver them footfall, it’s time for a rethink.

Physical signage isn’t just nostalgic – it works

In a world obsessed with going digital, we’ve forgotten how powerful the real world can be. While online ads flicker past in milliseconds, a well-placed sign is unavoidable. It’s there 24/7 to grab people’s attention in bold writing, which can’t be instantly swiped away. And the stats back it up: 76% of consumers say they have entered a store they’ve never visited before simply because of its signage. Not only that, but just one extra sign on your premises can boost annual sales by nearly 5%. For small businesses, that’s a considerable change.

And let’s not forget recall, print and signage are remembered 70-80% more often than digital ads, that’s huge. When customers are walking around with hundreds of brand names circulating in their heads, being the one they remember is the biggest battle.

Why outdoor signs might be your hardest-working sales tool

Small businesses don’t always need high-tech solutions. Sometimes they just need a clear message in the right place at the right time. That’s exactly what banners, A-boards and outdoor signage deliver. They catch people in the real world – walking their dog, walking to work, going out for a coffee, and turn that attention into action. 68% of consumers have made a purchase because a sign caught their eye.

If you run a local business, a well-designed banner outside your shop is essentially a full-time salesperson that you don’t need to pay. Here’s what actually works:

  • Simple, to the point messages: No one is going to read through a paragraph, so it needs to grab their attention in one sentence.
  • Design that grabs attention: Use colour, contrast and clear fonts. Don’t let your sign blend in and be ignored
  • Strategic placement: Make sure it’s visible from multiple traffic areas, for example, from a car, the other side of the street or where people tend to slow down.
  • Calls to action which create urgency: ‘50% off ends this weekend’, ‘New menu in’, ‘Last chance to buy’, as it gives people a reason to go and do it now rather than later.

A great banner doesn’t just say you exist, it gives people a reason to step inside. My team works with businesses across the UK to create PVC, mesh, and eco banners that make an impact and grab people’s attention where it matters most.

IMG 20240711 143920 The reality of digital fatigue and ad blindnessPrint + digital = A smarter strategy

Let’s be clear, I’m not saying digital is dead, as it’s far from it, but with it now being so hard to be heard, treating it as a standalone is a mistake. The smartest marketers are combining trusted formats like signage with the scale and speed of digital. You can use a banner to catch someone’s eye on the street, and a QR code that brings them straight to your Instagram, special offer or booking form.

When done right, this kind of integration can boost engagement by up to 25%. And what people actually trust shouldn’t be overlooked, as 82% of people still trust print ads more than any other format when it comes to making a purchase decision. This trust factor really matters, especially for small businesses trying to build loyalty in a local community.

Final thoughts

Digital has its place, but it’s no longer the only priority like it once seemed. If your marketing plan is 100% online, you’re competing in the busiest place possible. Physical signage cuts through that noise. It’s visible, trustworthy, and most importantly, it works. If you’re not using it to your advantage, you’re probably leaving money (and customers) on the table.