How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (Greatest Hits) - The Side Hustle Show Recap
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Published: 2026-02-19
Duration: 53 min
Summary
In this episode, Nick Loper interviews Chris Brown, who shares his journey into the billboard business, revealing how he generates $30,000 a month from this unconventional side hustle. Chris discusses the steps to find and acquire billboards, as well as how to attract advertisers to fill the ad space.
What Happened
The episode kicks off with Nick introducing the concept of a billboard business as a unique route to generate passive income, featuring guest Chris Brown, who owns around 30 billboards in Bentonville, Arkansas. Chris shares his backstory, detailing his early struggles with debt and job insecurity after college, which motivated him to seek out alternative income streams. His journey led him to discover billboards as a lucrative investment opportunity, particularly after he spotted an empty one during his daily commute.
Chris explains how he acquired his first billboard by contacting the owner of an empty structure and negotiating a purchase price of $75,000, which included both the land and the billboard. He emphasizes the importance of location, noting that his billboard was situated in a high-traffic area surrounded by neighborhoods, schools, and other businesses. After securing the billboard, Chris reached out to local businesses to fill the ad space, many of whom continue to advertise today, demonstrating the long-term viability of his investment.
Key Insights
- Billboards can be a lucrative source of passive income if located strategically.
- Understanding local market dynamics and ad ROI is crucial for attracting long-term advertisers.
- Navigating county records can help identify billboard ownership and potential acquisition opportunities.
- Creating multiple income streams is essential for financial security in an uncertain job market.
Key Questions Answered
How can I start a billboard business?
Chris Brown discusses how he got started in the billboard business by first noticing an empty billboard during his daily commute. He then researched its ownership through county records and reached out to the owner, who was willing to sell it at a reasonable price. This highlights the importance of identifying potential billboards and understanding the local market before making a purchase.
What are the costs involved in buying a billboard?
Chris shares that his initial investment for a billboard was $75,000, which included the land and the structure itself. He emphasizes that knowing the previous owner's costs helped him negotiate a fair deal, making it a great investment opportunity. This cost can vary significantly depending on location and other factors.
How do I find advertisers for my billboard?
Once Chris acquired his billboard, he reached out to local businesses that were in proximity to the billboard's location. He leveraged personal connections to attract advertisers and used the billboard's strategic location to highlight its potential visibility to drive business for them.
What makes billboards a good side hustle?
Chris explains that owning billboards can provide a consistent cash flow, making it an attractive passive income source. He notes that once the initial setup and negotiations are handled, the ongoing management is relatively low-maintenance, allowing for a good work-life balance.
What should I consider when purchasing a billboard?
Key considerations include the billboard's location, visibility, and the potential for attracting advertisers. Chris advises checking local zoning laws and ensuring that the billboard complies with regulations to avoid future issues. Understanding the local market demand for advertising space is also crucial.