Effectiveness of Subway Advertising in Hong Kong

Pedestrians intercepted near the exits of a subway station in downtown Hong Kong were surveyed using a questionnaire and quota sampling in October 2012. The survey sampled 408 residents and tourists aged 16 and above. The awareness of the 16 ads. ranged from 18 to 80 percent with an average 43.5 percent. The layouts of the two subway ads. received highest awareness were focused and had a clear distinction between foreground and background. Average ad awareness was comparable to that reported in two similar studies of subway ads. conducted in the 1990s. Average ad awareness of subway ads. was higher than that of outdoor advertising measured using similar methodology in 2010s. Respondents demonstrated positive attitudes toward subway advertising, and reported that subway ads. that drew their attention were those with creative ideas, vivid colors, and large-than-life size execution.