12/22/2025
When Movement Becomes Data: The Rise of Offline Signals in Marketing
Personalisation used to begin online. Clicks, searches, cookies, maybe an app install if you were lucky. Increasingly, it starts before any of that, with how people move through physical space.
Cameras, sensors, and AI are now used in stores, transit hubs, and public environments to interpret gait, posture, walking speed, and surrounding context. From these signals, systems infer intent, mood, and likely needs, then adjust messaging on nearby screens or connected devices in real time. The physical and digital worlds are finally talking to each other in ways that feel seamless rather than stitched together.
Reading behaviour without a screen
Advances in computer vision make subtle behaviours legible at scale. A slow pace often signals exploration. A fast, direct walk suggests urgency. Posture can hint at fatigue or confidence. Environmental factors like weather, crowd density, or time of day add another layer of meaning. These inputs combine into live, moment-based profiles that exist briefly but carry strong predictive value.
Importantly, many systems rely on aggregated or anonymised data rather than personal identifiers, using temporary matching through proximity or context rather than explicit logins.
Where this shows up first
Retail environments are already using these signals to adapt displays, promotions, and in-store messaging. Shoppers lingering in certain areas may see aspirational content, while families moving together are shown bundles designed for convenience. In cities and transit systems, public displays adjust based on commuter flow, stress levels, or tourist behaviour. Mobility platforms blend environmental data with movement signals to anticipate needs before a request is made.
The line that matters
The power here lies in restraint. Used thoughtfully, offline signals add relevance and reduce friction. Pushed too far, they drift into surveillance and break trust quickly. The brands that succeed treat movement as context, not identity, and focus on being helpful in the moment rather than extracting maximum data value.
That difference is subtle, but users feel it immediately.
If you are interested in taking your business to the next level, schedule a free 30-minute info session with us. By the end of this video call, you will have a clear understanding of the next steps you can take to start generating consistent and reliable results online with Organic & Paid Advertising: Schedule your session.