In the world of small business, local services and retailers are always looking for fresh and impactful ways to promote their brand. Among the marketing options available, one innovative solution stands out: vehicle wraps. These rolling billboards are not just visually striking but offer a multitude of benefits, transforming ordinary vehicles into powerful marketing tools.
A vehicle wrap is essentially a large vinyl graphic or decal applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle. It is designed to cover either a portion or the entire surface of the car, van, or truck, turning it into a mobile advertisement. This concept has revolutionized the way small businesses approach advertising.
While it’s difficult to provide exact numbers, when your company’s wrapped vehicle is on the road, it’s racking up impressions (eyeballs) at an incredible rate, anywhere from thousands per day to millions per year. Not only do consumers and clients see your car or truck on the road with them, they know you’re available in their area, and that’s important. According to America’s Small Businesses Data Study 2023, “when it comes to small businesses, Americans are proving to be steadfast supporters. In fact, 57% say they are willing to pay more to support local businesses and 2 in 3 try to shop locally over shopping at large retail chains.”
Unlike traditional stationary signage, vehicle wraps offer the unique advantage of mobility. With these wraps, a business’s advertising message travels wherever the vehicle goes, reaching a wider audience across different locations. This mobility is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to increase their visibility within a specific community or service area.
Your vehicle wrap may be seen at:
Highways and Busy Streets: Vehicles wrapped with advertising graphics are highly visible on highways and busy city streets. These areas typically have high traffic volumes, meaning more eyes on the vehicle. Highways are particularly effective for reaching commuters and long-distance travelers, while city streets expose the brand to both drivers and pedestrians in urban areas.
Parking Lots: Parking lots of shopping centers, malls, supermarkets, and popular public venues are prime spots for visibility. When a wrapped vehicle is parked in these areas, it catches the eye of numerous shoppers and visitors. The stationary nature of a parked vehicle in a busy lot allows for longer viewing times, increasing the likelihood of people noticing and remembering the advertisement.
Business Locations: If the vehicle is parked at or frequently visits the business’s location, it serves as a static advertisement, reinforcing the brand presence at the place of business. This is particularly effective for businesses that have a physical storefront or office in areas with good foot or vehicle traffic.
Residential Areas: Driving through or parking in residential areas can target local communities, making it an effective strategy for businesses whose services are more localized. This helps in building local brand recognition and can be particularly effective for services like home repair, landscaping, or local retail.
Events and Trade Shows: If a business participates in events, trade shows, or local markets, a vehicle with an advertising wrap can attract attention both en route to the event and when parked on-site. It can act as a mobile billboard that draws attendees’ attention, increasing brand visibility.
High-Traffic Commercial Areas: Areas with a high concentration of businesses, such as commercial districts or industrial parks, are ideal for reaching other businesses and professionals. This is particularly relevant for B2B (business-to-business) services.
Tourist Spots and Attractions: For businesses catering to tourists or operating in tourist-heavy areas, having a wrapped vehicle in these spots can be very effective. It captures the attention of visitors who may be looking for local services, dining, or entertainment options.
Near Competitors: Strategically driving or parking near competitor locations can be a bold move, directly showcasing your brand to a competitor’s audience.
Transit Routes and Public Transport Hubs: Areas near transit routes, bus stops, and train stations are also effective, especially in urban areas where there’s a mix of commuters, tourists, and local residents.
Each of these locations offers unique opportunities and challenges. The effectiveness of a vehicle wrap in these areas also depends on the design of the wrap, the type of vehicle, and the nature of the business being advertised. Tailoring the travel routes and parking strategies to align with the target audience can greatly enhance the visibility and impact of vehicle wrap advertising.
One of the most appealing aspects of vehicle wraps is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to other forms of advertising like television, radio, or billboards, vehicle wraps offer a more affordable option with a broader reach. The cost per impression (CPI) with vehicle wraps is significantly lower since the advertisement is mobile and constantly in view of potential customers.
The design of vehicle wraps can be tailored to any vehicle type, from compact cars to large vans or trucks. This flexibility ensures that a business’s branding is consistently displayed, no matter the size or type of vehicle in their fleet. Customization allows for creative and eye-catching designs that reflect the company’s brand and message effectively.
Apart from being an advertising tool, vehicle wraps serve a dual purpose by protecting the vehicle’s paintwork. Made from high-quality vinyl, these wraps shield the paint from scratches, sun damage, and minor abrasions, thus preserving the vehicle’s value. Furthermore, the durability of these wraps means they can be a long-term advertising solution, lasting several years with proper care.
Designing a vehicle wrap involves careful consideration of the business’s branding, message, and the vehicle’s shape. Professional designers work to create a layout that is both visually appealing and effective in communicating the brand’s message. The design process typically involves initial concepts, revisions, and final approval before the wrap is printed and applied.
At Signs of Excellence, Inc., our experienced designers and wrap application specialists can provide at outstanding result for any business needing vehicle wraps in the Pittsburgh area.
The success of vehicle wrap advertising can be measured in various ways, including increased website traffic, higher call volumes, or a rise in foot traffic to a physical location. Many businesses also use social media and customer feedback to gauge the impact of their mobile advertising.
Vehicle wraps are an innovative and cost-effective advertising solution, especially suited for small local businesses. They offer unique advantages, including mobility, customization, and long-term durability. By turning their vehicle fleet into moving billboards, businesses can significantly increase their visibility and reach, making a lasting impression in their community and beyond.
In a world where standing out is key to business success, vehicle wraps offer a distinctive and impactful way to get noticed and remembered. They are not just a marketing investment; they are a statement about a business’s creativity and commitment to engaging with their community in a dynamic and visually appealing way.
When you are looking for a signage company in the Pittsburgh region with decades of experience, reach out to Signs of Excellence Inc. Dial 724-325-7446 or visit our Contact page to begin crafting a sign that truly speaks for your brand.