Here are the important do’s and don’ts of vehicle branding
Covering your car in business branding is one of the best ways to get your message across to customers, both existing and potential. Any vehicle can be branded. So, if you drive a car, bus, train or airplane, it would be possible to be covered with your business logo.
Good idea
Vehicle branding is the best way to use an asset you already own and turn it into an effective marketing tool, says US-based fleet management company Wheels, Inc.
“Graphics or decals can be added to your vehicles to create and strengthen awareness of your company brands, business strategies and services. Whether your vehicles feature a simple logo or a full-coverage “billboard”-style wrap advertisement, they can promote a moving, dynamic, high-impact advertising strategy that can turn heads, increase brand recognition and grow business,” says Wheels, Inc.
According to Eben Human, director of Cape Town-based signage and printing company Assignment 3, a vehicle wrap is the “ultimate” marketing tool for any business.
“No other form of advertising gets you noticed faster. Vehicle wraps combine mobility, high visibility and attractive designs.
“Vehicle wraps offer the public an unparalled sales pitch that is not only attractive, but has the potential to generate a higher sales turnover,” says Human.
Bad idea
Vehicle branding needs to be very clear from a distance and while the vehicle is in motion. There shouldn’t be a lot of text or your branded vehicle will become a blur which no one will be able to read. Stick to your logo or images which others will recognise and begin to associate with your brand. Another very bad side effect of vehicle branding can be that the driver doesn’t stick to the rules of the road or doesn’t treat other road users with consideration.
Letting someone else do the driving
There are scores of companies in South Africa which offer other people the opportunity to drive around in their branded vehicles. There are other companies which work to connect people who may want to drive these vehicles with companies which want this service. The downside to this is that an individual outside of the company might not care about its reputation.