As a company builds its brand, it may wonder, “How do I let the community know that I’m here? How do I introduce my brand locally?”
While many may consider commercials, signs, or print ads to boost brand awareness, there is another method to reach your local customers. If you have company vehicles, you might consider vehicle wrapping.
If you’ve seen brightly-colored vehicles with company logos, contact info, or catchy taglines driving around, you’ve just seen a wrapped vehicle. Truck or vehicle wrapping is a powerful marketing tool where you cover a car, van, or truck with a vinyl wrap covered in a branded design. This practice is especially valuable for local businesses looking to make a memorable impression on potential customers in their area.
But how do you know if vehicle wrapping can be done well? How do you know your design will be effective?
DW Creative is a Kansas City-based marketing agency that drives growth for clients by creating meaningful connections between their clients’ brands and the homeowners they serve.
By reading this article, you will learn what vehicle wrapping is, why businesses use it, and best practices to get the most out of your investment.
What Is Vehicle Wrapping?
Vehicle wrapping involves covering most or all of a vehicle’s exterior with vinyl material that displays custom graphics or messages. Unlike decals that might only appear on a door or bumper, a “wrap” usually covers large portions of the vehicle.
Wraps are designed digitally, printed on high-quality vinyl, and applied by skilled installers. Unlike paint, wraps are removable and can even protect the paint underneath.
If you don’t want to wrap your entire vehicle, you may consider a decal instead. These are also digital designs printed on vinyl, but they only adhere to specific spaces on the vehicle like a door or hood.
Why Do Companies Wrap Vehicles?
For local businesses, vehicle wrapping can be one of the most effective advertising tactics. Wrapped vehicles act like moving billboards, allowing your brand to become a familiar, trusted sight in the community. When people see your vehicle frequently—whether parked in a neighborhood, passing by, or at a job site—they’re more likely to remember your brand and associate it with your service area and expertise.
Best Practices for Vehicle Wrapping
To maximize the impact of your vehicle wrap, keep these best practices in mind:
1. Keep It Simple
Vehicles are moving ads, and people often only get a few seconds to glance at them. This means that the simpler and more focused your message and image, the better. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Brand Awareness: Your wrap should focus on who you are and what you do. Include your company name, logo, and brand colors to ensure people recognize you.
- Clear Purpose: Make it clear what service you offer and the problem you solve.
For example, a plumbing company might use images of pipes or water. This could also be addressed in a tagline. The same plumbing company may say, “John Doe Plumbing: Kiss Leaky Pipes Goodbye!”
This helps potential clients quickly understand how your business can make their life easier.
2. Use High-Contrast Graphics and Colors
High-contrast colors help your wrap stand out and make it easier for people with colorblindness to see. Ensure that your logo and contact information are in a bold color that pops against the background so viewers can read it at a glance.
3. Include Contact Information
Make it easy for potential customers to get in touch. This can be as simple as displaying your company name—many people will look it up online. You might also include a phone number, URL, or even a QR code if your design allows. Whatever contact method you choose, make sure it’s visible and easy to read from a distance.
4. Focus on One Key Message
Since people often only catch a quick glimpse of your wrapped vehicle, you want to stick to a single message. Too much information can dilute your message or make it difficult for people to remember what you do.
For instance, let’s say John Doe Plumbing fixes pipes but also remodels bathrooms and builds custom showers. It may be difficult to communicate all three skills in a single design. For vehicle wrapping they may combine these into a single message or focus on the one skill they feel will reach the most people.
When creating your wrap design, choose one main idea or call-to-action. This might be a tagline, an image that represents your business, or your company name and logo.
5. Use All Visible Surfaces
Think of your entire vehicle as a canvas. While many wraps focus on the sides and back of the vehicle, don’t overlook other areas. The hood, top, and windshield (where permitted) can all display your message, ensuring people see it from any angle.
Of course, this option may be limited by your budget. If a full vehicle wrap is not financially possible, consider decals for target surfaces like doors or the back of the vehicle.
Common Design Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your vehicle wrap is effective, steer clear of these common design mistakes:
1. Overloading the Design
It can be tempting to include as much information as possible, but too much text or detail makes it hard for viewers to remember anything. Keep your design clean and uncluttered, focusing on the essentials.
2. Skipping a Professional Designer
Some wrap companies offer design services, but not all have professional designers who understand branding and messaging. A designer can help ensure your wrap is consistent with your brand and communicates clearly without becoming too busy.
3. Inconsistent Design Across Vehicles
If you’re wrapping multiple vehicles, make sure the design is responsive. This means it can be adjusted to fit different vehicle sizes or models. Consistency is essential to building trust—people should recognize your brand across all vehicles, no matter the model.
If the design is inconsistent, it may communicate sloppiness or confuse potential customers. Are these completely different logos from the same company? Or are they two different companies? If they’re for one company, why are the designs different?
A vehicle wrap is a way to introduce yourself to potential customers. If you were introducing yourself at a party, you’d want to act the same to every new person you met. People would not trust you if you put on a new persona for every interaction. The same rule applies to advertising, logo design, and vehicle wrapping: consistency is key.
Before You Buy a Vehicle Wrap
Here are a few steps to take before committing to a wrap:
- Consult a Wrap Vendor: Share the make and model of each vehicle you want to wrap to ensure they can be wrapped effectively.
- Check for Regulations: Ask about local regulations for vehicle wraps, as some areas may restrict wraps on certain parts, like windows.
- Discuss Design Options and Limitations: Speak with the designer about any design restrictions and whether special wrap options are needed for windows or other areas.
- Get an Estimate: Ask for a cost and time estimate from each vendor. A knowledgeable vendor should explain the costs, timelines, and any restrictions they foresee, showing their expertise.
Next Steps for Choosing a Vehicle Wrap
Vehicle wrapping is a powerful tool for local businesses to increase visibility and create a memorable brand presence in the community. A well-designed wrap can turn your company vehicle into a moving billboard that potential customers recognize and trust. By following best practices—keeping your design simple, focusing on one clear message, using high-contrast colors, and maintaining consistency across vehicles—you can make a strong impression that sticks.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consult with a professional wrap vendor. Discuss your design options, ask about any local regulations, and get a detailed cost estimate. In addition, consult a professional designer to help create an effective, powerful design for your vehicles.
With the right planning and a great wrap design, your vehicle can become one of the most valuable assets in your brand-building strategy.
If you’d like to learn more about vehicle wrapping, check out this educational video by DW Creative:
DW Creative is an agency committed to empowering homeowner-focused businesses. If you want help creating a marketing strategy or brand designs for projects like vehicle wrapping, schedule a fit call with our team to see how DW Creative can help.
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