So, how important is it to stay on brand with vehicle graphics? Vehicle graphics have proven to be one of the most effective forms of advertising. They have the lowest cost per impression of any marketing media. Vehicle graphics can make your brand stand out. They can introduce you to new clients, and add to your professional image. However, poorly done vehicle graphics will detract from your business’s image and make you stand out for the wrong reasons. That’s why it’s so important to stay on brand with vehicle graphics.
10 Ways to Stay on Brand with Vehicle Graphics
1. Keep it Simple
When designing graphics for a moving vehicle, less is more. Short and sweet, simple, and to the point are the keys to creating a vehicle graphic that does its job. And what’s that job? Its job is to capture people’s attention and then share a message. Too much information, too many words and images, or distracting colors take away from the task at hand.
2. Remember it’s Three-dimensional
Hire a professional designer with experience in vehicle graphic design. You need a designer skilled at translating two-dimensional design concepts to a three-dimensional application. A design may look perfect on a screen. However, it must conform to three dimensions. It must work on your vehicle, not only on a piece of paper.
3. Follow Brand Guidelines
Your vehicle graphics should be on brand the same as any other marketing. It’s easy to get away from your brand when designing fleet graphics, but it’s a mistake. Your brand should be instantly recognizable. Whether it’s a social media icon, print ad, or one of your vehicles parked at a customer’s place of business. One way to achieve brand conformance is to create a brand style guide. Would you like to learn how? 5 Steps to Creating a Brand Style Guide.
4. Fit Your Logo to the Vehicle
Think of your fleet graphics as your business card on wheels. If you’re like most businesses, you spent time and consideration on your business card. Your fleet graphics should receive the same attention.
Entrepreneur.com explains, How to Create a Logo, “Your logo should work as well on a business card as on the side of a truck. A good logo should be scalable, easy to reproduce, memorable, and distinctive.”
5. Use Easy to Read Fonts
Does the font fit the style guide of your organization, and is it easy to read? Is it the best size? The combination of font style, size, and color will affect the readability of your vehicle graphics. The key to effective fleet graphic design is combining appearance with legibility. There are too many designs, which, although visually striking, are challenging to decipher. Difficult to read fonts detract from the purpose of your advertising.
6. Keep up with Rebrands
Another mistake I see too often is when a business has rebranded but not on their vehicles. I’m not sure why this happens as much as it does. It might be that fleet graphics aren’t thought of as marketing. If so, you should add them to your marketing checklist. When you rebrand don’t forget the van. It’s essential to stay on brand with vehicle graphics when you rebrand.
7. Stress the Importance of Safe and Mindful Driving
You hold an annual meeting about safe driving, create handouts, and include a section in your employee handbook dedicated to safe driving. Here’s the thing, that may not be enough. It would be best to remind your drivers every day of the importance of safe and courteous driving. Your drivers need to understand how poor driving affects the business. Teach your drivers to go above and beyond. To be respectful and courteous when they’re behind the wheel. One driver, in one company van, who stops to let a car into traffic goes a long way. Unfortunately, one rude driver cutting people off goes further. If you’d like to learn more, check out How to be a Mindful Driver.
8. Be Aware of Problem Areas
There are areas on every vehicle that can change a vehicle’s graphic design. Seams, mirrors, sliding doors, and gas caps can all adversely affect a vehicle wrap. For more, see 10 Problem Areas that Could Ruin Your Vehicle Wrap.
9. Keep it Clean
Fleet vehicles send a message about your business. And a dirty vehicle doesn’t say anything good. Unclean and poor conditioned fleet vehicles cost your business far more than a car wash or repair. They cost your business its reputation.
10. Park it Where it Can Be Seen
Your vehicle graphics can work for you 24/7 if you consider where they can be seen. If possible, park your vehicles in front of your business or at an employee’s home. Consider allowing employees to take vehicles to events. Place your vehicles where people can see them. For example, if your work van is on a service call, be sure the graphics are visible from the road.
Does Your Business Stay on Brand with Vehicle Graphics?
Does your company stay on brand with vehicle graphics? If you’re uncertain, review the 10 points above and grade your business. Do your fleet graphics match the rest of your branded materials? Are the vehicles (and drivers) making a good impression? When someone looks at your fleet, do they immediately know who you are and what you do? And one more question… Are your fleet graphics something you and your team can be proud of? Do you stay on brand with vehicle graphics?
Use Your Commercial Vehicles to Advertise Your Business!
Looking for an effective and affordable way to create brand awareness, build credibility, and get your marketing message seen by thousands of potential customers every day? Vehicle graphics and wraps are your answer to getting your business name out there at an affordable price and TKO Graphix can help.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your fleet graphics needs, be sure to reach out to us. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us, or you can request a quote today! We can help you stay on brand with vehicle graphics.
