Parking branded vehicles at high traffic locations, or as I like to call it—parketing—has been around forever yet many companies still don’t leverage its power.
Branded vehicles can be a useful tool to boost your business. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively.
It’s Not Going to Disappear Anytime Soon
Driving is one thing you can pretty much count on being around for as long as we’re all around. Therefore, the ability to get your business noticed by parking your branded vehicle strategically is not going away anytime soon either.
“With the advent of self-driving technology, the advantage of car brand decals and mobile advertising will only increase. Cars will essentially become mobile devices like smartphones and business tablets.” – Personal Branding Blog
It’s something that’s been done for years and continues to happen without decline. People are walking, driving, or biking down the streets all day every day. It’s no wonder branded vehicles are still a useful tool to advertising your business.
It Doesn’t Have to be Super Expensive
My dad used to have his company logos and lists of the products he sold on our family car—it served as a rolling billboard. As long as it has strong branding that makes it obvious as to who your business is and what it does.
“As markets become increasingly oversaturated, strong branding is the best chance that companies have to set themselves apart.” – Cameron Herold
Then it was my turn. With College Pro Painters, many of us painted our old, used vehicles in a bright yellow color—the perfect canvas for our huge red and white company logos. These “big bird” vans, as they were lovingly called, attracted attention and got us, clients.
Find the Best Parking Spots
My dad also parked his car strategically. No matter where we went, he found the spot that would garner the most views from passing pedestrians and drivers.
“The people that see the most return on their branded vehicles run businesses catering to local audiences in certain neighborhoods.” – Grasshopper
Some franchises even “barter” with gas stations for the perfect parking spot to display their vehicle. College Pro Painters would buy gas from the proprietor all day long. In return, we’d get to park our vans in the stations overnight. The arrangement benefited everyone involved and put College Pro Painters front and center at all times of the day.
Take Advantage of Ideal Streets
The last time I checked, your prospects aren’t just strolling around a parking lot while you hope they stumble across your branded vehicle. They are driving down the streets in the areas near their homes and offices.
“Driving to work, we always see the same advertisements on the same billboard and don’t think twice about it. But instead with a branded vehicle, you can showcase your brand to new customers each day as you take the same path to work. A new set of eyes increases the probability of customer and brand awareness for that matter.” – Geek Design
Where are your company cars and trucks parked tonight? Simply parking strategically is one way that’s sure to get you free PR.
If you have questions or would like more information, I’d be happy to help. Please send an email, and my team will get in touch with you!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2010 and has been edited for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably interested in performing PR functions yourself, or in hiring team members to do so (or both). It will help you find the right people to execute the PR sales role in your organization, and secure free publicity for your company.Even though this falls under the category of public relations, what you’re really hiring for is a person who likes to do telephone sales. You’re looking for someone who loves to pitch people, and is technically savvy enough to compile resources online and monitor the media response to your campaign. The first rule –
