Top 5 Methods of Advertising Through Custom Car Magnets
Are you a small business owner with a company car you take everywhere?
Branding your automobile is the easiest and most effective way to market your business. You can alter your vehicle into a mobile billboard. You can put the company’s logo and contact information on your truck with rear window graphics, custom car magnets, and car wraps.
Car magnets as a way of advertisement are widely used because it is a low-cost yet customizable option. However, before committing, you must consider the pros and cons of branding your automobile.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Branding your Automobile
Here are six advantages and disadvantages of promoting your business on an automobile.
Pros of Branding your Vehicle
1. One-Time Cost
For digital ads, you usually pay daily for conversions and impressions. However, you have to only pay once for the car magnet and not worry about it until it needs to be replaced.
Vehicle branding can get you an estimate of 600-1000 impressions per mile. The impressions can be even more vital on busier roads and in bigger cities. However, everyone who sees your automobile will not be a potential customer. So the exposure to installation price ratio is very high.
2. You Can Multi-task
You can be driving for your daily chores like going to the gym or getting the weekly groceries while also marketing your company. Having your business’s logo and contact information on the vehicle is an intelligent way to get customers while you are not even on the job.
Often realtors and moving companies do this to promote their business. This tactic is known as killing two birds with one stone.
3. Trust
If you show up in a branded automobile, your company will look more authentic. Car magnets show the company is professional, making customers trust your service.
4. Brand Awareness
Every marketer’s top priority is showing their company’s brand, name, and message to all potential customers. The more eyes on their ad, the better!
With car magnets, small businesses can also promote their brand easily. Your company can reach hundreds and thousands of people, from pedestrians to drivers and neighbors. Your automobile will promote your brand on the go, during traffic jams, and even when parked.
Cons of Branding your Vehicle
1. It Might Be Illegal
Check your city laws to see if it allows you to promote your business on your automobile. You can check with the local police station as well. You may also need to register your truck as a commercial automobile.
In addition to this, you will have to run it by your insurance company as well. You might need an additional insurance policy if you use your automobile to advertise your business.
In some cities, parking a vehicle plastered with ads on the street or driveway is prohibited. Rather than risk your automobile getting towed or hefty fines, consult with a lawyer.
2. 24/7 Business Representation
Speeding in an automobile promoting your business can hurt your company’s reputation. You must be careful about your public behavior and consider your vehicle’s condition.
You might have to wash your vehicle more frequently, which will be an added price. You and your automobile must be on the best behavior 24/7.
3. It Could Make Others Uncomfortable
For instance, if you are a marriage counselor, your truck can tell the neighbors that the client has family problems. You might visit your friend in your company truck, and the neighbors might assume they are going through some hardships.
In such a scenario, you should check with your clients or anyone else you are visiting. If they are uncomfortable, you can park down the street and walk to the location. This could not be easy if you have a lot of equipment.
Why Choose Car Magnets?
With that bit explained, let’s consider why car magnets are needed.
You can utilize your vehicle to promote your company in many ways. These include vehicle wraps, top signs, rear window decals, lettering, and car magnets.
Here are five reasons car magnets are the best option for your brand.
1. Cost
Custom car magnets will cost you a lot less than car wraps. If you have multiple cars that you want your logo on, car magnets will be a lot cheaper than just one car wrap.
Moreover, you can reuse car magnets. You do not have to get the appeal removed professionally. This also allows you to switch the design if you get bored with one.
2. Effective Marketing
Since car wraps are more visible, they are more effective in catching attention. However, the message gets lost because it is wrapped all over the vehicle. On the other hand, you can install the car magnet at a position that will get the most attention, for example, at the back or on either side.
What makes car magnet marketing effective is its layout and design. You can design and order magnets online. It should be eye-catching, and all the relevant information should be legible.
You can have multiple cars at different sites to expand your exposure. This will increase the reach at a lesser price than a car wrap.
3. Easy Installation
Car magnets are easy to remove and install. You will require a flat and smooth surface for the custom magnet to be installed correctly. You can easily stick it yourself too. You need to find an influential and balanced position.
4. Removal
Custom car magnets are designed to be easily removable. If you use personal cars for brand promotion, you can remove them when using the vehicle for personal use. Or when you are in an area where car advertisement is illegal, you can easily take it off.
Easy removal also means that your vehicle is not harmed in any way. Vehicle carbon fiber wraps and decals often leave a sticky residue. Sometimes they even take off the car paint during removal. With magnets, there is no paint damage.
5. Durability
Vehicle magnets can last you a lifetime, depending on the outdoor elements. Wind, direct sunlight, bumpy roads, rain, mud, and other outdoor conditions play a role in the life expectancy of your custom car magnets. Generally, vehicle magnets are pretty durable.
Non-laminated car magnets will typically last for one or two years. With lamination, your car magnet can last you a year more or sometimes even longer than that. The lamination price is around $5 more per magnet.
The life expectancy will also depend on regular maintenance and cleaning.
6. No Permanent Damage
Since car magnets can be easily removed, they do not cause abrasion to your vehicles. Other methods of mobile advertisements, such as carbon fiber vinyl wrap or decals, damage the paint job.
7. Versatility
Car magnets can be applied to any automobile model. Whether you have a truck or an SUV, car magnets can be customized in any size, shape, and material.
8. Maintenance
Custom car magnets come with care instructions. It is recommended to remove car magnets and clean them weekly. It can easily be cleaned with water and mild detergent. Although they are durable, you can increase their lifespan with proper care.
Remove the custom car magnet to prevent damage if your truck is going for an automated car wash. High pressures of water and brushes during car washes can cause damage to the appeal. The print can fade.
The general steps to maintain the professional look of the custom magnets are:
- Remove the custom car magnet.
- Wipe the vehicle surface and the back of the car magnet using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Using a solid detergent can harm the magnetic quality and the print of the interest.
- Let your car magnet and vehicle surface air dry properly.
- Once it is dry, apply the magnet to your desired position. It should be a flat metallic surface that has no rust or bumps.
- Repeat the process weekly to protect the magnet against debris and dust build-up. This will ensure that the magnetic car signs remain durable.
Top 5 Methods of Advertising Through Custom Magnets
1. Brand Logo
The most common way of advertising is to stick your company’s logo on the car door. A unique and well-designed logo will help catch more attention. You can play with fonts and colors to make it stand out. For example, having a black car magnet will be bad if your car is black.
Get design services to help create a custom magnet if you can afford it. They have the design tool to create an interest that stands out. You can choose a custom shape, color, and material for a better-finished product. The most popular size of magnetic car signs is 18 by 24 inches or around 36 square feet.
2. Exclusive Discounts
There is no better way to gather customers than to announce an exclusive discount. Add a unique promo code to avail of discounts and other promotional offers. People love exclusive offers and will contact you. This way, you can track the number of customers you gain through vehicle marketing.
3. Catchy One-liners and Images
Funny one-liners on custom magnets not only attract attention but can also inform potential customers about your services. It also makes a lasting impression.
The same is true for images and pictures. Someone could have seen your plumbing company’s car sign but did not need your services at the time. However, when they did require the services, your company was the first to come to mind because of the catchy phrase or picture on the vehicle.
Makes sure to add your contact information and company name along with the image or the one-liner. Otherwise, it will be useless since people will not know where and how to reach you.
4. Building Anticipation
If you plan to start a sale or a campaign, you can use a car magnet on your vehicle to build Anticipation. Multiple vehicles in multiple locations with a sign saying “coming soon” or something more attractive can excite people.
You can add your contact information; people might reach out to you just because they are curious.
5. Reflective Car Magnet
A reflective custom car magnet is visible even during the nighttime. This can increase your exposure and hence your audience reach. It is also possible that some areas are busier at night. A reflective sign will be better utilized in such areas.
What to put on the Car Magnet
For effective marketing, you need personalized car magnets with an attractive design. All the essential information must be displayed on the magnetic sign. It is useless if you have a catchy logo on your vehicle but no contact details are provided. Those who might be interested will have no leads. The specific information that must be on the vehicle magnet is:
This one is self-explanatory. Ensure your brand’s name is the focal point of the car sign. Potential customers can find you through a simple Google search if they fail to note the contact details.
1. Logo
Images and unique fonts immediately draw people’s attention. Catchy graphics or one-liners will attract more eyes and make a lasting impression. It will help you stand out among many other company vehicles.
You can choose custom shapes instead of rectangular magnetic car signs when designing the logo.
2. Phone number
You cannot leave out this critical piece of information at any cost. A unique number can also help you record the number of calls received due to the magnetic signs.
3. Address
It could be your physical address or web address. Make sure it is legible and clear. Someone might want to know more about your company before contacting you and investing their money and time.
4. Position
You can customize your vehicle magnet to be applied at any desired site. Either it can be a car door magnet or a rear side magnet.
The only requirement is that the vehicle surface must be magnetic.
You can apply the car magnet for broader exposure on both car doors and the backside. Increasing the quantity can expand your reach
5. Services Provided
Do not forget to mention the services you provide. It could be a catchy phrase or a one-liner that informs your potential clients about your services. It is not wise to leave things up to people for interpretation.
Will the Car Magnets Stick to my Truck?
Make sure you ask the magnet manufacturer about the product specs. We also have some tips to remember before purchasing a new sign.
- The mounting surface must be magnetic. Magnets do not stick to plastic or aluminum.
- Not all materials have the same magnetic properties. Therefore, the recommended magnetic strength is 14 poles per inch. The magnetic material must be 30 mils matte white vinyl.
- Magnets should have rounded corners.
- After installing the magnet, ensure that coatings on any vehicle surface are cured completely.
- Wipe the magnet and the metal surface with a mild detergent and let it air-dry completely.
- Install the magnet on flat, smooth, or slightly curved surfaces. The car door magnets should also have a flat magnetic surface.
- Do not affix the magnet over decals, molding, or pin striping. The air between the magnets and the surfaces can weaken the magnetic hold.
- Daily magnet removal is recommended to help prevent dust and moisture build-up. Wipe both the surfaces and the magnets.
- When you remove magnets, do not lift them from the edge. Lift from the sides.
- If you have to store the magnet, keep it in a clean, dry area. Make sure that multiple magnets are not stored face-to-face to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Custom car magnets transform your vehicles into mobile billboards. Rather than depending on people to come to you, you are going where they go. Literally, car magnets stick are a simple, straightforward, and highly affordable way to get the customers you have been waiting for.
So get your custom car magnets today!
