Why Vehicle signage can get your business where it needs to go

Whether on the move, waiting for a green light, or standing by the curb, your fleet vehicles’ signs communicate valuable information about your business. The right signage can prompt more phone calls, website visits, and foot traffic, ultimately increasing sales opportunities. 

Vehicle signage is a highly effective way to build brand awareness and convey advertising messages to a wide audience quickly and cost-effectively. 

A study by the American Trucking Association found that 90% of drivers notice vehicle signage, and 75% of them form an impression of the company based on that signage. This statistic doesn’t even include the impact on pedestrian traffic. 

In a single year, vehicle signage can generate approximately 8.4 million impressions at a cost-per-thousand far lower than traditional forms of advertising such as newspapers, billboards, or online ads. 

Conveying the Message Effectively 

“Fleet vehicles are moving billboards,” says J.R. Kraft, director of business development for BuildASign. 

The design and placement of vehicle signage matter. In urban traffic, there’s more time for viewers to absorb detailed information like phone numbers or URLs. On highways, larger signs with concise messaging are more effective. Studies reveal that viewers have just 1.5 seconds to read a message on a fast-moving vehicle. 

Consistency across various advertising platforms is also critical. “We work with clients to integrate vehicle signage with their other outdoor media,” explains Scott McLean, CEO of Di Graphics. “When consumers see the same message on vehicles, billboards, and online, it reinforces brand recognition and builds trust.” 

This approach applies to businesses of all sizes. Smaller companies can achieve consistent messaging across their website, social media, and vehicle advertising. 

For a significant investment like a vehicle wrap, which can cost around $4,000, ensuring the message is clear and effective is paramount. Proper market research can help tailor messages to specific demographics along fleet routes. 

For example, custom wraps for Charter Communications vans were designed to target Spanish-speaking Americans, using market data to optimize routes and messaging. 

Remember, effective vehicle signage means that your drivers must represent your brand positively. Erratic or unsafe driving can harm your brand reputation. 

Design Tips for Impactful Signage 

When designing vehicle signage, simplicity is crucial. “Think of effective billboards. They deliver a clear message quickly,” McLean advises. 

Use visuals that convey your message concisely. Avoid overcrowding the design with phone numbers, taglines, or addresses. Even a tagline can work wonders—if it’s short and memorable. 

The type of vehicle also impacts the design. Curves and unique shapes like the Scion Xb require specialized designs to maximize visibility. 

Simplicity is key, whether using wraps, magnetics, or window stickers. Too much information can overwhelm viewers. Focus on essential details like your business name and a website link. 

For more sustainability tips, visit our Sustainability page. 

Moving Business Cards 

“Everywhere I park, people ask for a business card,” says Tony Gallina, CEO of The Green Mop, a cleaning service in Arlington, Va. Vehicle signage has been instrumental in growing his business to $850,000 annually. 

Gallina used magnet signs and stickers designed online in 20 minutes. The simplicity and visibility of the design ensured maximum impact. 

Vehicle signage isn’t just advertising; it’s a way to generate impromptu business. Businesses like The Foreclosure Tour in Ventura County rely on vehicle signs to attract customers directly, bypassing traditional channels like phone books. 

Effective Vehicle Signage: Best Practices 

Follow these tips for designing impactful vehicle signage: 

1. Prioritize Key Information

Focus on essentials like your business name, website, and key services. Avoid cluttering the design with too much information. 

2. Choose Bold Colors

Use contrasting colors like red, black, and yellow for readability. If your corporate colors are light, add outlines to ensure visibility. 

3. Utilize Rear Signage

Place signs on the back of your vehicle to engage drivers stuck in traffic. 

4. Keep Fonts Simple

Opt for plain fonts for critical information. Decorative fonts can complement your logo or tagline but should not compromise readability. 

Signage Options 

Vehicle signage offers four main options: vehicle wraps, permanent vinyls, temporary vinyls, and magnetics. 

Vehicle Wraps

Wraps offer high visibility and can cover an entire vehicle. They cost $2,500–$4,000 and require professional installation. Ideal for long-term advertising. 