9 Clever Ways to Get Customers to Come to You

“9 Clever ways to get customers to come to you, using Vehicle Graphics”
by Derek Creavalle

When I first wrapped my vehicle, I was like a kid with a new toy. I had to become used to people asking for my business card when at the gas station or in the parking lot or sometimes when stopped at a light.

Once I realized the true potential for exposure, I started looking for ways to maximize my vehicle graphics investment. I experimented with subtle changes in my driving habits and these soon became new habits that were well worth the efforts.

Here are some simple but effective ways to get the maximum exposure out of your “vehicle graphic marketing”.

PARK FOR SPARK, in the most visible areas, at every opportunity. Instead of parking at the first available a spot, sandwiched between two vehicles, choose the end spots, closest to the main entrance. Make sure your graphics are exposed for maximum visibility. The extra walk will pay off big.

BECOME A LANDMARK. When parking at your place of business, choose an area visible from the street, away from other vehicles, and park there religiously. People should get used to seeing your vehicle, in that spot, day after day. Eventually they will start coming into your place of business to seek you out.

We have had many new customers stop in, simply because they saw our vehicle parked outside. People tend to ignore signs but notice vehicle graphics.

FISH WHERE THE FISH ARE. Frequent and park in areas where your target customers are most abundant. This may mean eating lunch at a busy mall or restaurant rather than bringing lunch.

Why not eat lunch, in the vehicle, at a busy area, frequented by your target customers. Some clients will park in strategic areas and use the opportunity to get caught up on phone calls. Make sure you have business cards handy. Roll your window down as you will appear more approachable.

Some clients will actually park and leave the vehicle there in peak hours. Sounds silly but it works.

RUSH HOUR IS POWER. Take the busiest and most congested routes home. It will offer the most opportunity for visual impressions. Vehicle graphics work best, when drivers are in stop and go traffic, and are looking for something or interest, to occupy their time.

In most cases they cannot help but read your marketing message over and over again. How powerful is this? Enjoy the ride as it pays big.

If you are targeting the financial district, why not drive through that area at rush hour, where your potential customers are concentrated.

MORE IS MORE. Pay someone else to wrap their vehicle with your graphics. This can be as little as covering their monthly insurance, part of a lease payment or gas. In many cases it may be far less expensive than other forms of advertising and much more effective. It can be a family member, friend, employee or associate.

We get numerous calls from people willing to wrap their vehicle for a small monthly fee so they are relatively easy to find.

Wrap your delivery vehicle and all other vehicles. If possible incent your employees to add your graphics to their vehicles.

SILENT NEWORKING. When you drop the kids off for, soccer, hockey, piano or other activities. Park strategically in the most visible areas. If possible park in the same area. Spend some time in the vehicle before and after the game so other parents don’t have to guess who the vehicle belongs to. You will never have to tell the other parents what business you are in. Just be friendly and sooner or later they will start asking you questions, or for your business card, without you having to say a word. This is an extremely powerful networking tool and a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.

BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Drive in the center lane for maximum impact. The center lane gives you the greatest opportunity for maximum visibility from both sides of the vehicle. If possible drive slightly slower than the rest of the traffic so as to increase the number of vehicles passing you. This was tough for me to do at first as I have a heavy foot but it pays big.

REMEMBER YOUR ABC’s (“Always B Closing”). Carry lots of business cards and get into the habit of cleaning your windows and checking your oil during fill ups at the gas pump. Don’t be shy and strike up conversations with other patrons.

Always dress in anticipation of meeting your next big potential client. Even if its jeans at the cottage. You will be amazed where you will swap business cards.

AMBASSADOR MENTALITY. Remember that you are driving a mobile billboard for your company so drive courteously and carefully. You cannot afford to annoy or anger anyone, as they may be a potential customer. Reinforce this with employees driving the vehicle.

Conclusion:
We hope that the information provided so far has been helpful in allowing you to make a confident informed decision.

To your success,

Derek Creavalle
Vehicle Graphics Academy

Recommended Reading

• Vehicle Graphics
• 3 Step System For Success