How to Advertise Your Construction Company on Your Vehicle

If you want potential customers to know who you are, you must decal your vehicle and trailer. Both travel with you to every job, every day. It’s basically a mobile billboard for anyone curious about the people working in their neighborhood. A big plain white box on wheels, even one kept pristinely clean, does nothing to land you that next job.

Here’s a guide to turning your truck and trailer into a rolling advertisement for your small business.

Create a Logo

A logo is often the first visual someone has of your company, and first impressions are often lasting impressions. If your company doesn’t have a logo, create one. Now. Affordable DIY logo websites and local pros will help you design a logo.

Best advice? Keep it simple but unique. “Your company name” inside an outline of a house has been done to death. For some inspiration, check out the logos of businesses similar to yours, or businesses you admire.

Tagline Ideas

Your tagline is just as important as your logo. It tells potential clients exactly what you do and what sets you apart from everybody else. Your tagline might be the reason your customers ultimately choose your service. Taglines can be fun, informational or inspirational, but should also be clear and to the point. Don’t make people guess what you do. People driving past your vehicle and logo will only have a second or two to digest your message, so make it perfectly clear.

Some examples of clear, concise taglines:

• Headache-Free Remodeling and Maintenance;
• Professional, Affordable & Tidy Painters;
• Plumbing Repairs and Honest Answers;
• Premier Plumbing Service & Quality;
• Electricians Who Love Old Houses;
• If Your House is Broken, Let Us Fix It.

Seek Design Advice

Unless you work a side gig as a marketing and design professional, it’s best to meet with a decal company and let their professional staff help you create and select the layout for your vehicle decals. Let them know what kind of work you do, what makes your company special and what kind of customers you’re after.

Based on your input, your decal company should be able to design a compelling layout that includes your logo and contact information. They should also have virtual software to show how the design will look on your vehicle or trailer. Making changes up front is much cheaper than changing things after the decals are installed.

Types of Decals

Individual numbers, letters and cut-out images are less expensive than a full wrap decal, but your design options are dramatically increased with a full wrap.

Decal Images

Adding an actual image of a project that you are particularly proud of sometimes works, but make sure that the design isn’t “too busy.” That potential client will only have a few seconds to view your information, and you want their eyes to be drawn to your name, logo and contact information.

Reflective Decals

Advertising your business shouldn’t end at sunset. Consider spending a little extra on reflective letters and numbers, similar to the decals on emergency vehicles. The whole design need not be reflective, but if you go this route, be sure your name and contact information light up.

Size and Location

A fancy decal design is great. If nobody can see it, that’s not so great. Try to keep the most important information large enough so it can be seen about 30 feet away, and use a type font that’s easy to read. It’s also smart to apply decals to the back of your vehicle as well, so anyone stuck in traffic behind you can admire your professionalism and help spread the word.

How to Communicate Your Decal Vision

When you meet with your decal company, be prepared to discuss:

• Who and what you are;
• The type of decals you want;
• If you want to include an image;
• Whether you plan on installing letters and cut-outs or a full wrap;
• Reflective options;
• Size and location of your decal.

Remember, always view (and review) the design before committing to it.

Things Every Decal Design Should Include

• Your company logo;
• Company tag line (including what you do);
• Phone number, email and website address;
• Location or service area;
• A DOT number (if required);
• A license number (if required).

Importance of Advertising and Branding

In the eyes of potential clients, your vehicle and trailer are often the face of your company. Adding professional, compelling advertising to your vehicles is a no-brainer. So ditch the white box and the door magnets and take your game up a notch. Professionally done vehicle decals could become one of your best sources of business leads. One more thing: Keep your vehicles clean. Nothing says “unprofessional” more than a poorly-maintained vehicle.