CPM (Cost Per Thousand views)

Comparing the CPM (Cost per Thousand) of different forms of advertising reveals the value of vehicle advertising.

In the top 100 Television Markets a 30 second Prime time spot cost $17.78 per CPM
In the top 100 Newspaper Markets a one third page b/w ad cost $22.95 per CPM
In 23 Magazine Publications a 4 color, one page ad cost $9.35 per CPM.
In the top 100 Radio Markets a 60 second drive time ad cost $8.61 per CPM.
The average for all forms of Billboard ads cost $2.18 per CPM.
Vehicle Ads - $.77 per CPM!

These statistics are from the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, 2012

(Source: truckskin.com)

We recently out TruckSkins on a street blimp for 1-800-LAW-FIRM in Detroit. These make great rolling billboards.

This is a great medium for special events. In this case the World Series in Detroit.

(Source: truckskin.com)

This holiday season we are all trying to find better, more cost effective ways to market and advertise. Remember- sometimes the best “vehicle” for your marketing is… your delivery vehicle.

How many hours do you spend driving in your car, sitting at stop lights staring at the rear end of a car or truck? You are a captive audience and your eyes are searching for something to look at, to read, to interest you, correct?

When most retailers load their trucks for home deliveries, they make sure that they maximize the use of truck interior space so they don’t waste fuel, time and man-hours. Yet, a lot of those same retailers are losing out by not effectively using the blank space on the sides and backs of their trucks, cars and vans. A blank delivery truck, or company van or car is a terrible waste. A boring, uninformative, or unimaginative message is almost as bad.

So why not get the attention of everyone around you, just by driving around or parking creatively? (See our article on Strategic Parking.) Think of your truck and car as blank canvases you can use to get the attention of your customers. Don’t just hope that potential customers will find your advertisements; take your message directly to them so they can’t miss it!

Car wraps and truck advertising are some of the most cost effective ads with the most visual impact. Studies by the American Trucking Association show that 91 percent of people notice words and pictures when displayed on trucks. Metro trucks are seen by 14 million pairs of eyes a year. Take advantage; show more than just a name on the side of your delivery truck. TruckSkin will turn your truck into a mobile billboard, and for less than you think.

 Find out more at TruckSkin.com

While the winds of Fall are getting colder our thoughts start focusing on the upcoming holiday season. It’s not too early to start your marketing for those holiday dollars. Because for most of us money is tight this year, your offerings need to be just that more enticing. Make sure you are using every bit of your advertising opportunities to get those customers into your store. Window graphics, delivery truck graphics and outdoor signage is key. There is also an additional avenue you can take.

A great way to get them to come in is to offer custom items that your competition doesn’t. These don’t have to be big ticket items, but small inexpensive custom items that they won’t see anywhere else. Think about giving your good customers a custom etched bottle of wine with their name on it. Custom holiday ornaments, and custom engraved mugs and glassware are also a great items to offer.

These small items can make a big difference when people are deciding where to shop.

These types of items also make great gifts for your hard working staff, who are your ambassadors out in the world. Remember, if they aren’t happy or don’t feel appreciated at work you can bet their friends all know it and won’t support your business. So take care of your staff and show them you really do appreciate what they do for you all year. So this year, don’t forget the small stuff to make a big difference to your staff and your customers.

(Source: truckskin.com)

The “Rule of Seven” is a classic marketing concept that still holds true today. The rule is that your prospect needs to see or hear your message at least seven times before they will make a purchase. That being said your message needs to be out in the community as much as possible. The reasons behind this theory are many but what it important to take away from it is that repetition and consistency are vital to your marketing efforts.

Adhesive Graphics (Photo credit: TruckSkin)

You need to stand out in today’s deafening world, and to do that you need to drive home your message so it doesn’t get drowned out by all that advertising noise out there. Buyers just won’t remember you if they have only seen your ad or business card once or twice. They will have no idea who you are driving down the street if you don’t have your delivery vehicle branded. The trick is to spend your dollars wisely buy the most cost effective and specific advertising mediums for your target market. Think repetition and consistency.

Now take a look at your business card, then look at your brochure, your website, then your delivery truck graphics and service vehicle graphics. These are all important marketing tools but are they consistent? Do they all look like they are from the same company? Is it obvious what you sell? You want your customer to recognize your business within 5 seconds just by viewing something with your branding on it. Keep your logo and message displayed prominently and consistently. If you do make a change, do it gradually so you don’t lose the contact or “touches” you have had with your prospects. The more they “see you” the more credibility and impact you will have in your market.

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Frequently Asked Questions about TruckSkin…

TruckSkin (Photo credit: TruckSkin)

Q. What is a TruckSkin®?

A. TruckSkin® is a revolutionary vinyl covering that perfectly fits on the sides and back of any van body, changing the body into a billboard. The skins are easy to change, inexpensive, and efficient. These high resolution, seamless graphics display your message without the peeling, fading and cracking of decals that are expensive, difficult and time-consuming to apply and remove.

Q. Will a TruckSkin® fit my truck?

A. We have a graphics solution to fit any truck. All our work is custom, so we can work with any size truck.

Q. How much does a TruckSkin® cost?

A. Because there are many variables we need more information from you. Do you need us to produce the art for you? TruckSkins are inexpensive compared to other types of graphics or paint. Find out now. Call us for a free quote at 877-866-7546. Click here for More Pricing Information.

Q. What makes TruckSkin® different from the usual decals used on van bodies?

A. TruckSkin® provides protection from rigorous over-the-road wear and tear, shields the body from harmful UV rays, and can be easily changed or updated by the owner. Cut letter and decals do not have these benefits. Plus, decals can leave ugly ghosting marks when removed.

Q. How long does the installation process take?

A. TruckSkin® installation time is minimal. Installation of two side skins and a back door skin usually takes less than three hours.

Q. Can I use TruckSkin® over existing signage?

A. Yes. TruckSkin® is designed to fit simply over existing decals and graphics systems.

Q. Can I have TruckSkin® installed on a car or van?

A. No, because we use a rail system they won’t work on cars. We do produce wraps and adhesive graphics for cars and vans. Call 1-877-866-7546 for more information about vehicle wraps.

Q. Can I use TruckSkin® on one side of my vehicle only?

A. Yes. Our hardware makes your van body ready for skin installation on both sides and the back. You may choose to install skins on just one side, two sides or on all three.

Q. Who can install a TruckSkin®?

A. We have certified installers that will come to your location anywhere in the USA and Canada. If you prefer to self-install it can be done by anyone with a tape measure, rivet gun, scissors and a drill. TruckSkin® is specifically designed to be the most simply installed graphics solution available. Installation of new skins can be completed by the truck owner and no special tools are needed.

Q. If I have any questions or problems during installation, are there any resources available to help me?

A. Yes. Visit the Installation Info section of our web site for illustrated how to manuals and a video on installing and changing TruckSkins, and installing DoorSkins. We also offer an Installer’s FAQ’s page with photos of successful and problem installations. You can call us any time for assistance at 877-866-7546.

Q. Where is the company headquartered?

A. Traverse City, Michigan. We have installers nationwide and work in all 50 states.

Q. Who designs it?

A. We can design your TruckSkin® for you or you can use your own design and we can make it come to life. We have a great design team that will be happy to work with you to get you the look you want.

Q. How are TruckSkin® orders placed?

A. You can order TruckSkin® by calling 1-877-866-7546 or email us at sales@truckskin.com.

Q. Can I use TruckSkin® on my old truck bodies or do I need to buy a new truck body?

A. The TruckSkin® system is compatible with existing truck bodies once they are retrofitted with our hardware, which is necessary to display the graphics.

Q. How long does it take to get my new TruckSkin®?

A. TruckSkins usually ship within 6 days from the day approved art is received. Rush orders are available at an additional cost.

Q. I have trucks in many different locations. How can TruckSkin® be installed on them? A. Using our nationwide TruckSkin® network of installers. We install anywhere in the U.S.A., including Alaska and Hawaii and all over Canada.

Q. What if I tear my TruckSkin?

A. TruckSkin® is made of heavy duty vinyl, and should be resistant to regular wear and tear. However, if your TruckSkin® tears, temporarily duct tape it to get back in to your terminal or warehouse. Then pull the TruckSkin® off and call 1-877-866-SKIN for a repair or replacement.

Q. Can I wash my truck with TruckSkin® on it?

A. Absolutely. You can use any normal touch-free car or truck wash.

Anita’s Restaurant TruckSkin (Photo credit: TruckSkin)

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The key to keeping your business on your customers mind is it to keep grabbing their attention. How long have you had the same ad on your vehicle? 2-3-4 years? Give your marketing new life by changing up your vehicle advertising with TruckSkin. Change your emphasis to a different product with recent photos and logos. If you keep the same look for years and your customers have seen it over and over it loses its impact. Imagine not changing the showroom floor for a few years…no new products, nothing different and your customers have seen it all before.  If it is boring and they will lose interest in a hurry.

Before and after refreshing….

In today’s world of ever evolving technology people expect things to change and update rapidly therefore constantly keep their attention and that should be foremost in your mind when it comes to advertising. You can keep your brand look while giving it new life by just making a few changes. Pick out the latest product images from your vendors to keep your look modern and timely.  Out of date product images make you look out of touch, keep it updated so you appear to be on the forefront of today’s market. Give your customers an advertising campaign that never gets old. Do this and you will create opportunities for your business to expose your customers to new products and fresh promotions that will keep them engaged, and boost your sales.

Example BEFORE refreshing…

AFTER refreshing …

It is important to keep your branding consistent so maintain the same general look  so that your business is still recognizable but modern. In today’s economy many businesses are looking to get an edge on their competition, showing that you are on the top of new trends and concepts is a great way to look like the expert in your field.  Keep it fresh and keep them coming back!

Advertise BIG…Use your truck!

Do you have a big blank side of your store or warehouse that faces the street? Why not turn that empty space into a billboard? With outdoor vinyl graphics you can easily turn any outside wall space into a billboard that can be seen by anyone passing by your location. Don’t just rely on your store sign to catch your customer’s eye, make sure they can’t miss you from any angle!

Outdoor vinyl graphics are an excellent way to display your advertising message outdoors, on any surface. Unlike a traditional freestanding, this type of graphic is attached with a rail or conduit system that is attached directly to the wall on virtually any outdoor surface including brick, and metal. The graphic slides into these rails and is held tight against the sides of the building and stays put, even in the wind and rain. These outdoor signs are printed on a heavy-duty vinyl that is designed specifically to wear in all types of weather conditions, and is completely removable. Outdoor graphics are covered with a heavy-duty, waterproof laminate making them extremely durable in any environment including extreme heat or cold.

This type of outdoor advertising can be quickly changed out and updated and the vinyl panels and rails are all re-usable. You can have a special graphic for the holiday season, one for big sale events and anything else you can think of. Highlight specific events in your community, certain audiences or products at a fraction of the cost of other advertising mediums. You may even be able rent out your billboard space for extra income. Team up with your local schools or other organizations. As always, you will want to check with your local zoning department for any restrictions.

Don’t spend all that money renting a billboard from someone else, use your own space, inexpensively and add some visual interest to your building. High resolution, seamless graphics can depict logos, photographs, illustrations and more in great detail, providing excellent outdoor marketing. Take advantage of that big blank billboard!

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