Yes, bumper stickers have been in use for a very long time. In fact, they continue to be an excellent strategy for small business because the cost of employ this strategy is minimal but the exposure it can give your business can be great!
Who doesn't notice and read unique bumper stickers?
Yes, there are many boring, ugly, and hard-to-read bumper stickers. The impact that these stickers have can be minimal.
But circulate some fresh, eye-catching, humorous, and outrageous bumper stickers for your business and you may just unleash a wonderful branding and marketing campaign!
Think of bumper stickers as traveling sign posts for your business.
Once the cost of the printing of stickers has been absorbed, the publicity that can be gained from this one method of advertising is astounding!
In addition, the branding that is launched with bumper stickers can easily and quickly be carried over into T-shirst, baseball caps, buttons, flags, mugs, golf shirts, and banners.
The advantages that this type of advertising brings to your overall marketing strategy are:
1. It peaks the viewer's curiosity;
2. It can be funny, entertaining, or engaging;
3. It has a viral effect as others "pass along" the cool bumper sticker they saw;
4. It is memorable so that the viewer can later find your business;
5. It can be controversial or elicit strong emotions in the viewer;
6. Exposure is outstanding because bumper stickers travel wherever you do;
7. They can be given away or sold for profit which increases your business exposure;
8. Some bumper stickers are exhibited as loyal brands (like sports teams);
9. There is always a captive audience exposed to your brand;
10. The branding message is quick, effortless, and simple.
Here are a few do's and don'ts when it comes to designing your bumper stickers:
- Don't include too much information on the sticker or it will be difficult to read. Keep the message short and sweet!
- Use simple and plain fonts for your copy. Some of the most readable typefaces are Verdana, Arial, Times Roman, Tahoma, and Georgia.
- Keep the colors of the type and the background in contrast to one another; for example, light on dark, dark on light, etc. Be careful that the colors don't clash or that you only employ colors that are easy to look at. Don't use a flourescent background, as an example.
- Vary the size, style, and placement of the typeface to employ some interesting effects and keep the bumper sticker from being too boring.
- Be sure to double check (proofread) the copy and make sure the presentation is perfect before you send your idea to the printer.
- Only include a graphic if it adds to the overall look and message of the presentation. Keep things simple, straightforward, and easy for the viewer to understand.
- Keep your message in good taste. Avoid racial overtones, slang, religious terms, and humor that may be off color to some people.
- Make sure there is easy-to-read contact information included on the sticker. You want the viewer to be able to contact your business if they are interested in further information. The best contact info is a short, memorable URL (web site address.)
- Think seriously about giving bumper stickers away. The cost of producing the stickers can be minimal if you shop around for a great deal and have a healthy amount printed at one time.
- Be creative and search for a slogan or idea that will set your business apart from all others in your niche. Carry this same advertising theme over into other aspects of your marketing.
Bumper stickers are a tried and true advertising strategy that is simple, cost effective, and can pay great dividends for your small business if done correctly! Why not give this marketing ploy a thorough test in your next advertising campaign?
