Here is a test. Ask any builder, painter or other contractor how many times he or she has been parked outside of a home improvement store and asked for a business card by a perspective customer? That is the vehicle lettering at work! Online or print ads are reoccurring costs that do bring in potential customers, but having a clean, brightly lettered vehicle in front of your store attracts attention for years and years.

If you are a store owner you also know the headaches associated with traditional permanent signs and your local towns ordinances. More and more towns are outlawing lawn signs, A-frame signs and banners from being hung in front of stores. But less than 5% of the strictest municipalities in the country have any ordinances regarding lettered vehicles that are parked in front of the store.

So if your marketing plan includes advertisements, sales circulars, storefront signs and vehicle lettering, there are a few basic concepts that work well for outdoor signs and commercial truck lettering. One key concept in signage is color visibility. When considering outdoor signage or vehicle lettering, always keep in mind that reds, yellows and other bright colors draw the human eye. Earth tones and dark colors tend to blend in with the surroundings. Here's another test: The next time you are out driving, take notice to the colors used in the top 3 fast food restaurant chains. Bright vibrant primary colors (mostly reds and yellows) will catch your eye while driving past.

There is a wide array of vehicle lettering options today. From simple lettering to go on the back of your SUV to a full vinyl truck or bus wrap. Again, the best solution for your business will depend on the type of business and the location of the building with regard to passing traffic.

Another key concept is the actual message you are trying to get across on your vehicle. When choosing a design or colors for your business signs or vehicle lettering, keep it clean and simple! All business owners wants to include every last product or service on their business cards and vehicles, but too much is definitely way too much! Get the main points covered: The business name, a contact number, your website, a tagline of your best points of interest. And that's it. Our best advice is try not to write a novel on the side of your truck! After a period of time noticing other commercial vehicles, your trained eye can start picking out bad color choices and cluttered truck lettering examples on the highways.

What's in a name? Your name says a lot about what you do. A poorly chosen name or a shabby looking truck with your company name on it can send the wrong message to prospective clients. A well thought out name coupled with a clean, neat, well lettered vehicle can sell your product or service before you put your park your truck or open your mouth. For contractors that make house calls, most referrals usually come from neighbors that watch your van pull up next door and invariably call you the next week to do the same work on their home!

An effective retail marketing plan will include print and online advertisements, in store promotions, word of mouth networking and signage that is appropriate for your business. Vehicle lettering is a key to converting passers by into shoppers!