Small businesses have many options for effective advertising strategies, from digital and traditional media ads to billboards, signage and other forms of branding. And thanks to the ever-evolving marketing industry, small businesses can now take their advertising efforts on the road with car wraps. If you have a small business and you’re looking to creatively expand your advertising presence, here’s what you need to know about car wraps.

What are car wraps?

Car wraps are basically mobile billboards. The advertisement is digitally printed onto vinyl that adheres to the surface of a car. Wraps are custom-made and installed to wrap either an entire car—windows included, which you can still see through—or just a portion of it. Using vivid colors and graphics, along with your business logo and slogan, car wraps give the illusion that the vehicle itself has been painted, an eye-catching distinction among other cars on the road. Car wraps typically last about three to five years, and have the added bonus of protecting the vehicle’s paint job beneath. 

How effective is car wrap advertising?

You might think there’s little difference between an ad placed on a billboard that thousands of people in cars see each day and a car wrap advertisement, but wraps are much more effective than you might assume. According to marketing research, mobile advertising generates almost three times as much attention as static billboards. Daily impressions from car wraps can reach up to 70,000 views per day. Plus, with a nearly 97% recall rate, mobile advertising is well worth the investment.

How much do car wraps cost?

The cost of a vinyl car wrap will depend on the size of the vehicle and how much of the vehicle is wrapped. There are also cost variances between different designers, printers, and installers. In general, the average cost is between $1,500-$3,000. Although the wraps aren’t permanent, their temporary nature is actually a benefit—instead of being stuck with a painted logo or ad that will cost much more to paint over or replace, car wraps can be updated easily to suit the growing nature of your business or marketing strategies.

How can I determine the return on investment of car wraps?

Just as the price of a car wrap varies depending on several factors, there is no one-size-fits-all expectation for a return on your investment with car wraps. The ROI will be based on the nature of your company, where the vehicle was driven and for how long, and the effectiveness of the wrap design. There are simple ways to track the response, though. If you assign a specific 800 number or email address to the wrap design, you can easily track how many calls and emails are sent because of the wrap alone. You can also advertise a unique discount or deal on the wrap and track its success by how many inquiries or sales you receive from it.

How can I find a reputable car wrap provider?

The growing popularity of car wraps has resulted in a rise in inexperienced car wrap designers and installers looking to capitalize on the trend. Subpar wrap designs can end up being a waste of money, and poor installation can give off an unprofessional impression of your business, or even damage the vehicle’s paint in some cases. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a highly-rated, experienced professional car wrap provider that offers a warranty in writing. At L+L Printers, we offer design, printing and installation services for car wraps, ensuring your advertisement will catch eyes and transform into leads to grow your small business.

For more information, fill out our contact form or call us at (858) 859-9044 for our San Diego office or (760) 477-0321 for our Carlsbad office.