License plates: an ideal marketing tool
Just yesterday, while driving home, I saw a van with XXX OAK license plates. (For anonymity I have blocked the first three digits). While there was nothing on the back of the truck other than a phone number, he knew this truck was carrying something lumber related. It piqued my interest.
As I walked past him, I looked and sure enough, it was a kitchen supplier: the company sold fitted kitchens. He could have been a supplier of doors, windows, or anything else that requires oak.
Although we do supply personalized plates, I am always amazed at how many companies miss out on this opportunity to brand their vehicles. Some pay a fortune to cover their entire vehicles in their message; others simply put their phone number on a van or car. And almost everyone forgets their license plate.
Our marketing manager is always talking to us about online and offline marketing. While many businesses are moving to the online route, it leaves a huge gap when it comes to offline marketing. And this is a great opportunity for companies that are willing to invest in marketing.
You see, since 1904, every vehicle has been required to have a license plate. It can be the perfect place to market your business.
The benefits of using license plates as a marketing tool
There are many benefits to using your plate as a marketing tool. Here are just five:
- The perfect way to use offline marketing
- Make your company known (especially in a local area)
- It can be used as a public relations tool in terms of press photography.
- Show your creativity and uniqueness as a company.
- Draw attention to your brand and get people interested in learning more.
Marketing is often seen as an overhead, but custom license plates that brand your business can now be an investment. The value of many personalized plates has grown significantly in recent years.
License plates as a branding tool
If you think your business can’t benefit from a personalized or branded plate, think again. Take a look at these examples of companies marketing their business in this unique way.
plumbers
London-based Pimlico Plumbers is known for its fleet of custom vans. Everything related to plumbing from the toilet to the drains is included. They have LAV 1, BOG 1 and DRA 1N to name a few.
B&B
BNB is the perfect ending to any personalized license plate. You can get the correct combination of words and numbers at the beginning of your plate, such as N1 BNB or 500 BNB
artists
Just like BNB, you can choose the ART wording on your license plate.
Marketing Company
Next year, when the 12 series is released, a marketing and branding company could take their own advice and use MA12 KET as their license plate.
company brand
And if you don’t want to promote the benefits or the type of business, why not choose your name? Theo Paphitis chose RYM AN as his plate, which is Ryman for his stationery business. You could do the same and you don’t have to be a dragon.
If your company name is your own name, then a personalized license plate is perfect. Take, for example, if your name was Patsy or Pat, you could use -PAT 66Y. Or if you are Ann, you could have ANN IF. And if you are Sean, then you could use S435 EAN. (The ‘5’ is a perfect substitute for an ‘S’).
These types of registrations are ideal if you are promoting your business in a local area and are an inexpensive way to promote yourself locally.
So, in short, using your license plate is an innovative way to market your business. Your business or benefit is on their plate and people will remember it because it’s different. It’s a sure way to be recognized on the road.
The key to successfully using your plate as a marketing tool is deciding on the right mix that suits your market. Choose well and your tuition will earn you a return on your investment. And for that, your marketing manager will be very happy.
