In today’s competitive business environment, standing out from the crowd is key. Traditional advertising methods, such as TV, radio, and print media, still have their place, but innovative marketers are now looking for creative, unconventional ways to get their message across. One of the most effective methods of capturing attention is by turning any surface into a powerful advertising platform. By using various surfaces such as vehicles, walls, floors, and even windows, businesses can achieve high visibility and reach a broader audience.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of surface advertising and how businesses can use POS printing and strut card printing to increase their brand visibility and engage customers in unexpected ways.
The Power of Unconventional Advertising
With the rise of digital media and constant information overload, consumers have become increasingly immune to traditional advertising. However, unconventional advertising, especially on surfaces, offers a way to break through the noise and capture people’s attention in a more organic way.
According to a study by the Outdoor Media Centre, 70% of UK consumers notice out-of-home (OOH) advertising, which includes surface advertising on vehicles, walls, and floors.
Disclaimer:
The statistic from the Outdoor Media Centre is based on a study and may vary. Please refer to the original source for the most accurate information.
Surface advertising is particularly effective because it’s not something people expect. When potential customers encounter an ad on a surface they weren’t expecting to see it on, such as a vehicle driving by or a floor graphic in a mall, it piques their curiosity and increases the likelihood that they’ll engage with the brand. By creatively using POS printing and strut card printing, businesses can take advantage of every surface available to them.
Types of Surfaces That Can Be Turned into Advertising Spaces
There are many surfaces that can be transformed into advertising opportunities. Each surface offers unique advantages, and businesses should consider where their target audience is most likely to be exposed to the ad. Let’s explore some popular surfaces that work well for advertising.
1. Vehicle Wraps
Vehicle wraps are one of the most popular ways to turn a surface into an advertising opportunity. From vans and trucks to buses and taxis, nearly any vehicle can be wrapped in eye-catching graphics. Vehicle wraps are a form of mobile advertising, allowing businesses to reach customers on the move.
A well-designed vehicle wrap is a powerful tool, ensuring that the brand message reaches a wide and diverse audience. In the UK, vehicles can travel through densely populated urban areas, busy streets, and even local festivals, offering businesses the chance to target customers across multiple locations.
2. Walls and Building Exteriors
When it comes to outdoor advertising, walls and building exteriors offer enormous potential. Large-scale murals, printed graphics, and wall decals can transform plain, boring walls into giant advertisements that draw attention from passersby. These types of ads can be strategically placed in high-footfall areas such as shopping centres, train stations, or city centres.
The Benefits:
- Long-lasting visibility: Unlike TV ads that last for a short time, wall graphics are visible 24/7.
- Increased brand awareness: Large-scale designs can create a memorable impact.
3. Floors and Pavements
Floor graphics are becoming increasingly popular in retail spaces, airports, and shopping centres. By using POS printing directly on the floor, businesses can guide customers to specific products or promotions. A brightly coloured floor graphic can attract attention and turn a dull space into an engaging advertising platform.
Key Benefits of Floor Graphics:
- High impact: Shoppers are more likely to notice floor graphics while walking through a store or public space.
- Guiding consumers: Floor graphics can lead customers towards new products or special promotions.
4. Windows
Windows are another overlooked surface that can serve as a powerful advertising tool. Perforated vinyl window graphics allow businesses to display bold, attractive messages on storefront windows without obstructing the view from the inside. This is a great way to advertise sales, new products, or seasonal promotions while keeping the space well-lit.
5. Public Spaces (Benches, Bus Stops, and Elevator Doors)
Advertising in public spaces is also gaining traction. Benches, bus stops, and elevator doors can all be used as advertising spaces. These surfaces allow businesses to engage with people in everyday locations, whether they’re waiting for a bus or entering a building.
The Benefits of Using Surfaces for Advertising
There are numerous advantages to turning surfaces into advertising spaces, some of which businesses may overlook when considering traditional forms of media.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the main advantages of surface advertising is that it’s often much more cost-effective than traditional methods like TV or radio. For example, strut card printing is an affordable way to create attention-grabbing signage in retail stores. Similarly, vehicle wraps can reach thousands of people over the course of a year, making it an excellent investment for the long term.
High Visibility and Engagement
Surface advertising offers unrivalled visibility. A vehicle wrap can attract attention on the road, while POS printing on the floor in a retail store engages shoppers as they walk through the space. This kind of advertising ensures high visibility without the recurring costs associated with digital or print advertising.
Creative Flexibility
Surface advertising provides endless creative possibilities. Businesses can experiment with different shapes, sizes, and materials to create custom ads that reflect their brand’s personality. Whether it’s a quirky strut card on a counter or a bold vehicle wrap, surface advertising allows companies to stand out and make an impact.
Designing Effective Surface Ads
Design is crucial when it comes to making surface ads effective. Here are some essential tips for creating impactful advertising:
1. Keep It Simple
With limited space on surfaces, it’s essential to keep the messaging clear and concise. Avoid cluttering the ad with too much information. Instead, focus on a strong call to action and key brand messages.
2. Use Bold, Eye-Catching Designs
Whether it’s a strut card in-store or a vehicle wrap, bold colours and eye-catching visuals will help draw attention. Ensure that the design is clean, professional, and consistent with the brand’s image.
3. Brand Consistency
Maintain consistency across all surface ads to ensure they align with your brand’s tone and message. Consistency reinforces brand identity and helps customers recognise your business at a glance.
4. Placement and Size
Consider where the ad will be displayed and the size of the surface. A floor graphic in a store will have a different impact than a large mural on a building. Ensure that the ad is sized appropriately for the surface and optimised for visibility.
Conclusion
Turning any surface into an advertising platform is a powerful and cost-effective way to increase brand visibility and engagement. By creatively using POS printing, strut card printing, and other surface advertising techniques, businesses can capture attention in high-traffic areas and create lasting impressions. With strategic design and placement, businesses can make the most of every available surface, whether it’s a vehicle, floor, or wall, to boost their marketing efforts.
If you’re ready to explore the potential of surface advertising for your business, VC Print can help. With expertise in POS printing and strut card printing, we can help turn your surfaces into impactful advertising spaces.
Author Name: Nimesh Kerai
Serving as the Head of Printing at VC Print, Nimesh Kerai is a distinguished expert in the field. His remarkable technical skills, combined with his keen awareness of the latest advertising trends, have propelled the company to notable success. Over the years, Nimesh has gathered a wealth of knowledge, which he frequently imparts through engaging and informative blog posts.
