Yard Sign & Truck Wraps Tips, Do's and Don'ts

Overview

Why Yard Signs and Truck Wraps Matter

• Local Visibility: Both yard signs and truck wraps help you stand out locally, especially in neighborhoods where you’re actively working. People will start to associate your business with quality, reliable deck building.
• Brand Recognition: Consistent branding across all your marketing platforms (including trucks and signs) helps potential customers recognize your business when they see your work or hear your name.
• Referral Marketing: Yard signs can act as silent salespeople, and truck wraps allow your branding to be visible as you drive around town, bringing in referrals without spending on ads.

Yard Sign Tips: The Do's and Don’ts

Do's:

1. Use Clear, Simple Branding: Keep your messaging straightforward and easy to read. Use your logo, business name, and a call to action. If your truck wrap features your website, consider placing your phone number or email address on your yard signs as well.
   1. Tip: Make sure your font is large and bold enough to be read from a distance. Think of it as a mini billboard.
2. Choose High-Quality Materials: Durable, weather-resistant materials like coroplast (a type of plastic board) or metal are essential. You want your signs to stay looking fresh, even during bad weather.
   1. Tip: For increased visibility, go for bright, contrasting colors like yellow and black or red and white.
3. Place Signs Strategically: Always get permission to place signs on private property (e.g., neighbors, businesses) and ensure they’re placed in high-traffic areas like near your project site, at intersections, or in front of nearby businesses.
   1. Tip: Position signs near main roads or neighborhoods where you want to target your services, and ensure they're easily visible from both directions.
4. Include a Call to Action: Include a strong call to action like “Call for a Free Estimate” or “Visit our Website to Learn More”. This entices people to take the next step, especially if they’re interested in having similar work done.
   1. Tip: You could also create a special “offer code” for people who contact you through the sign, like “10% off your deck installation when you mention this sign.”
5. Rotate the Signs Regularly: Switch up your signs after a few months or after completing projects in different neighborhoods. This keeps your brand fresh in the minds of your local community.
   1. Tip: If possible, use QR codes on your signs that direct people to your website or specific project pages.

Don'ts:

1. Don’t Use Cluttered Designs: A busy or complicated sign will confuse potential leads. Keep your sign design clean and simple, focusing on what’s most important: your business name, logo, contact info, and a clear call to action.
2. Don’t: Use too much text, complicated imagery, or too many different fonts.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Space: Keep your sign’s content to a minimum. Too much information can cause potential customers to miss the point of the sign entirely. Stick to the essentials.
4. Don’t: Try to include every service you offer on one sign—stick to one main service or feature per sign.
5. Don’t Forget to Follow Local Regulations: Many cities or neighborhoods have restrictions on where and how long you can place signs. Always ensure you’re in compliance to avoid fines or having your signs removed.
6. Don’t: Place signs on public property or in places where they’re prohibited. Always check with local authorities for sign rules.

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Truck Wrap Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

1. Invest in Professional Design: A professionally designed wrap is key to ensuring your truck stands out. It should represent your brand well and include clear, easy-to-read information. Make sure the wrap matches your overall branding and company colors.
   1. Tip: Incorporate eye-catching graphics, like photos of your completed deck projects, to give potential clients a taste of your work.
2. Keep It Simple and Focused: Just like yard signs, less is often more. Focus on key details like your company name, logo, phone number, and website. If you want to showcase a service or promotion, keep it short and impactful.
   1. Tip: Use bold, contrasting colors to make the wrap pop from a distance. Think of it as a billboard for your business.
3. Ensure Contact Information is Prominent: Potential clients should be able to easily read your contact details from far away. Ensure your phone number, website, and/or email address are large and easy to read while you're driving by.
   1. Tip: Avoid overloading your wrap with too much info—just make sure the basics are covered.
4. Make It Local: Since your business is local, ensure your wrap reflects that. Mentioning your service area or local landmarks can make it feel more personalized and tied to the community.
   1. Tip: If possible, include a QR code that leads to your website or a special offer.
5. Choose Durable Materials: Invest in high-quality materials to ensure the wrap lasts. A good vinyl wrap should withstand weather, dirt, and wear without peeling or fading quickly.
   1. Tip: Make sure your wrap provider uses laminated vinyl for added durability and resistance to the sun.

Don'ts:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Design: A truck wrap should be easy to read, even at a glance. Avoid cluttering the space with too many graphics, text, or colors.
2. Don’t: Try to list every service you offer or use too many small fonts—focus on the key details.
3. Don’t Use Too Many Fonts: Stick to 2-3 fonts at most to keep the design consistent and easy to read. Too many different fonts can make your wrap look unprofessional.
4. Don’t: Use overly stylized fonts that are hard to read or that don’t match your branding.
5. Don’t Forget Your Branding: Your truck wrap should align with your overall brand. If your website and yard signs use a certain color scheme, make sure your truck wrap follows suit to create a cohesive brand identity.
6. Don’t: Use colors or designs that clash with your other marketing materials.

Key Takeaways for Deck Builders

• Yard signs are great for local exposure, but ensure they’re clear, simple, and strategically placed.
• A well-designed truck wrap acts as a moving billboard, so make sure it reflects your brand’s identity and contact info is easy to read.
• Both yard signs and truck wraps are marketing tools that help increase visibility, build brand recognition, and generate leads.
• Always follow the local regulations for sign placement and ensure your wraps are made from durable, high-quality materials.