Sign Builder Illustrated Vehicle Graphics 101 - November 2007 - (Page 24)

Lesson 4 How to Market Yourself PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEWS SPECIALTY GRAPHICS. (www.azprosigns.com) in Phoenix, Arizona. “It at least has the highest gross profit margin. There’s not a huge investment upfront; you can start with a vinyl cutter/plotter.” Jim Dawson owns Synergy Sign & Graphics (www.synergy-signgraphics.com) in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and although point-of-purchase and education supply are its main production areas, he’s found that vehicle graphics allows more artistic freedom. “We started doing full and partials wraps about three years ago, because no one else in our area was doing them,” he says. “They’re a lot of fun. However I think the biggest hurdle in our market is convincing people that a wrap is going to get them more exposure and be more cost-effective than a billboard or a newspaper ad.” To achieve this goal, you have to get your name and your work out to the buying public. Let’s take a look at the various marketing techniques select professionals are employing. Phone number. Whether it’s a Yellow Book® spot or a simple listing in the White Pages, make sure your phone number is available to customers. (You may even consider sending out promotional postcards/flyers with your number imprinted on them.) A newspaper classified listing can also include your phone number. However it’s important to make sure you’ll be able to get your money’s worth from such a listing. “As for the phone book, we’ve gotten down to a bare minimum so people can find our number,” says Prenovost. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEWS SPECIALTY GRAPHICS. 1 PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEWS SPECIALTY GRAPHICS. Internet. In the twenty-first century, a Web site—complete with mission statement, contact info, and a portfolio of projects— appears to be a must-have. Prenovost has found that his company’s Web site has worked effectively for marketing— much better so than traditional advertising. “We did print ads in trucker magazines, but we got little response—and it’s really expensive,” he says. Still not everyone believes a Web site is a necessity. “We don’t even have a Web 2 S24 SBI Vehicle Graphics 101 November 2007 http://www.azprosigns.com http://www.synergy-signgraphics.com http://www.synergy-signgraphics.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sign Builder Illustrated Vehicle Graphics 101 - November 2007

Sign Builder Illustrated Vehicle Graphics 101 - November 2007 Table of Contents Welcome to Vehicle Graphics 101 Firsthand from a First-timer Pitfalls, Problems, and Paths to Glory Adventures in Vinyl Removal Hitting the Market: Put Yourself Out There Product Manufacturers Listings Wrap-related Calendar

Sign Builder Illustrated Vehicle Graphics 101 - November 2007

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