Advertising can take on many different forms. For some industries, it makes the most sense to focus on web advertising. For other niches, it may be better to invest in print media and radio spots. And then there are the more creative ways to gain some brand presence and guide potential customers in your area. Over on Twitter, I was recently followed by an interesting account. Ice Cream Truck Ads, as its name clearly indicates, sells advertising on ice cream trucks.
Summer is just around the corner and these trucks will soon be making their rounds near playgrounds, beaches, and other popular family hotspots. Maybe in your area, these trucks are already going around selling popsicles and frosted malts. By placing an ad for your business on the sides of these trucks, you effectively gain access to a mobile roaming billboard. With stationary billboards, only people who pass through that area will see it. With the ice cream truck, you get exposed to an entire neighborhood and, oftentimes, several neighborhoods.
According to a recent blog post, advertising starts at $249 per month, possibly making this marketing option even cheaper than advertising in the local newspaper or magazine. Depending on your budget, this could also be less expensive than a similar web campaign. The question, however, is whether people will even notice your ad when they are far too interested in getting an ice cold treat. I’d imagine that the $249/month ad would be quite small. They have options to plaster the entire side of the truck, but I’m guessing that costs more than $249 a month.
Naturally, the companies that will be able to extract the most value from advertising on the side of an ice cream truck would have to come from a related industry. The local water park, for example, may be of interest to children who are buying ice cream. The office supply store, on the other hand, is unlikely to gain any new customers through this effort.
What do you think? Would you advertise on the side of a truck?
guitar lesson
May 14, 2009 9:26 pm
I thinks it’s depends on social networking and i am also on the twitter..
kitchen wall tiles
May 16, 2009 8:34 pm
The twitter is the best online social networking sites so far me in terms of new traffic.
icecreamads
May 18, 2009 5:04 pm
Thanks for the write-up!
To clarify, there are several reasons why ice cream truck advertising is highly effective way to communicate your message.
1. Starting at $249/spot ($1499 for a full wrap) it is very inexpensive compared to other mediums.
2. It is a memorable and interesting way to cut through the clutter of 2000 ads a day (normal exposure).
3. Ice cream trucks can stay parked outside of events such as the PNE, for maximum exposure.
4. Ice cream trucks offer moving signage in every area of the lower mainland, so your message will hit all of the summer hot spots, or, if you prefer, keep to a pre-determined area for localized messaging.
5. When people are waiting for their ice cream, they have more time to absorb your message in an ambience of joyful anticipation.
6. Everyone loves ice cream! You’ll have ads that people will chase after.
You are correct, the best market for these trucks are those who have messages catered to families, so not every brand would be the right fit. However, for anything, fun, family, or summer-related. It’s an interesting way to get your message heard.