Guide
Do advertising vans work?
An honest look at the benefits of mobile billboard advertising, the campaigns it suits and how to measure whether it worked for you.
The short answer
Advertising vans work best when timing and location matter: a shop opening this weekend, an event tonight, an election next month, or jobs in a particular town. They are less suited to campaigns that need to reach the whole country every day for months, where TV, online or national billboard networks usually make more sense.
The main benefits
- You choose exactly where and when. The van goes to your audience, rather than waiting for them to pass a fixed site.
- Hard to ignore. A large moving screen at street level is far more noticeable than another poster or online banner.
- Fast to launch. There is no printing or installation, so a campaign can go live within days.
- Flexible. Change the advert during the day, run different messages in different areas, and book for a single day if that is all you need.
- Video and audio. Digital screens can show moving images, which grab attention in a way a printed poster cannot.
When it works best
- Product launches, shop openings and limited time offers
- Events, concerts, sport and festivals
- Election and political campaigns
- Recruitment in a specific town or area
- Public information and charity campaigns
How to measure the results
- Use a short web address or QR code that only appears on the van
- Offer a code or offer people can quote in store or online
- Compare footfall, calls or website visits on van days with similar days without the van
- Ask new customers how they heard about you
- Keep the route photos so you can match busy areas to the response
Tips for a better campaign
Keep the advert to one simple message, use large text and bold colours, and plan the route around where your customers actually are. A van parked outside a busy venue as the crowd arrives is often worth more than hours of driving around empty streets.
Questions
Are advertising vans worth the money?
For local, time sensitive campaigns they are often very good value, because you only pay for the days and places that matter to you.
How many people see an advertising van?
It depends entirely on the route and timing. A busy city centre route or a large event will be seen by far more people than a quiet suburban route, which is why route planning matters.
What makes a good advertising van advert?
One short message, a strong image, large text and a simple way to respond, such as a short web address or QR code.
Planning a campaign?
Digital advertising van hire with a driver from £595 a day, based in Liverpool and covering the UK.
Get a fixed quote