We often say that a vehicle wrap is a moving billboard. And yes, it is. But it’s also so much more. A wrapped vehicle can become one of your most powerful tools for generating content, fuelling engagement, and driving leads – if you know how to use it.
Unsure how? This article is here to help. Whether you have a single van or a growing fleet, here’s how to turn your vehicle wrap into a marketing asset that makes an impact offline and online.
Why a vehicle wrap is more than decoration
Let’s start with the basics. A van wrap builds awareness, grows trust, and makes you instantly recognisable. But once it’s on the road, it also becomes an always-on part of your business that can easily feed online channels. That’s why vehicle wrap advertising is more effective than traditional marketing.
Here’s what many brands miss: you’re not just wrapping your vehicle, but creating a presence that can be photographed, tagged, scanned, followed and shared.
So, how do you do it?
1. Share high-quality photos and reels
Once your vehicle’s wrapped, don’t just leave it parked. Photograph it, film it, and make it a key character in your content.
Take hero shots – Capture your van or fleet on sunny days, in places where your wrap will stand out. Take pics of the features you’re most proud of, then post them on your social media channels.
Use your team – You could show your staff loading up, heading out, or making deliveries. This will humanise your business, while your vehicle wrap makes for the perfect backdrop.
Tag locations – Called to do a job near the London Eye? Tell people about it and tag it online. A photo of your van by a landmark helps show where you work, and if it’s in an affluent part of town, even better!
2. Add a QR code or social handle
People today are used to whipping out their phones and scanning QR codes – in fact, many businesses rely on it! So, why not display a QR code right on your wrap?
This code can then lead to a website, offer or contact form. You could encourage people to take part with a strong call-to-action like, ‘Scan me for 10% off your first order’.
A QR code or social handle works for local trades, delivery firms, cleaning companies, caterers and more. Anywhere your van is seen, your audience can act!
3. Encourage user-generated content
Want more reach without doing all the work? Make it easy for other people to share on your behalf!
You could:
- Ask your audience to tag your brand when they see your vehicle
- Offer a discount if someone shares a pic of your wrap
- Give your vehicle a name, asking ‘Where’s Vanny today?
Alternatively, run an online competition with a free reward. For example, Tombola left boxes around London and asked followers to name the locations to enter a prize draw. Perfect for sparking interaction and shares!
4. Get involved with local events
See if your vehicle can attend charity or community fairs in the area. Just one or two could boost your profile considerably, and you’ll have a chance to snap your business engaging with the local community. Wherever you are, a good wrap will also help your vehicle stand out.
It’s even better if a well-known face or influencer attends. Try to get them involved with a short reel, either by giving their followers a ‘first look’ at the wrap or posing with the vehicle.
5. Make a big song and dance
Is a staff member good in front of the camera? If so, you may have struck social media gold! A song or dance routine can spread like wildfire, and it could even be viewed across continents.
At the very least, a short routine should be entertaining enough to keep viewers watching for the whole video. It stops them scrolling past, so it’s often an effective marketing tactic!
6. Film a customer journey video
A short video about getting your wrap installed can immortalise the moment and serve as a detailed news update for your followers. It’s a big thank you to your installer, and it’s great content about your vehicle that you can show off whenever, and however, you like.
The Young Theatre Company is a perfect example. Their vehicle wrap is shown from every angle, along with children’s props and puppets. Check out the video to see how the customer journey shows the company as fun, youthful and dynamic!
Ready to turn your vehicle into a content machine?
Once you've invested in a great vehicle wrap, don’t let it go to waste. You’ve got a piece of brand storytelling at your fingertips, and with just a bit of creativity, you can advertise in a way that builds trust and familiarity, and makes your business a key pillar of the community.
At Raccoon, we design commercial vehicle wraps with content in mind.
So, if you want to turn your van into a marketing machine, book in your 30-minute design consult – no obligation. We’ll walk you through ideas, visuals, and discuss what’s possible for your brand.
