Savvy business people are constantly on the lookout for ways to stand out from the competition and reduce marketing blindness, without having to outspend them.
The secret to effective advertising is to make a great first impression. Vehicle wraps are a very memorable way to spread your business’s message.
With all the current hype surrounding the various elements of digital marketing it is very easy to overlook some of the traditional tactics of marketing such as vehicle wraps. The key to a good vehicle wrap is all down to the design being eye-catching and professional, reflecting the business and the brand.
If you get the design right, then social media support your vehicle graphics. For example

High Awareness, Low Cost
Unlike costlier media, vehicle wraps work for you 24/7, 365 days per year, with the advances in material the wrap could last up to five years, making the actual amortized investment manageable for even small businesses.
There are various reports that show that vehicle graphics offer the lowest cost-per-impression of any form of advertising. Depending on your marketing strategy, on a given day, a single vehicle can generate between 3000 and 30,000 daily impressions.  Indeed, UK government statistics, show that up to 3000 people will see your vehicle every day! The cost per 100 sightings of your vehicle can be as little as 2p. In comparison, direct mail is £1.94 and radio advertising is £1.21 per 100. 

Other marketing benefits include:

Strategic and creative versatility—vehicle graphics can be used for long-term advertising or short-term product or event promotions—plus, you control the style (full or partial wrap), the design, and when wraps are updated or replaced.

Local targeting—driving (and legally parking) a wrapped vehicle around your local service area can dramatically increase awareness among those who live, work or attend school nearby; parked vehicles attract the attention of pedestrians, especially in a busy urban setting, but also at local sporting or cultural events, colleges, conventions and tradeshows.

Brand consistency—wraps help unify a campaign’s look and feel because they incorporate the same branding elements from your other marketing channels.
Non-marketing benefits include providing a predictable fixed-advertising cost, and preserving vehicle resale value by protecting paint from weather damage. We have had several clients who have removed their wrap and it has left the paintwork in amazing condition making the resale of their vehicle not only easier but achieving a higher purchase price.

Who Uses Vehicle-Wrap Marketing?
In sort any enterprise or business can make use of vehicle graphics. With some creative thought and understanding of the business, vehicle graphics can easily be integrated into their marketing mix. Some examples of businesses we have supported include:
Grills, bars, restaurants and salons
Specialty retail shops, such as florists, clothiers and pet groomers
Consultants, real estate firms, attorneys and other service professionals
Healthcare clinics, hospitals, and private medical/dental practices

​Right Tactic, Right Time
Unlike other traditional marketing tactics such as Yellow Pages and newspaper ads, whose returns have declined, vehicle wraps’ broad reach and low cost-per-impression, can add horsepower to your mix and shift sales growth into high gear.
But don’t take our word for it. 3M researched the outreach a vehicle with graphics can potentially have. It was found that vehicle graphics have the potential to reach over 3000 people every hour if you drive on busy roads meaning you have a constant opportunity to reach customers or present your personality everywhere you go.
What do you do if your businesses brand colours are quite obscure or not a colour that a vehicle manufacturer provides? Simple come to Lemon signs and we can change the colour of your vehicle for as little as £400. Once you have finished with the vehicle simply remove the wrap to leave unblemished paint. Therefor you can buy a vehicle in a popular colour knowing it will be easier to resell.
Do you lease your vehicles?  Our liquid wraps can be removed without leaving any glue residue - and there are no special tools required
Anything is possible in terms of design and once applied your vehicles original paint will be protected meaning no stone chips or scratches on your car, even after 3 or 4 years.
Interested in making your vehicles work for you then give us a call.
  

​Local small businesses can quickly become a successful growing concern once word of mouth gets out and the product or service is good, Lemon Signs are a classic example of this.
We have realized that handling the pressures of rapid growth can be complex, and isn't always an easy thing to weigh out. You have to make sure everything is in place to handle such a burst of business, especially when there is very little notice for the burst.
One of the things I have found difficult with Lemon Signs is ensuring there are enough finances like purchasing all the raw materials. Having a good financial structure in place is key to support such growth and vital to the success of the business.  If you have seasonal trends or bursts of large projects predicting the staffing levels can be stressful never mind finding suitably qualified staff. What do you do if there isn't enough money to handle the extra costs, there won't be the success you envisaged. Any existing staff need to be used to their maximum capabilities before spending money on advertising for new staff, interviewing and then training. Your current staff/ freelance operatives might be able to take up most of the slack by reorganizing them or making sure they are working to their full potential; they may have hidden talents that you were unaware.
Although we don’t have any permanent staff, we do our best to keep them up-to-date with potential work as it is vital to our success. They need to be aware of any changes, increased expectancy to their workload and possible changes to their booked schedule. Gaining feedback from your staff is also a good idea, to make sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible, many minds solve a problem quicker and help you see things from a fresh point of view. Remember and they're on the ground floor, face to face with the customer.
Knowing what is happening from your staff’s point of view, will help with any potential hiring to enhance their work productivity. Making sure you have enough staff contracted or otherwise will help with not overloading their work schedule and lead to a better working environment, which in itself will ensure a peaceful and successful working day.  You want any staff to be advocates of your business.
Handling the cash flow is also a vital part of rapid growth, something that sounds easy on paper but I am sure any business owner will tell you it is one of the key parts to running a successful business. Ensuring there is enough in the kitty for any potential unexpected growth, will always be beneficial in the continuity of that growth. Borrowing large amounts to cover unforeseen business, can turn what should be a boost in the company, into a massive failure.
Something that has taken me a while to accept is not accepting more work than you can handle, will also benefit your business. Pushing the boundaries is good but knowingly taking on work, and perhaps deadlines, you know you can't handle, is suicidal for the company, you will quickly gain a reputation for being unable to deliver. I was fortunate to have a mentor who pointed this out before any bad reputation was gained.
Asking for help or advice when your business is growing quickly is very important, it is worth every penny to have a person you can call and run ideas past. Trying to handle everything yourself, with little knowledge of everything that entails, can lead to mistakes and too much pressure. Asking for help and gaining the correct advice, will always be a positive move in helping your business expand.
If your finances are being looked after, your staff, your operations then the rapid growth should run smoothly and be an exciting time for your company.  Have a look at our most recent project to show you just how far you can come in a short space of time.
Small local businesses can easily find themselves having to deal with a sudden rapid growth (trust me I am very aware of this fact), but pausing for a second and ensuring everything is in place to handle such business, will enable you to cope with the forthcoming workload. It will help you to be able to continue to handle more and more work and build up your business in a financially secure way.
Rapid growth for local businesses is also good for the community with which it is in. More money coming in will perhaps lead to more local people being employed. Which in turn will bring more money into the community and prosperity to other local businesses, such as shops and pubs. This cycle is everlasting, because if more people can afford to spend locally, then the businesses within that area will need more staff and potentially extra premises, increasing the wealth even more. 

How branding and marketing uses the psychology of colour
 
In the field of branding and marketing, many aspects of psychology are used in order to influence potential customers. One of the most controversial of these methods is the use of the psychology of colour. There were several reasons why this particular psychology theory is so popular, and there are also a number of myths and false beliefs which marketers have about this type of theory. In order to understand how to use the psychology of colour in your branding and marketing, it is important to understand how it works, and how to avoid falling prey to some of the popular myths about this topic.
 
Mistaking bland comments for truths
Of all the problems that assail modern marketing and brand design, the most common is the belief that the vapid comments which often come with illustrations or lists are basic truths. This is particularly true when looking at the psychology of colour, where marketing teams pass around descriptions of colours, including famous people and their colour preferences, colour determined sales, and other nefarious facts which don't really have any real impact upon marketing and branding of colours. Misunderstanding these concepts can mean that you are creating a brand which is an unsuitable colour for your target audience.
 
Not understanding how market research works
The psychology of colour in marketing is so popular because the marketing team seems to believe that it can be quantified. However, evidence suggests that in fact there are a number of different reasons why people might choose a particular colour on a particular day. For example, context and experiences can influence how a person chooses based upon colour. Therefore, if you rely upon this form of research to choose a colour, then you may as well just employ a psychic to select your future branding.
 
Colour is still important
There's a reason why companies are so invested in the psychology of colour, and that is because colours do have an effect upon people buying. Studies based upon the impact of colour choice in marketing can find that the majority of quick judgements involved in impulse purchasing can be triggered by colour alone. Some brands may be popular simply because customers view their colour choices as the most appropriate when compared to similar brands. Therefore, it is important to consider colour when marketing and branding your products.
 
Focusing upon brand colours
One of the most important areas where colour choices are important to the company is in the matter of choosing logos for brands. Research suggests that it is important to select colours that are able to stand out against already established rivals, so that for example if your competitors use blue, it will make sense to use a light green or even a purple in order to stand out. Choosing the right colour also means trying to predict what your customers’ reaction to colours will be, so for example if you wish to have an outdoorsy field, then you are less likely to receive positive reaction if you choose pastels or pale colours. Having an understanding of customer reaction to colours is perhaps the most important part of the psychology of colour as it applies to marketing and branding. 

Planning an advertising campaign requires careful consideration to get the results you ultimately want to achieve. There are many factors that influence the final result…target audience, the form and extent of advertising, the duration of the campaign and who do you want to see it.

​Criteria for outdoor advertising
More and more effective marketing is achieved in high frequency reception areas. This ultimately reaches a far wider audience which means for you the greater potential and success for your campaign.
An outdoor exhibition site could be a street, a public place such as a shopping centre or simply on a means of commuting such as in a car, on local and long distance buses, trams, trains, taxis and bikes. Deciding on an external campaign it is possible to take advantage of the many complementary options corresponding to virtually every demand. Among many of its varieties commonly used are: billboards, which can be placed for example on the facades of buildings and strategically along traffic routes. Also electronic boards, LED screens, advertising placed on transport, ATMs and fuel pumps.
 
For each campaign, the key role is selecting a particular type of advertising which will therefore define the group of consumers selected. The criteria to consider could be age, gender, economic status, professional and social interests etc. all for whom they will be a message. Additional considerations is the assumed location and duration of exposure and of course the budget.
Depending on the type and nature of the promoted product, service or brand, message placed on specific carriers will be directed at people to gain the the best chance of recognition.  For example advertising a certain brand of car will usually be placed on a billboard located near busy highways and major roads. While residential advertising offering a specific development will also be on a billboard or on another large area to capture the interest of potential buyers of new homes.  These will most likely be located on the outskirts of cities and other areas that the contractor concerned has a vested interest.
Users of public transport will often have the opportunity to meet, for example, advertising posters located on vehicles. The so-called transit advertising makes it possible to provide basic information about its subject, through the use of the time that passengers spend in each means of transport. Another example of outdoor tailored to a specific recipient, are advertising the latest technologies, directed to people using everyday electronic devices (LED screens) and equipment of the banking system - advertising on ATMs.
 
The choice of a particular measure of advertising really depends on to whom it is addressed. To strengthen the assumed effect, it is possible and often desirable to combine several types of outdoor advertising guaranteeing to reach the largest audience possible.

Whether you are looking for a small magnetic sign or a full body wrap, here at Lemon Signs we can provide for all your vehicle promotional needs. 
From a small car to an articulated lorry, we can display your message on any vehicle.

Magnetic signs are personalised to say exactly what you want to say, when you require your car or van to advertise your business.  They are completely safe to use on your car and won’t damage the paintwork in anyway, and you also have the convenience of being able to remove the sign whenever you choose.

Vinyl graphics are a more permanent way of advertising your business and/or displaying your logo or business name.  Any size or colour can be supplied, so we can assure you that we can fulfil your requirements, whether you have a motor cycle or box van. 
We will help with any graphic designs if required to make sure when you drive away, you’re happy with what we have done.  It is a simple and effective way of advertising who and what you are – a middle price range, so affordable too.
Vinyl wraps, whether they are partial or full, are a more stunning way of displaying your advertising needs.  The wraps are perfect for motor sport advertising, or maybe you just have a graphic that would suit a larger portion of your car; whatever your needs, we have the technology to achieve it.  Liquid wraps are the pinnacle of vehicle advertising.  Not only do they not damage your paintwork, but they can in fact protect your vehicle from stone chips, scratches and the elements.  It is easy to peel off and can be applied to all parts of the vehicles body, including wheels.  Whatever part of your car you want covering, and in any colour/design you choose, we can deliver a professional service and make your advertising dreams come true.  Any potential damage can be easily repaired too, should the need arise.
Perfect for lease cars, vans or lorries for advertising, or simply treat yourself to the colour car of your dreams (and protect your car into the bargain) liquid wraps really do what it says on the tin and from as little as £400, to change the colour of your car, it is a realistic option.
Car graphics are just part of what we do.  We can create an entire promotional package, from car advertising to complete exhibition displays.  Stickers and flags, banners and window graphics – if you need to be seen, we can make you visible

What is networking and why should we network?
A possible definition of networking - exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions, cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
However, it is important to note that networking is more than several hundred contacts in your phone and much more than a presence on a social network. 
​
I recently received an email along the following lines from attending a local network event.
I have met the person in question twice and spent about 35 minutes in their company:
"Hi, remember me we meet a couple of times at that network event. I noticed from your social media that you are doing very well. I am looking for a job, can you give me a job, alternatively recommend me to someone…”
This is not the best way to use your networking opportunities, networking is certainly not a direct soliciting for a job, contract or advertising space or random contact out of the blue.
Even in this modern digital age networking should not just happen virtually. We have not evolved as a race to accept virtual networking, people still buy from people but like to meet those people face to face.
When carried out correctly networking will work as a strategy to acquire your dream job or gaining a new client, actually it might  be the best way for that, but it requires knowledge in building mutual trust and frequent contact with members of our 'network'
The definition I have quoted earlier was a good “book” definition but lacks some vital key information. Firstly, to have a network of contacts, you need acquire and nurture them. They may be colleagues from college, student organizations, people from all institutions and organizations that so far co-operated with you. It’s not the quantity which is important but the quality. Quality contacts will give you a far greater reach than a volume of contacts that are just data in a database.
Recent research has found that a person is able to maintain quality contact only with 150 people. Exceeding this will result in a reduction in the quality of the relationship.
Who should be in your network? It should be people that we like, we know very well and most importantly whom we trust, people who we can have a win win relationship with. 
Networking is a relationship
True networking is never ending, and certainly doesn’t’ stop on ‘adding’ someone new to your profile on social media as a connection. It is a dish that needs a few of essential components: systematic, time, trust and reciprocity. Mix them well and you will be a successful networker.
You know what your connection is interested in? Send them a link to interesting articles in the field. Find out if you have any common interests? This gives you an opportunity to develop your relationship besides talking about work. Of course never forget any key celebrations in your connections life such as birthday, wedding anniversary, work anniversary.
Many people develop their network of contacts then never achieve a return on that investment. It’s important to use your network services. Do not be afraid to ask for a favour, buy from them – sell your own services. Networking is about building confidence between two parties so that each one of them is happy to recommend each other’s services.
Networking is a measurable benefit
So you have defined a networking action plan. How do you know all this networking is paying off? A simple spreadsheet tracking who has referred your business could help you track your return and help to plan how and which connections deserve special attention from you.
Networking pays off, because good and trustworthy "business friend" is great access to knowledge, skills, contacts and resources which you might not poses.
Last but not least - networking is a commitment, but should also be a pleasure.
Would you agree?
 

When I started Lemon Signs back in March this year I knew that I wanted to offer a fresh new approach to sign making and introduce new products to the UK market. After only a few months of trading it became apparent that my philosophy works to benefit our clients big and small.

Our efforts have been noticed and Lemon Signs features in this months issue of Sign Up Date Magazine, being recognized as pioneers of new technologies and initiators of new era for build up letters manufacturing in UK.

But we don't stop here we strive to deliver best possible solutions to our clients combining years of experience gained working within sign industry across Europe bringing tried and tested methods from overseas and introducing them locally and often developing our own ways as well.

If you would like to know more please browse our website where you can find reflective banners, liquid car wraps, extruded foam built up letters, 3D signs Stage Props and much more.
                                                         
                                                                                                                           If it's not thought through - It's now worth making!


                                                                                                                                                                                                    Martin Lemiesz