My Rear Window Car Ad

[camz]

Actually I hired my realtor and the transaction was intiated through a car ad. Her car was parked at my neighbors when I saw a headshot of this woman on the side of a M5 BMW. She was parked at a neighbor's driveway whom I didn't know.

The ad on her car automatically sparked assumptions in my head - it was posted on a nice car(This woman has some money-she's savy and she knows what she's doing), the add had her name, number and website(Ok she's accesable and very professional). I called her and she came over the house the next day, I hired her a few days after I saw the ad.

Speaking form a guy and a dog lover, I personally rather see a lab in the add or something a little less feminine and more neutral species. But women are more inclined to hiring portrait photographers so you got the right idea. From our clientbase, google analytics crowd, facebook, referrals, and fashion - An average of ~70%women and ~30%men - just saying don't forget about us ~30%

[Ads]

[BekahAura]

And now you'll have the added paranoia from knowing that you just put a target on your vehicle that says "expensive photography gear in here".

I appreciate that many of you have mentioned this. Believe me, I am super cautious even when I don’t have gear in my car. I live in NY, we’re naturally paranoid. But I don’t get why you think this is a game stopper… my gear is NEVER left in my car even without the sign on my car right now. What about a studio that has a storefront sign? Do you think the owner of a photo studio is going to pass on the sign because they are afraid thieves might break in at night?

Bitter has a point… I’m not a jeweler hahaha.

@Cloudwalker: I will make another version… all good points!

I would imagine most people would not choose the service after seeing the ad drive by on a car.

But, after seeing the car drive around town for a few months, you may see it and say to yourself "oh, someone here does pet photography". Next time you see it at the grocery store, "oh, the pet photographer is here." Same goes for the dog park, the SPCA events, pet photos with Santa etc.

Then when someone think, hmmm, maybe I need pics of my pooch, I bet 10 to 1 they think of that car before anyone else.

I think it could be a good way to target this market. If I saw a high end wedding photographer with an add on their vehicle I'd think cheese ball. But for pets I think it works, cause pet photos, IMO, are kinda cheesy. In a cute way

This is exactly my thought process on how this ad can help me! I’m reading a book called “Guerrilla Marketing,” and there is one part that really sticks in my head. Here is an excerpt:

“1) The first time a man sees an ad, he doesn’t see it.
2) The second time, he doesn’t notice it.
3) The third time, he is conscious of its existence…………..”

it goes on and on until…

“18) The eighteenth time, he swears at his poverty.
19) The nineteenth time, he counts his money carefully.
20) The twentieth time he sees the ad, he buys the product or instructs his wife to do so.”

And I truly think that at that point if he doesn’t buy it he may mention it to someone else who has inquired about such a service. Isn’t this what branding is all about?
I’m still not done responding… I had no idea there would be so many posts today… and so much drama.

Taking a break…

[BekahAura]

I still be here in 10 years with no customers? I am happy with my progress right now. Yes, hopefully I will still be in this forum but I have no doubt in my mind my photography business is taking off. I can feel it. What is up with the personal attack? You spend too much time in Europe. Almost everyone here knows I just learned how to shoot (2 months before join date). I am happy with my progress.. and yes.. im making money. Not as a full time, but to buy more equipment.

Look I don't want to have any hard feelings... from what I remember of you in the past you've always been really helpful when posting in my threads. But you just informed me that you are about as experienced as I am when it comes to the photography business, and I find that absolutely hilarious!!! I won't be a snob and tell you what percentage of my income my photography brings in. But you really need to get off your high horse.

I worked in the restaurant business for almost 10 years and I can tell you for sure it's the wealthiest people are the people that watch their dollars the most. The guy who drives the Mercedes leaves a $2 tip and complains that his beer isn't cold enough, the guy who works in the deli of the local A&P leaves a $20 tip every time and never complains. I'm not after those "high-end" customers so they are all yours.

I almost wish I found a marketing forum to post this in…. no I don’t this is too funny.

I just had a quick thought. Is it OK in NY to cover your back window? I only ask because I've only seen text on back windows here in NJ, but I have seen back windows completely covered in other states. I wonder what the law is in NY. Maybe check before you get it done just in case?

I’m pretty sure it’s fine as long as I can see out my window. The material I’m printing on is see-through from the inside and solid from the outside. But I guess it doesn’t hurt to double check.

I agree with you completely Rub. See if you agree with me with this statement. Do you think average customers would hire somebody to come and shoot only their dog? Or do they hire somebody to come shoot their family photo + dog. That was my problem from the beginning of the thread. Kinda like my last family session.. I took some photos of the dog only.

Do you think average customers would buy organic raw meat for their dogs? What about birthday cakes for their dogs? Clothing for their dogs? You wouldn’t think so, but shops like this exist and profit from their not-so-average products. I did market research on pet spending before I decided to focus on pet photography… throughout the entire recession pet spending is one of the few areas that has continued to increase every year since the 90s.

[BekahAura]

Yup, advertising is advertising, is advertising. Have you also asked all your small and big pet stores, groomers, pet cemetaries, indoor/outdoor dog parks, dog trainers, if you could have a flyer or advert at their establishments as well? I'd have advertisements pretty much anywhere, anycompany would let me. You never know who may take a glance and go for it.

I have a list of places to go to actually... but I haven't had time. I need at least 1 full day to hit them all. I'll probably do it after the Holidays are over... people are too busy to be bothered right now.

[Schwettylens]

Bekah, I was responding to cloudwalker personal attack toward me.

[Schwettylens]

Oh, and dont get experience fool you friend.

[Bitter Jeweler]

Oh, and dont get experience fool you friend.

Oh, and don't let typos make your comment confusing, pal.

[BAphotos]

I really like the updated version, but I'd still consider changing the main "Reflective Photos" setup. I realize it's your business name and it matches the website, but in terms of business card setup (which is effectively what your window ad is) it's a little busy. The reflected letters make it cluttered to look at and not instantly clear, which is what you really want. Since being on your car, there may be short time spans to get the information across.
Most business card tips lean towards clear fonts, which the reflection breaks up. I can understand not wanting to lose the reflection as it's part of what you want to portray, so if you're set on keeping it you may want to have the reflected part be a different color so people can clearly see the unreflected font. One of the hardest parts of a business card, slogan, etc. is that it's not what appeals to you, but what draws the attention of the customer... in some cases they fit together, others it doesn't.
You should print some final versions out and ask people, not friends, but random people (not online either, but in the actual area you're trying to market in) what they prefer. While doing that you'd also be getting your information out... win win really.

[kundalini]

Bekah, I was responding to cloudwalker personal attack toward me.

Offering a different point of view or even some enlightenment does not constitute a personal attack. Especially when the guy has been around the block a few times..... well, in cloudwalker's case, many times

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[Schwettylens]

I guess you havent seen the comments he posted toward me out of no where.

PS. Sure he has been around the block a few times. It would be nice if he shares a few pics too. Just saying.

Bekah, I was responding to cloudwalker personal attack toward me.

Offering a different point of view or even some enlightenment does not constitute a personal attack. Especially when the guy has been around the block a few times..... well, in cloudwalker's case, many times

.

[BekahAura]

Okay, I think I'm finally there. Here is my third version. I'm posting the last one and the new one so you can compare them side by side.

I'm a little disappointed that Abbey has gotten so small, but you are all right, my business name should be what's prominent here. I also toned down the reflection and added a drop shadow to the main text to made it more readable.

Version 2


Version 3

[Bitter Jeweler]

#3

[Kolander]

...Doing this you are setting your brand like plumber, electrician, etc.

Well, not only them

[BekahAura]

Well, not only them

My truck has more rust on it.

[BAphotos]

Definitely like the new version 3! Looks great