If you’re new to promotional campaigns, you may be tempted to invest as little as possible. At Promohire, we give clients the flexibility to run brand activations on a shoestring – but this approach isn’t for everyone.
Read on to learn how much you might spend on a ‘bare minimum’ campaign, and why many brands choose to go further for bigger, better results.
The initial cost of a basic campaign
Costs depend on the type of promotional vehicle you choose for your brand activations. You can get a fully branded tuk tuk for a weekend activation in the South East for as little as £4,500 plus VAT. This even includes the cost of a driver!
Alternatively, spend a bit more on a branded VW Camper at £7,320, or give your guests a treat with an ice cream van for £7,460. Larger vehicles naturally cost more, like the Airstream for £10,450 and the Routemaster for £17,500.
Play around with our free budget calculator to see on-screen prices and see how our promotional hire vehicles compare.
The downsides of downsizing
Everyone wants to spend a little to get a lot, but when it comes to promotional campaigns, you get what you pay for.
Doing the bare minimum can mean:
Limited visibility – Small activations are easier to miss and less likely to generate buzz. People will be less inclined to visit a quiet campaign without much going on.
Weaker brand impact – An underwhelming presence can make your brand look less credible. You want a big crowd for as long as possible, and that means engagement!
Missed opportunities – With few touchpoints, your audience will have less of a chance to learn about the brand. This is your chance to excite the audience, so why waste it?
Poor return on your investment – Whether you’re looking to spread awareness or get more newsletter sign-ups, cheap brand activations can fail to provide value for money.
Getting a return on your investment isn’t about saving where you can; it’s about putting the money into areas that will help make the campaign more engaging.
From bare minimum to maximum impact
You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve your goals, but you do need a vision (it’s key to submitting a strong campaign brief). Knowing your audience, how you want them to feel, and what you want them to do will help you decide where to invest for the biggest returns.
Let’s use an example…
A client uses a Piaggio Ape to hand out free samples. With a minimum spend of £5,000, they can get the vehicle they want with a branded wrap and a driver for the weekend.
A ‘maximum impact’ version of this campaign still uses a Piaggio Ape but gets creative to attract as many people as possible!
Here’s what they might do differently:
Visibility upgrades – Think branded roof signs, 3D props, display stands and internal lighting. With a standout piece from our build team, your promotional campaign will be more eye-catching. These elements can also serve as fantastic talking points!
Interactive elements – Fun games and challenges are perfect for engagement. These can range from ‘guess the flavour’ sessions to spin-the-wheel or claw machine games, complete with prizes. Alternatively, guests could scan a QR code for a chance to win.
Social media moments – Custom photo booths and unique backdrops encourage selfies and social posts. When used correctly, these can help promotional campaigns make a bigger impact online. Visible hashtags can make the sharing process easier!
A branded environment – Why stop at the vehicle? Matching chairs and umbrellas can turn a space into a pop-up café where guests can relax. Perfect for sampling campaigns! These items can be customised and bought from us via the Raccoon branding shop.
Staffing can make all the difference
Brand activations live and die by the connections made. So, you naturally want to make as many connections as possible. The best way to do this is with passionate staff!
The right people can whip up crowds, encourage people to get involved, and even persuade them to sign up for competitions or newsletters. It’s even better when they know how a promotional vehicle fits with your brand activation.
Check out our staffing page for a brief overview or visit our promotional staffing guide for more info on the people available.
Maximise your results with Promohire
Brands often go big with their campaigns to ensure they get the most for their time and money. But if you’d rather keep things fairly modest, we can help you invest in the right areas – for promotional campaigns that are highly cost-effective.
Visit our budget calculator and then hit the button below to see how much we charge for additional support. You may be able to go a step further without breaking the bank!
