Commercial vehicles are more than just a way of getting from A to B.

With a little imagination, your van can become a powerful marketing tool for your business - all that extra panel space is ideal for promoting your brand and services.

Whatever the size of your fleet, from one van to hundreds, here are eight extra ways they can help promote your business:

1. Moveable Billboard

Think of your van is a mobile billboard. It's the perfect canvas on which to show off your logo, name, or anything else you want to shout about.

For a one-off fee you could get a head-turning vehicle wrap that catches the eye wherever you drive or park, increasing your brand visibility and driving interest for no extra cost or work.

2. Engaging with the Community

Not only is engaging with your local community to great thing to do, it can also raise your company’s profile at the same time.

By helping with charity events, fundraisers and local sports teams, you will be doing a good deed with your van while being seen – and earning the thanks – of all those it helps along the way.

3. Local Marketing

As with engaging with the community, your van is a great way to display your brand at local gatherings, from community events to fairs.

Simply park it up and let the van do the talking – people will see it as they go about their business, and if you position it just write your logo could be in many a selfie.

You could also combine this with local deliveries, helping the community while raising awareness.

4. On-Site Advertising

It should come as no surprise to tradespeople that a lot of work comes from previous jobs – it’s word of mouth, friend of a friend, and reputation.

If your van is suitably decked out in logos and contact details and people see you working on their friends and neighbours properties, when they next need an electrician, plumber, or any other service, you could be the first business they turn to.

5. Social Media Content

When it comes to advertising, it doesn’t get more effective than social media nowadays, so why not capitalise on it?

You can position your van to make sure it makes a great backdrop to any photos you take, or better yet, encourage others to take a snap in front of it: if you get creative, people will want to have their photo in front of your vehicle, and they’ll share it with their friends.

6. Freebies and Samples

A van is also a mobile office, and if you deal in supplying products that people could be tempted with a freebie first, why not get out there and offer people samples from it?

From pencils to ice cream, whatever business you’re in, make the most of your van to let people know about it.

7. Trade Shows

If you want to go even further than free samples, you could convert the interior of your to invite people in and discuss things at expos and trade fairs.

It’s like taking your office and all of your best offerings direct to your potential customers.

8. Brand Ambassadors and Partnerships

You don’t need to be an ‘influencer’ to spread the word online.

Got an employee who racks up the miles each day? Why not make them an ambassador, deck out their wheels and they can help spread the word simply by driving to and from work? You could also leave some promotional material in the vehicle, so if anyone does ask for any details they’ll be ready with business cards, brochures, stickers and badges.