Launching a high-impact advertising campaign in a city as competitive as London sounds like a daunting task, but what if you could get your brand moving across the capital in just 30 days? With a clear plan, launching a taxi advertising London campaign is not only possible but can be a streamlined and exciting process.
This checklist breaks down the journey week by week, guiding you from initial idea to seeing your branded taxis on the streets. For a successful London taxi advertising campaign, decisive action and clear communication are key. Let’s get started.
Week 1: Strategy and Foundations (Days 1-7)
This week is all about internal alignment. Before you speak to any agencies, you need to know what you want to achieve and what resources you have.
- Define Your Campaign Goals: What is the primary objective? Are you aiming for broad brand awareness, promoting a limited-time offer, driving traffic to a new store, or announcing an event? Your goal will influence every other decision.
- Identify Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Tourists, business professionals, local residents, or a specific demographic? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your message and even your campaign’s geographical focus.
- Set Your Budget: Determine a realistic budget. This should cover the media cost (the taxi ads themselves), creative design, and production. Having a clear number will help you choose the right format and campaign duration.
- Gather Your Brand Assets: Collect your high-resolution logos, brand guidelines, key messaging, and any imagery you plan to use. Having these ready will speed up the design process significantly.
Week 2: Choosing Partners and Concepts (Days 8-14)
Now it’s time to find the right experts and start shaping the visual direction of your campaign.
- Research and Select an Agency: Look for a specialist taxi advertising agency with a strong track record in London. Review their case studies and ask for proposals based on your goals and budget. A good partner will guide you on the best formats and strategy.
- Choose Your Taxi Ad Format: Based on your budget and goals, select your format. Will you go for a high-impact full wrap, cost-effective supersides, or engaging interior ads like tip seats? You could also explore digital tops for dynamic content.
- Brainstorm Creative Concepts: Work with your agency to develop initial ideas for the ad creative. The design needs to be bold, simple, and instantly understandable. It should capture attention in the few seconds a person sees the taxi drive by.
- Finalize Campaign Details: Confirm the number of taxis, the campaign duration (e.g., 4 weeks, 3 months), and any geographical targeting preferences (e.g., focusing on taxis based near Canary Wharf or the West End).
Week 3: Design, Approval, and Final Checks (Days 15-21)
This week is dedicated to finalizing the creative and getting the necessary approvals. This stage is critical and requires prompt feedback to stay on schedule.
- Develop the Final Artwork: Your agency’s design team will create the final artwork based on your chosen concept. Ensure it includes a clear call-to-action (CTA), such as a website URL or a social media handle.taxiwraps
- Internal Approval: Circulate the final design among your team and key stakeholders for sign-off. Make sure everyone is happy with the message and visual identity.
- Submit for TfL Approval: Your ad design must be approved by Transport for London (TfL). Your agency will manage this process. TfL has specific guidelines, especially regarding safety and messaging, so a specialist agency’s experience is invaluable here.youtube
- Review a Final Proof: Once approved, you’ll get a final proof of the design as it will appear on the taxi. Double-check every detail—spelling, colors, and contact information—before giving the green light for production.
Week 4: Production and Launch (Days 22-30)
The final week is when your vision becomes a reality. Your branded taxis are prepared and sent out onto the streets of London.
- Vinyl Production: The approved artwork is printed onto high-quality, durable vinyl that will be used to wrap the taxis.
- Vehicle Installation: The taxis are taken out of service for a short period while trained technicians professionally apply the vinyl wraps. This is a meticulous process that ensures a flawless finish.
- Campaign Launch: Your taxis are back on the road, showcasing your brand across the city! Your London taxi advertising campaign is now live.
- Receive Your Launch Pack: Your agency should provide a launch pack, including professional photos and sometimes videos of your branded taxis. These are fantastic assets for your own website, social media channels, and internal communications.
By following this checklist, you can efficiently launch a powerful taxi advertising campaign in London and make a memorable impact on the capital in just one month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 30-day launch realistic for any campaign?
Yes, it’s an achievable timeline for a focused campaign, especially for formats like supersides. More complex campaigns with full wraps on a large fleet may require a little more time, but with decisive action, 30 days is a solid goal.
What is the most common cause of delay?
The most common delays happen during the creative approval stage (Week 3). Slow internal feedback or designs that don’t meet TfL guidelines can push back the timeline. Working with an experienced agency helps minimize this risk.
Can I make changes to the ad after it’s live?
Once the vinyl is on the taxi, the ad cannot be changed without producing and installing a new wrap. However, digital taxi top ads offer the flexibility to change the creative remotely at any time.
Do I need to design the ad myself?
No. While you provide the brand assets and vision, the taxi advertising agency will have an in-house design team that adapts your creative to the specific taxi templates and ensures it meets all technical requirements.
How do I know where my taxis are operating?
Many campaigns now include GPS tracking. This allows you to see the routes your taxis are taking, giving you valuable insight into the reach and geographical coverage of your campaign and your overall London taxi advertising presence.
