Car Magnets: A Drive-by Guide for Small Businesses

You can already understand how difficult it is to be memorable when you run a small business, and all marketing options out there appear to be too expensive, too complex, or too slow. But suppose you are just driving to work, or making your daily deliveries, or even parking in front of the house of a customer, and you are quietly promoting your business to hundreds of prospective customers every single day. No recurring fees. No complex setup. No staff needed.

This is the magic of car magnets, an inexpensive, easy-to-use and surprisingly efficient solution to making your car a moving billboard. Car door magnets are one of the best marketing decisions that small entrepreneurs can take because they require minimal expenditure and will maximise visibility for the business.

Car door advertising magnets, car magnets in Brisbane, car magnets in Melbourne, car magnets in Perth, or any part of Australia – this guide will demonstrate, in a nutshell, the way to select the right magnets, design magnets, install magnets, and maintain them.

Car advertising magnets are magnetic signs that are reusable, removable, and stick to the metal panels of your car. They are known to be used on car doors, vans, utes and even fleet vehicles and are effective in branding, contact details, services and offers.

In small businesses where local presence is valued, think tradies, real estate agents, cleaners, home services, mobile beauty, cafes, gyms, tutors and trades, car magnets offer easy visibility whenever you are on the road. If you’re looking for ready-to-use options, you can look at popular formats like the 600mm × 600mm Car 3 Magnet, a durable, UV-resistant option ideal for vans and utes.

Why would a small business owner, who is already stretched to the limit, want to use car door advertising magnets instead of alternatives? The solution is found in their own combination of mobility, value and local impact.

Each kilometre you travel is an advertising space. Your car magnets are always sending your message to hundreds of potential customers, whether you are parked at a job site, driving to a client meeting, or just picking up supplies. This unmatched mobile advertisement can never be realised with a fixed sign.

A pair of custom-designed car magnets is a bargain in comparison to the tens of thousands of money, which a permanent vehicle wrap will cost. The design and production cost you a small fee that you can pay once, and the advertisement serves you over the years, generating an exceptionally high return on investment (ROI). Products like the Car 2 and Car 4 Magnet sizes provide affordable options that suit most cars and small vans.
Small businesses often deal with limited marketing budgets. Car magnets offer:

• One-time cost
• No monthly advertising fees
• No subscription or licence required

The majority of small businesses depend on local customers. This is the ideal fit for car magnets. When you install a car door magnet on your car, you are targeting people in your suburbs and neighbourhoods where you serve, people who have the greatest chance of becoming your customers. It is a very powerful form of location-based marketing that targets your target audience at the nearest point where they live and work, be it in the streets of Melbourne or the business parks of Perth.

The message is under your control. Have to advertise a seasonal offer? Launch a new service? Or just make sure your phone number is front and centre? Car magnets are also designed to suit your brand and direct marketing requirements by creating a product of any size, form and colour scheme.

It is what is a good design that can make the difference between a magnet that people pay attention to and one that they disregard. The following is how to make the best design to be more visible.

As you pass by, people have just a few seconds to read your sign. Focus on:

• Business name
• Key service
• Phone number or website
  
• Logo (only if it’s simple)
  
• Keep it simple-your magnet is not a brochure.

The existence of high contrast implies increased visibility.
For example:

• Light backgrounds with dark written text.
• Dark background and light text.
• Dark colours such as yellow, red or royal blue.

When you use brand colours, make sure they are distinct on top of the colour of your vehicle.

Fancy fonts are less attractive compared to readable ones. Use simple professional typography that can be easily read even at 20-30 metres.
A good rule: Redesign it in case you cannot read it as you pass your parked car hurriedly.

Before installing, always:

• Wash the vehicle surface
• Dry it completely
  
• Ensure it’s free from dust, wax or grease

A clean surface ensures strong adhesion and prevents scratches.

Place your magnets on flat, smooth metal panels—most commonly:

• Car doors
• Rear panels
  
• Side panels of utes and vans

Avoid placing magnets over curves, ridges or handles, as this may reduce grip.

To maintain longevity:

• Remove magnets weekly
• Clean both sides with a soft cloth
• Let them dry before reapplying

This prevents moisture build-up, protects the paint and ensures the magnet stays strong.

Car magnets are the marketing tool that is most viable and cost-effective to Australian small businesses. They are cheap, can be installed easily and provide strong visibility without incurring continuous expenses. Car door advertising magnets are an effective and efficient high ROI solution to those businesses that are interested in having an appearance locally (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or any other city in the country).
Fridge Magnets Australia provides high-quality and printed magnets that are durable and can withstand the Australian weather, and are available in a fully custom design with quick delivery to any location in this country.
Ask now and make each of your daily drives a daily marketing step.

Keep it simple and essential. Include your business name, your primary service, and one clear contact method, either a phone number or website. A clean logo can also help with brand recognition.

Flat, smooth metal surfaces work best. Most businesses place them on:

• Front doors
• Rear passenger doors
• Side panels of vans or utes

Avoid curves or ridges, as they reduce magnetic grip.

High-quality magnets, especially those designed for Australian weather, are extremely durable. They typically stay secure at motorway speeds when installed correctly. Regular cleaning extends their lifespan.

• Remove them weekly
• Clean the surface and the magnet
• Allow both to dry fully
• Reattach carefully

This prevents scratches, moisture build-up and loss of adhesion.

Magnets only adhere to ferrous (steel) surfaces. If your vehicle has aluminium panels, common in some newer models, the magnets will not stick. Always test with a household magnet before purchasing.

With proper care, high-quality car magnets often last 2–5 years. UV-resistant printing and Australian-grade materials help them withstand heat, rain and sun exposure.