Branding comes in all shapes, sizes, forms, and functions. It seems you can’t go anywhere without seeing a logo emblazoned across something. From plastic cards to key tags; the branding territory is already claimed; all territory save one: the coaster at your local watering hole.

Granted, a coaster is an odd place to find anything but an advertisement for beer. There was a time when I would have agreed with that sentiment, but that was before my car broke down in Rheinlander, Wisconsin.

A Story of Coaster Branding Intrigue

For all of you Minnesota natives who bleed purple and gold; just stick with me. My car broke down on the way back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. I had no cell service, so I walked to a local bar to call a tow truck. While I waited for the truck to arrive I decided to have a beer.

I sat down at the bar as the bartender flipped a fresh coaster down onto the tabletop. I flinched and immediately picked up the coaster for a closer inspection. Staring up at me was a comically-hideous prehistoric monster in greyscale. Across the coaster in bright red ink was a single word: Hodag. My befuddled look caught the bartender’s attention, “What’s a Hodag?”

The question was met with a sly half grin, “Turn the coaster over and find out.”

It turns out a Hodag is a creature from Wisconsin folklore dating back to the 1890s. Yet, this combination of frog, elephant, and dinosaur wasn’t what I found most intriguing about this exchange. That prize goes to what I found on the back of the coaster. Yes, it gave a brief history of the creature, but it also advertised drink deals and specials available during the week of the Hodag Country Festival.

To us Minnesotans, this may not mean much, but I’d encourage you to see this story in a different light.

The Coaster: Your Restaurant’s Secret Weapon

A perfect example of branding lies before you. Let’s take a closer look at why it works.

First, it’s in an unexpected place. We’ve gotten so used to the beer logos on coasters that most of us have to admit we don’t take a second look anymore; unless this first rule is followed up by a second one. It gets our attention and gets us talking. By putting something funny on the front like a piece of local legend, we are enticed to take a closer look, thus picking up the coaster. It’s important that we pick it up because the marketing strategy doesn’t work unless we flip it over.

The flip over is where your marketing campaign goes to work. Not only does it have your brand, it also has:

These are the unique offers that get the word out about your business. The coaster is the new calling card. The best part is you can get a unique piece of marketing and give Wisconsin eateries a run for their money. How? Print your coasters through Plastic Printers right here in Hastings.

Plastic Printers are branding experts. They can get the word out about your business through:

• Coasters
• Plastic business cards
•  Gift Certificates
•  VIP Preferred Membership cards
•  Loyalty cards
•  And more!

All it takes is a phone call or an email through the company website www.plasticprinters.com. They can help you develop a branding campaign that is fun, informative, and effective. It will get results. Your personal design team is with you from start to finish. The high-quality hand cut products are without equal.

Get a quote today and watch your business improve!