Advertise Your Place, Mat!

Ah, the place mat. Oft home to scenes of Italy, maps of countries you’ve never been to, and the ever popular maze or other child’s entertainment.

Sometimes, however, they carry advertising. And this is where today’s idea comes in: what if some of that advertising was for YOUR business? How, you ask? Read on!

Here’s what I propose:

If you want this sort of advertising, find a restaurant that uses the place mat in a daily fashion (and not the pre-fabricated, bulk ones – you’re out of luck on those). Contact the owner, and ask if you could advertise on the place mats, in exchange for offsetting some of the costs of having them printed. If they have a savvy business mind, they’ll immediately see dollar signs. I know I would.

Conversely, you could find a restaurant that doesn’t use place mats, and offer to provide them in exchange for being the sole advertiser on them. If you do pursue this, they’ll need incentive. I’d suggest having stuff for kids to do on them, so as to provide an added value to the owner of the restaurant. And, if worst comes to worst, you could offer a monthly ‘fee’ to them for the privilege, or a ‘referral’ bonus for customers who come from this vein of marketing.

It’s not a slam dunk, but it’s also not something to walk away from without at least considering it.

~ by digitalninjasmedia on January 12, 2012.