Ad Inspiration: Burger King Wallets

Savvy marketers have to think outside the box – many boxes in fact. The television, magazine page, and Macbook flatscreen are just a few of the boxes that great ads must burst out of to make a truly memorable impression. And because the modern media is so saturated with ads already, some companies are getting especially creative.

A splendid example of ad ingenuity is a recent Burger King promotion in the US that is getting international attention. The fast-food chain has been depositing wallets on the streets of large cities that contain notes urging finders to keep everything inside.

These contents include:
Money, ranging between one and one hundred US dollars
A map to nearby Burger King locations
A Burger King gift card
A driver’s licence belonging to The King (Burger King’s wacky mascot)
Fake receipts

Apparently Burger King plans to dispense nearly 5,000 faux-leather wallets in the coming weeks.

Whilst other companies are spinning and sweating looking for ways to appeal to consumers with lean budgets, Burger King has found a way to have a little fun with the economic crisis. Part stimulus package, part publicity stunt, the bifocal effect of the promotion is well under way. With heaps of free media coverage and plenty of word of mouth excitement, this clever campaign will likely pay off in a King-size way.

If you’ve been looking for a way to drop the hint about your great business, consider taking a lesson from the BK playbook. Playful, topical promotions that get people talking always energise consumers (and let’s face it, most of us could use more reasons to smile).

What ads inspire your marketing strategies? Post your thoughts below!