7 Reasons Custom Printed Coasters Are the Most Underrated Marketing Tool (And How to Use Them)

7 Reasons Custom Printed Coasters Are the Most Underrated Marketing Tool (And How to Use Them)

Angela - Ditto Print

If you think coasters are just soggy cardboard that keeps tables dry, think again.

Custom printed coasters are one of the most cost-effective, low-effort, high-impact marketing tools your brand can use. Whether you run a bar, hotel, brewery, or you're a tradie who wants to get a bit fancy, printed drink coasters do a lot more than hold your flat white.

In this guide, we’ll show you why they work, who they’re perfect for, and how to make yours stand out like a schooner in a sea of schooners. PLUS: We'll show you how coasters fit into a bigger marketing strategy based on what customers care about.

What are Custom-Printed Coasters?

Coasters, but make it marketing.

Custom printed coasters are drink coasters that feature your logo, branding, message, or design, printed on high-quality board stock. They come in round, square, or custom shapes, with options for full-colour, single- or double-sided printing, and finishes such as matte, gloss, or waterproof.

They’re designed to be:

  • Useful (nobody hates a coaster)
  • Keepable (good ones get pocketed)
  • Shareable (people take photos of cool ones)

Who uses Branded Coasters?

Custom drink coasters work for just about every type of business. Here’s where they really shine:

  • Bars and Breweries: Feature new brews, happy hours, QR codes, or cheeky brand messaging.
  • Hotels and Cafés: Create polished, consistent in-room and table branding.
  • Tradies and Real Estate Agents: Use them as conversation-starters at local venues, open homes, or expos.
  • Events & Weddings: From favours to functional décor, they make any event feel elevated.

You can explore more specific use cases and benefits for each industry in these helpful guides:

Why They Work (And Why They're SEO Gold)

Looking for more ideas that move the needle? Smart coaster marketing isn’t just about what’s printed — it’s about how you use it. From QR codes to loyalty campaigns, interactive promos to secret discount reveals, your coasters can do more than just sit pretty. Explore our full list in 11 Smart Uses for Custom Coasters That Actually Drive Sales.

Marketing is about being helpful, memorable, and visible. Coasters tick all three.

  • Helpful: They're actually used.
  • Memorable: Great design sticks in people’s heads.
  • Visible: They're literally in front of your customer the whole time they’re sitting down.

The Big 5 Content Topics You Should Build Around Coasters

When you’re marketing your brand, answering your customers’ real questions builds trust and traffic. These five content types work for every industry, and your coasters can lead straight to them:

1. Pricing and Cost

“How much do custom coasters cost?” is one of the most searched questions. We’ll break it down in our Coaster Pricing Guide.

2. Problems

Not all coasters are created equal. Paper too thin? Print quality dodgy? We cover the biggest coaster fails in Common Printing Problems (And How to Avoid Them).

3. Comparisons

Round vs square. Single vs double-sided. Gloss vs matte. We compare all the options in Which Coaster Style is Right For Your Brand?

4. Best-of Lists

Need inspiration? Check out our Top 10 Coaster Ideas for Bars, Cafés, Events and More.

5. Reviews

Real talk from real customers. Read what brands say in Customer Reviews: Ditto Print Coasters in the Wild.

Turn Your Website Into a Sales Tool (Not Just a Pretty Page)

If you're sending people to your site, but they’re not buying, it’s not a traffic problem — it’s a trust problem.

Your site should:

  • Answer every customer question before they ask it
  • Show your product in action (mockups, lifestyle photos, reviews)
  • Give clear pricing info and timelines
  • Explain the process (ordering, proofing, delivery)
  • Spoiler: your coasters can do this too. They can send people directly to these pages using QR codes.

Assignment Selling: Use Coasters to Pre-Sell

Send your coasters out in sample packs, include them in event swag bags, or hand them out at markets — but don’t stop there.

Link them to content that answers objections, explains pricing, or shows proof. Examples:

  • QR to a pricing calculator
  • Link to a customer case study
  • Demo video showing print quality

This way, you're using your coasters as offline triggers for online conversions.

Embrace Transparency (and Own Your Niche)

Coasters aren’t for everyone. And that’s fine.

Some brands don’t need physical marketing. But if your audience sits down to eat, drink, or chat, then you’ve got a golden opportunity.

We’re always upfront about cost, options, and alternatives. Sometimes we’ll even say: "You’re probably better off with flyers." (We won’t hold it against you.)

 

Get Started with your Custom-Printed Coasters

If you’re ready to stop being forgettable, start here:

And keep an eye out — we’re adding deep-dive blogs to explore each Big 5 topic so you can build your brand and your SEO at the same time.

Your brand deserves to be on the table. Literally.

We Print. You Impress.

 

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