Advertising popular tourist activities from skydiving lessons to wineries and miniatures museums, rack cards are a great marketing tool for the right kind of product. Rack cards are full-color, single-paneled advertisements the size of a brochure (typically 4×9). These tall cards are often seen in brochure racks at gas stations, hotel lobbies, family restaurants, rest stops and visitor centers.

Rack cards can be printed in either glossy or matte finish. Printers typically offer printing on both sides of the rack card or a single side, depending on the advertiser’s needs and budget.

If you are in the tourism/hospitality business, you are probably well-versed in rack cards. But other businesses can also benefit from advertising their products or services in this way:

Restaurants

Small-town diners and franchise restaurants alike can utilize rack cards to lure in travelers. Big names like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Café frequently post rack cards in local hotels, gas stations and rest stops. Always include a tear-off coupon to increase your chances that diners will make the trek to your restaurant.

Retail

Outlet malls and specialty shops often place rack cards out to attract tourists to their storefronts. Tower Records, the city Galleria Mall and Maude’s Fudge Shoppe are all likely candidates for the brochure rack. A map to the location is always helpful-don’t forget a phone number, too.

Miscellaneous Services

Do you offer something travelers might need? From travel insurance to babysitting services or one-hour photo printing, a myriad of services can be advertised on rack cards. Place in prominent areas anywhere people are likely to gather, and include coupons and other incentives when applicable.

Events or Shows

Live theater, film festivals or wildlife tours or can make one-track-mind travelers change their plans at the last minute. Attract people to your event or venue with a bold rack card that includes a two-for-one ticket deal. Even religious services can be a welcome sight for travelers away from home, so don’t hesitate to advertise through rack cards. You just might catch someone’s attention.

Whenever planning out your rack cards, don’t forget key info like a website address, a coupon, prices, and a map or directions.