Brilliant PR Move by Dr. Pepper – Free Coupons, Great Branding

Today, Dr. Pepper is giving away free coupons to all buyers of Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy. Last March they made a bet against the prospects of a release in 2008. They lost.

Well, not really. The viral branding that Dr. Pepper is getting from this promotional tactic is priceless. It’s better than a Super Bowl commercial. The net is ablaze with people trying to get their coupon.

If I was a betting man, I’d suggest that this whole thing was set up from the beginning. Dr. Pepper knew full well that Axl Rose would get Chinese Democracy out in time because they arranged the promotional campaign together. And just look. It’s a win-win-win. The consumer gets a coupon for a free Dr. Pepper. Chinese Democracy gets free news coverage and a massive PR blitz. Dr. Pepper magnifies their brand by about 10 times.

There are no losers here. It’s a brilliant marketing move. Bravo Dr. Pepper. Bravo Guns N’ Roses.