I have been using postcard marketing campaigns extensively - for my own businesses as well as managing postcard campaigns for my clients’ businesses. I have even made postcards for individuals (professional outside salespeople).
Postcards are an inexpensive and highly effective way to launch new products, generate targeted traffic for a website, and stimulate interest in a new product, website, or company; not to mention generate immediate sales.  I have even successfully used them to spread the work to companies with complimentary - but not competing - products that we will happily reciprocate if they send leads our way.

You might be amazed at the range of positive responses you can get out of highly targeted postcard marketing campaigns. Recipients are often thrilled to learn about a product or service they did not know about. I keep postcards on my desk and personally handwrite and send between 40 and 75 per week. I believe handwritten notes are most effective and certainly the most targeted.

This post from startup nation about the benefits of postcard marketing lists five traits of effective post cards as told by the experts at the post office. The five traits are:

1. They’re eye-catching: Your postcard doesn’t have to be art, but it helps if it’s attractive. Adding a high quality photo or other image will help
2. They’re simple: It’s a postcard, not a novel. Pretend every word is costing you $500. A jumble of information won’t do it. Simple, bold headlines like “Fall Fashions Are In!” or “50% Off Cookware” work best - then explain where, when and a few other details
3. They’re timely: Messages such as “Your Service Contract Expires June 1” work great - if you have a timely message of some kind for your customers, use it
4. They’re two-sided: Be sure to use both sides of your postcard, but not every inch. Use one side like a poster and the other for a few details. Or put an ad on one side and a personal message on the other
5. They’re multifaceted: A postcard can double as a coupon, gift certificate or event ticket. Ask people to present the card to claim an offer. It’s an easy way to measure effectiveness.

I couldn’t agree more. I might add a few others but these will certainly get you started on the right foot.

Pay special attention to #2 (They’re simple).  Probably the easiest trap to fall into is what I call information-creep.  When designing a card it is very easy to want to add one more bullet or one more detail or one more line or one more image, etc. Keep it simple with an effective headline and a great offer and you will get your chance to tell them everything you want about your products when they call.

I have to add this one:  If you are going to send one, send three. The effectiveness of your postcard marketing campaign increases exponentially by sending multiple postcards.

If you want help with your postcard marketing campaigns, call me at (832) 628-0987 or contact me online.

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