Effective marketing with postcards is as easy as having a memorable image, a captivating headline and a direct call to action. The trick is in finding that perfect image that will remind your customers about your business and leave a lasting impression. You also need a bit of wit and skill in writing copy that is direct to the point and creative at the same time.
Remember that the design of your postcard will be determined by the purpose for it. Some of the reasons businesses and organizations use postcards include:
- Promoting a sale to existing customers.
- Acquiring new leads in new markets when launching a local product/service.
- Launching a new product.
- Sending thank you notes or holiday cards to customers.
- Advocating a cause.
- Realtors promoting properties sold nearby.
- Inviting prior attendees to a new upcoming event.
Whatever the reason is make sure that when you’re designing postcards you custom make them for the specific purpose. The objective is to communicate to your audience clearly and motivate them to take action and thus generate a positive ROI.
Pay Due Attention to the Printing Material of Your Postcard
Go for heavy stock and gloss material paper types for postcards as they bring out images beautifully. The thicker card stocks are, the more they’re able to withstand the most potential damage from the mailing process. The 14 pt. card stock is the most popular option, but the 16 pt. and 17 pt. have a more substantial weight. We highly recommend 16 pt. card stock gloss for those planning to deliver a large quantity of postcards to many different locations.
At 4OVER4 there are over 10 paper types to choose from and you can get free samples. Some of the best paper types include:
- 16pt Gloss Cover
- 16pt Uncoated Cover
- 16pt Uncoated with Soft Touch
- 18pt Uncoated Cover
- 18pt Cream Uncoated Cover
- 24pt Ultra Thick Gloss Cover
Keep the Creativity Intact
As said earlier on, when it comes to tips designing postcards effective postcards need to be memorable. One of the best ways to do this is to choose a unique cut or design or both. This can be done by creating die-cut and 3D lenticular postcards. 4OVER4 is the only print company where you can combine both effects to create out-of-this-world unique postcards.
To get your creative juices going, think about what your flagship product or service is and find an image that would represent this perfectly. Some of the outstanding die-cut cards seen out here include die-cut cards in the shape of cup cakes for a bakery and door handle postcards for a real estate business.
Use a Call-to-Action That Converts
The call-to-action is the glue that makes everything stick. When considering designing for postcards remember having a postcard without a call-to-action is like having a car with no wheels, it won’t move no matter how many times you step on the gas. In the same way, having a call-to-action on your postcards gives customers the chance to get back to you depending on what action you want them to take.
Some examples of great calls-to-action include:
- Order free business cards at www.4over4.com/freebusinesscards
- Reserve your spot before 11th September
- Phone 123-5555-1234 to schedule your first massage
- Download the app to start saving today
Conclusion
Rules for designing postcards exist mainly with your audience in mind so always think about what action you want them to take before you start designing your postcards. If you know your audience is made up of modern and trendy millennials then choose visuals that will reflect this and you will connect with them more. To help your creativity go a notch higher, opt for die-cut or 3D lenticular postcards from 4OVER4. Uniquely shaped postcards or ones with cool 3D effects such as zoom, flip images are more likely to catch your audience’s attention and be more memorable. In addition, make sure you choose a thick paper type preferably 16pt and above thick postcards will survive any wear and tear if used for a direct mail campaign. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and try something different for your marketing?