Did you know that postcards are the most likely mail piece to be read in your stack of mail?

USPS states that 52.5% of consumers say that they read postcard marketing pieces. 46% say they respond favorably to repeated postcard mailings from the same company and are more likely to do business with those companies. Postcard marketing works, and one of the many useful tools in the postcard marketing toolkit is the reminder postcard. But starting with a blank canvas can be somewhat daunting.  We are here to help.

Include the Basics

Let’s start simple.   When building a postcard template, you should always include the basic information of your business. Essentials include:

• Who you are
• What you do
• What are you offering
• How your offer helps someone
• Special Call to Action Promo
• Expiration date
• Contact Info

This gives your potential customers everything they need to know so they can decide if they want to do business and how to contact you.  But make sure all of this information is easy to locate and is in a font that is clearly legible and large enough to be easily seen. I know…basic…but if I didn’t tell you and you missed it, I would feel terrible!

Brand Imaging

A unified brand image should be presented on the postcard. The postcard is another opportunity for you to define your brand image, specifically, the services you offer. Try to use a color scheme that helps convey your message. The postcard helps to build your brand, but also serves your customer or client needs, so make sure it leaves a positive impression.  Keep things, clean and simple and use high quality images when possible to convey a message.  You know the ole’ saying…an image is worth a thousand words. (BTW…a postcard doesn’t have room for thousand words)

Welcoming Language…AKA “Tone”

Use welcoming and inviting language in your postcard. Certain words have the power to appeal, but others can turn people away. Choose words carefully to convey your message in a fashion that is concise, yet still gives the recipient a warm and familiar feel.  A “Friendly Tone.”

Capture the Reader’s Attention

As I mentioned above, your postcard only has a limited amount of space to capture the readers attention. There are several ways to capture attention:

• Clever tagline
• Pleasant images
• Extravagant colors
• Special offer
• Client testimonials

Proofread for Accuracy

I had to through this in.  I know…obvious…but check and recheck your work before you start Confirm the information is up to date and that you haven’t made any typos. These types of mistakes can detract from the professionalism of your business.

 Use High Quality Materials

“Perception is Reality”…if your postcard looks cheap…customers think you’re not willing to make the investment in your company.  Make the extra investment to create a good quality product. Go with a good quality card stock as a way to convey that you offer a high quality service. Thicker card stock, a premium high gloss UV coating on one side – these make a positive impression that can help set you apart from the competition. Your business will be perceived as more professional when you present a more professional image.

At www.prospectsplus.com/pei you can build your perfect postcard using our extensive industry specific image gallery and over 50 postcard templates.

If you get stuck or want to chat about a potential strategy give us a jingle at 888-222-6010.