It is easy to underestimate the power of good old-fashioned postcard printing. But postcards are more than just nostalgic keepsakes – they can be a highly effective marketing tool for small businesses.
Here’s why:
- They’re tangible: In a sea of digital ads, a physical postcard can grab attention and leave a lasting impression. They feel good in hand and give a bit of a personal connection to your potential customer.
- They’re targeted: Mailing postcards allows you to reach a specific audience in your local area. You can blanket an entire zip code, or you can personalize them and send them to your own mailing list. This drastically increases the success rate.
- They’re cost-effective: Compared to other marketing channels, postcard printing is relatively inexpensive.
- They’re versatile: You can use postcards for a variety of purposes, from promoting special offers to announcing events or simply building brand awareness. They can be mailed or even handed out at events and conventions.
So, how do you leverage postcard printing for your small business? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from crafting a compelling design to finding the right postcard printing services.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before diving headfirst into postcard design, take a moment to define your marketing objectives. What do you hope to achieve with this campaign? Here are some common goals:
- Generate brand awareness
- Drive traffic to your website or physical store
- Promote a special offer or discount
- Announce an upcoming event
Knowing your goals will help you shape the content and call to action (CTA) on your postcard.
Step 2: Design Your Postcard
Now comes the fun part – creating your postcard design! Here are some key elements to consider:
- Visuals: Images are powerful attention-grabbers. Use high-quality photos or graphics that are relevant to your message. A good image is much more effective than a postcard cluttered with text.
- Headline: Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Your headline should clearly communicate your offer or message.
- Body Copy: Briefly explain your offer and highlight the benefits for the customer. Keep the text concise and easy to read. You only have a few seconds to capture your customers’ attention so don’t overload them with too much information.
- Call to Action: Tell your audience what you want them to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, calling your store, or attending an event.
- Branding: Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and fonts to ensure consistency with your overall brand identity. This makes follow-up mailings far more effective.
Remember: Don’t clutter your postcard with too much information. Aim for a clean, visually appealing design that focuses on a single, clear message. Use visuals to portray information whenever possible.
Step 3: Choose the Right Postcard Size and Stock
While the standard postcard size is 4″ x 6″, some printers offer alternative sizes. Consider your design and messaging when choosing a size. You might opt for a larger format if you have a lot of information to convey, or a smaller size for a more attention-grabbing piece. Keep in mind that the size of the postcard plays a role in the postage cost. Contact your printer to find out what the most cost effective size for you is.
Postcard stock also plays a role. Standard postcard stock is typically heavy enough to withstand mailing but light enough to qualify for standard postage rates. You can also find options with glossy or matte finishes, or even textured or eco-friendly paper.
Step 4: Find a Reputable Postcard Printing Service
With countless postcard printing services available online and offline, it’s important to choose a reliable provider. Here are some factors to consider:
- Quality: Look for a printer that uses high-quality materials and printing processes.
- Price: Compare quotes from several different printers before making a decision.
- Turnaround Time: Consider how quickly you need your postcards printed.
- Customization Options: Some printers offer special features like custom shapes, rounded corners, or spot UV coating.
Step 5: Proofread and Order!
Before sending your postcard design to print, take a good look and proofread it meticulously. Double-check for typos, grammatical errors, and any inconsistencies with your brand guidelines.
Once you’re confident everything is perfect, place your order with your chosen postcard printing service.
Step 6: Track Your Results
To determine the effectiveness of your postcard marketing campaign, it’s important to track your results. Consider including a unique code or tracking link on your postcard that directs customers to a specific landing page on your website. This will help you measure how many people responded to your campaign.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your postcard design! A unique and eye-catching postcard is more likely to get noticed and remembered.
By following these steps and leveraging the power of postcard printing, you can create a targeted and cost-effective marketing campaign that helps you reach new customers and grow your small business.
Contact us with any questions about postcard printing services!
For more helpful information check out our blog at: /advice-from-the-printer/
And for more information on Inkwell Printing Company check out our website at: www.inkwellstl.com
