The success of your postcard will be determined by several factors -
the most important being the DESIGN. While the OFFER is also a key component, most people will never get to that point if they are not attracted to the postcard itself. RESULT: Your postcard quickly gets filed in the trash.
To avoid this scenario, demands excellent visuals. The image you choose to catch the eyes of a prospective customer must either be enticing, provocative, emotional, unbelievable, outrageous or all of the above. This will determine if your postcard will be given a second glance or get crushed and tossed.
Select your images well and make sure they illicit some response that spurs interest into reading more.
Postcards can be very effective in announcing big sales, promotional events, open houses or new products. To make them work best for you, here are more professional tips on Postcard Printing and Design.
Use The K.I.S.S. Principle
As we've stated so many times throughout our web site - Keep It Simple Stupid :)
Don't take offence, it's just an easy way to remember that simple works best - most of the time. Don't bombard your reader with too much information. It really isn't necessary when printing postcards. Make your pitch simple, clear and to the point.
Make An Offer
Don't waste this opportunity just to announce that you've arrived. Offer some incentive to your prospective customer. When it comes to advertising, postcard printing is the quintessential "Wish You Were Here" message. Wish you were here to save 50%...to win a free trip...to get 2 for 1...etc.
Design Is Key
Your design should stand out from the bagfuls of direct mail pieces that people get. Use colour richly with prominent headlines and offers. Nothing works better than words like "Free" "Sale" 50% off" and so on.
Let Your Fonts Speak
Resist the temptation to use a font you personally like. Instead, consider the product, the target market and the message you want to convey. Your font should express the emotion of the product.
Logo - Logo - Logo
Your logo is your business. It is your handshake. It's your reputation. Use it wisely and make it a key visual on your postcard. There is no shame in repeating your logo on both the front AND back when printing postcards.
Time For Action
In postcard printing, it is very important to tell people to take action. This can be done by simply asking for them to "call now" ..."order today"...etc. And don't forget to limit the time of the offer. If you give people too much time to respond, they forget or simply never get around to it. The shorter the time period, the better. But don't make it so short that they receive your postcard after the offer ends. Take into account the printing and delivery time required.
Stagger and Repeat
To get the most out of your postcard printing, send them out to different areas a few days apart. You'll benefit if weather or holidays play an important part. And don't just send your postcard out one time. Repeat the process with a new offer. People then begin to look forward to your next mailing.
