Postcard Marketing
Direct mail marketing using postcards is a time tested advertising method. No matter how large internet marketing becomes, traditional postcard advertising will probably always exist. In fact, marketing works best when different advertising methods are used in combination.
Compared to other direct mail and print ad methods, using postcards is the least expensive. Postage is obvious much less expensive on postcards than on full envelopes if they are sent out individually. This makes it postcards one of the most cost effective methods.
An important aspect to sending postcards is to make sure you pair it with a promotion, special coupon, or announcement of some sort. In general, you must have a reason for sending out the postcards. This will galvanize a potential client into calling or visiting your website because they believe that this special is of a limited time offer.
Adding a discount with your postcard will also allow you to be able to track the response concerning your postcard mailing. An important aspect of any marketing effort is to be able to keep track of the results so you can perform an ROI evaluation. Measuring the response rates is extremely important. This way you know if the advertising was worth the cost.
Make sure your postcard ad is specific. Even if your mailing list is a general list, or your postcard is being distributed with others in a pack of some sort, you are still targeting your target market. Most people may not be interested in your promotion, but a small percentage of individuals will be in the market for whatever you are selling. You need to focus on them. You need to make an ad that motivates these people to get in contact with you. Don't worry about the ones that that are not interested, write your ad for potential clients and not the general public.
That being said, you need to keep the ad copy simple. The postcard design and images on a postcard may catch the eye, but what is written on the card is more important. Give the reader a reason to contact you. What makes this postcard so special that it should be kept?
Like any advertising, there is an upfront cost to postcard marketing. The most important aspect is to talk to your target market and give them a reason to call. The second most important point is to make sure you are able to track the response rate. Eventually, you will be able to make changes to your postcard so that it becomes a good investment for your company.
