Powerhouse Marketing With Persuasive Postcards
Copyright 2006 Marketing Maven
The lowly postcard...it's more than just a "having fun, wish you
were here" delivery system. This tiny billboard is actually a
powerhouse of a marketing tool with almost unlimited uses.
Harness this little dynamo and you'll find a surge of new
business opportunities.
Here are some reasons your company should consider a postcard:
1. Cost effective: A regular-sized postcard only costs $.23. You
can send up to a 4 1/4" x 6" card without incurring additional
expense. This cost is before any bulk-mailing discounts, which
can substantially add to savings. They are also inexpensive to
print, even if you go to a four-color job. And, since a postcard
is a single piece of paper with no envelope, post cards don't
incur a folding and stuffing charge: simply print, label, and
send 'em.
2. Postcards are versatile: Your business can use a postcard to
show a picture of a new product, send a reprint of a recent
advertisement, invite people to an upcoming event, or announce a
new service offering. You can also use a postcard to direct
people to your website.
3. Quick to read: Another benefit to postcards is the speed at
which people can read your message. Studies have shown
recipients don't open every piece of mail. Since a postcard
doesn't take any time or effort to open, most people simply flip
the card over to see what it says. Your audience is reading it
as soon as it reaches their hands. It's a powerful way to entice
people to visit your website. Offer a free e-report or a chance
to win something to drive them there. Make your sales pitch
online.
4. Make a bold statement: If you don't mind spending a little
more on postage, go for the OVERSIZED card. You can create some
amazing pieces that are 6" x 11" and mailed out with a
first-class stamp. These are surefire way to make a lasting
impression and recipients are less likely to simply toss them.
5. Stay in touch: Postcards are an easy and inexpensive way to
keep your customers aware of your company and showcase new
services or products. You can send out coupons to customers you
haven't seen in a while. Offer your recipients an incentive for
referring new business. Let them know about new areas or content
on your website.
6. Eye-catching handouts: Use extra postcards left over from
your mailing as a fancy "business card" at a seminar you offer
or a networking event you attend.
7. Feedback forms: You can develop a quick survey. Recipients
can check a couple of boxes and fax them back to you. It's
likely you'll get a good response if with such an
easy-to-complete format.
8. Test your messages: Print several versions of your postcard
message and send each to several different mailing groups. Find
out which version gets the best response and that's your winner.
Use the high-response one in a mailing to a larger group. Watch
the responses roll in!
9. Coupons: Use the postcard to entice a visit to your location.
When customers come in to your service location, they can bring
the postcard offer with them to receive a discount or freebie.
10. Remind your customers: If you are a dentist, a mechanic, or
another type of business that provides a routine service, a
postcard can be sent as a reminder to your customers that it's
time to come in for a check-up.
So, the next time you're thinking about doing a mailing,
consider trying postcards to reach your customers. You can
generate a BIG response without spending a lot of money!