The Benefits of Postcard Use for Direct Mail

Happy New Year to all of you from all of us and we hope you had a great time over the holidays – that’s if you were lucky enough to have a few days off. Well, here at Mailing Expert, we’re raring to go and the first thing on our minds is the humble postcard.

No, not holiday postcards. No, not saucy seaside postcards. What we’re talking about is the use of postcards in a direct mailing campaign and there are many reasons why this is an all-round Good Idea.

Here’s our top ten:

1. Postcards are the most cost-effective form of direct mail

Think about it: one piece of card, little copy to create, no envelope to stuff and seal, keeping costs down for high-yield campaigns. Small yet powerful!

2. People like getting postcards

Perhaps a postcard  reminds everyone of holidays, but whatever the case, the message is instant, without the need to spend precious minutes opening an envelope. Just a little tip – a postage stamp rather than a franking means your cards are less likely to be categorised as junk mail.

3. There’s a great opportunity for creativity in design

There’s nothing nicer than a colourful, imaginative postcard dropping on your front doormat. Simplicity, clear imagery and a succinct message are crucial so that your card has immediate impact.

4. Thinking outside the (post)box!

Get creative can make your marketing campaign a memorable one. We’ve heard of cards with messages that only show up when exposed to sunlight or are printed on indestructible material, with a challenge to the reader to try to tear it in half. Get your recipients engaged and they may show your card to other people, which spreads your message even further.

5. A chance to clarify your objectives

When you’re describing your product, service or a special offer, it’s all too easy to burble on and confuse your audience. Not with a postcard! It’ll take a bit of time to craft a compelling and concise message, but then you’ll be clear in your own mind exactly what you’re offering – and so will your recipients.

6. Less to go wrong

In long correspondence, there’s a higher chance of making a mistake, whether it’s a typo or an incorrect detail. It only takes a few seconds to proofread a postcard – but beware, a mistake on a postcard will show up big time!

7. The possibility of a noticeable increase in sales and revenue

A simple, effective, carefully-considered direct marketing campaign with postcards can see a high return on investment (ROI) for much less effort than other forms of direct marketing. In fact, research indicates that the ROI for postcard mailings could be up to 20% higher than other direct mail marketing methods.

8. People are more likely to keep postcards than other marketing material

Once read, there’s little aesthetic incentive to keep a letter, and emails are often deleted. But an attractive postcard might be pinned to a notice board, stuck into a diary or propped up on a  windowsill.

9. Multifarious uses…

Apart from information that needs to be confidential, postcards can be used to encourage new customers, promote your company, increase brand awareness, send greetings, direct people to your website, announce events and promotions…the list is endless.

10. It’s fun to do!

Admin jobs and office work, let’s face it, can be tedious. Postcard mailing campaigns allow you to give rein to your creative and jolly side – and all for the worthy aim of helping your company to grow.

At Mailing Expert we say HOORAH FOR POSTCARDS! Contact us today on 01825 983033 or info@mailingexpert.co.uk to discuss your next postcard marketing campaign.

Mailing Expert