How to Use Business Postcards

Business postcards are the new hottest commodity in business promotion. While handing out business cards to the public or other businesses is still seen as the standard 'calling card' or method of attracting new business, postcards work just as well. Unlike pens imprinted with business names, or calendars that we hardly look at, business postcards tend to grab peoples attention.

Let's face it when we choose a postcard to send to someone, we look for something eye catching and appealing or even humorous. Business postcards are no exception, and when they float through our mailbox, they often make us take a second look at what a business is all about and what they are trying to sell us.

What type of postcard to use?

Businesses intent on sending out postcards need to determine what kind of postcard to send and the desired effect it will have on a consumer. Typically businesses may choose a pre-printed postcard and buy them in bulk or have one designed with catchy graphics and a slogan relating to their business on the front.

The size of the postcard you wish to send out, and the quality of the paper you wish to have them printed on, will directly affect the cost of mailing them. Postcards generally come in three sizes the standard 4 x 6, the slightly larger 5 x 7 and then the large 5 ½ by 8. Depending on how large the demographic area is where you plan to mail the postcards will help you determine how much you spend.

For paper quality you want to use a medium strength stock. Using cheap paper to have your postcards printed on makes you and your business look cheap, and consumers lose faith. You want to make you're your postcard stands up to a little wear and tear, and a glossy printed postcard on medium paper stock, is usually the best option.

What should the postcard look like?

Generally an eye catching font that is not difficult to read, should be used to list the business name, address, website and telephone number, and most importantly what service you are trying to sell the consumer. If your font is too fancy or difficult to read, you can almost guarantee that a large amount of these postcards will end up in the garbage without a second glance.

What is on the front of a postcard is almost as important as the contact information for your business on the back. You want an eye catching graphic on the front, something that will grab the reader's attention, and don't forget the ten second rule; if you can't grab a customer's attention in the first ten seconds, you are finished!

Postcards should be in full colour. Using black and white or only one or two colours is not nearly as appealing visually. While some businesses use a humorous graphic or photograph on the front of their postcard, it is best to use something that directly relates to your business. If you're trying to sell a vacuum cleaner, put one on the front of a postcard with a catchy slogan, and remember humor sells!

The different uses of business postcards

Businesses use postcards for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are just mailed out and addressed to the 'home owner' to let consumers know a new business is in town. Other companies use postcards as order forms, where a consumer fills them out and mails them back to the company. Still others send students out to hand out postcards offering a 'freebie' to new and prospective customers on the street. Whatever the reason for using a business postcard, done effectively it can be a great marketing strategy for you and your business!