Postcard Designing: What to Avoid

Among the marketing tools available today, postcards are one of the most cost effective and efficient way to promote your business. With their capability to produce a high response rate, you have in your hands an exceptionally powerful marketing tool. It's, however, important to avoid some of the common slip ups people make when planning their post card marketing campaign.

• Marketing to the wrong people. If you sell meat to a vegetarian market, obviously, your chance of getting customers is low if not zero. Having a good and targeted mailing list is one of the most important elements of successful post card marketing. The best one to use is your in-house list, which includes your past and current customers. If you don't have a mailing list yet or wants to increase your current list, you can rent out a list. There are printers that can help you create a good list for you depending on your target market. This would ensure that you get good results in your campaign.

• Lack of repetition. Sending out one postcard is effective, but mailing out more cards will help increase awareness much effectively. After all, repetition sells. If you get your brand in front of target customers on a regular basis, you are increasing your market exposure, thus, when people need your products or service you will be the one they think of. So, following up with one or two more postcards will increase the chance that your message will be seen and read by target market. In fact, studies reveal that the average person needs to see something four times or more before they completely grasp the message and make a purchase. So, the next time you plan your post card campaign, be sure it is not just a single mailing but an actual campaign.

• Creating unprofessional and uninspiring card. As much as possible, you want your card to look professional and generate a positive response from customers. If you have extra budget, why not consider sending an oversized post card, or personalize your message on each card. Use also bold colors and high quality images that will immediately attract attention and encourage people to read your card.

• Putting too much text or information. When you creating the content for your card, be sure not to include every little detail. As much as possible, use bullet points to deliver your message as it will allow you write your message in the simplest and shortest way possible. Keep your target customers in mind when delivering information to come up with the right words.  If you put too many texts or information in your postcard templates, your customers will only get confused and toss away your card.

• Forgetting to include the contact details. This might sound foolish, but there are really people who forget to provide their contact information in their card. Keep in mind that you want people to contact you, so you need to put your telephone, mobile or fax number, URL of your web site, and e-mail address among others. Be sure to put your business name next to the contact information to promote retention and recognition. Don’t forget your logo as well. This is one of the most important elements that will help promote your brand, so be sure to put your logo in your postcard.