You can design your own postcards or hire a designer. Print the cards on 67# card stock to meet USPS / Canada Mail requirements. Two or four cards will fit on an 8 ½" x 11" sheet so you'll have to use a paper cutter. Postage is just $.23 a card.
Here are some ways to use postcards:
1) REFERRALS - Send postcards regularly to your best contacts asking for referrals.
2) ANNOUNCE EVENTS – Send postcards to let folks know about events like classes, seminars, sales, open houses, etc.
3) PROSPECTING – Send a series of postcard mailings to identified prospects to "soften them up" before you phone them.
4) BUILD WEBSITE TRAFFIC – Use postcard mailings to tell people your site is there and when you make significant additions.
5) GROW YOUR NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER LIST – Postcard mailings can publicize your newsletter to new audiences.
6) MAKE AN OFFER - Do you have a booklet to give away? Are you offering a special discount? Postcard mailings can get out the word.
7) SAY THANKS – Use postcards to say thank you for business, referrals, or information.
Of course, for best results you need a good list. Make sure your mailings are going to the right people. Also, you'll get a better response if you offer something of value.
Finally, repeat, repeat, repeat! As with any marketing, repetition is critical. A single mailing may get a disappointing result. Don't be surprised or discouraged. Keep at it with a consistent look, message and audience, and over time your message will sink in.
A response rate of 1-3% is the average, but you may be able to generate significant sales from those responses. Referral mailings can yield business that's three or more times the cost of the mailing.
---------------
Claire Cunningham, president of Clairvoyant Communications, Inc., has 20+ years' experience developing and implementing successful marketing and communications programs. Sign up for Claire's monthly newsletter, Communiqué, at http://www.clairvoyantcommunications.com Claire can be reached at 763-479-3499 (Fax: 763-479-2809, e-mail: claire@claircomm.com)
