Postcard marketing is a tried-and-true advertising method. When everyone filters their email inboxes and sets up online ad blockers, pulling an eye-catching postcard with concise copy from their mailbox will stick in people’s minds. A persuasive call to action, a tempting coupon code, or a new product launch attracts potential customers or reminds returning clients of what you have to offer.
The most affordable way to coordinate a wide-reaching postcard campaign is with a mail marketing service. The two most common are Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM) and Direct Mailing Services. Both take the responsibility of sending your postcards out of your hands, but each one best serves specific needs. Here’s how to choose the right mail marketing strategy for your business.
EDDM® vs. Direct Mailing
EDDM® is the most straightforward, affordable mailing service. All you have to do is submit your postcard design, which you can base on these EDDM® mailing templates. Then, you can choose the delivery zip code and carrier routes based on GotPrint’s EDDM® map tool. This method lets you avoid paying extra fees to access a mailing list. When selecting a zip code, it’s easy to find neighborhoods that help you target specific incomes or household sizes. USPS offers a reduced postcard postage price for EDDM postcards, which helps you save money when you send your marketing postcards.
Make sure to follow USPS’s clear guidelines when designing your custom postcards. GotPrint offers multiple EDDM postcard sizes: 4×11, 4.25×11, 4.5×11, 6.5×8, 6.5×9, 6×11, 6.5×12, 8×10, 8.5×11, 9×11, and 9×12. Following the EDDM size requirements is important to ensure the Post Office will send them.
Direct Mail Marketing is ideal for those prepared with a specific mailing list. Send promotional materials to specific addresses via presorted first-class or standard mail. Use Direct Mail to contact clients and customers on your pre-existing mailing list, or you can buy targeted addresses online. Go with Direct Mail if you know exactly whose mailboxes you want to fill.
Make sure your postcard design has a 4″ x 3″ white area on the back side lower right-hand corner and a 1.25″ x 1.25″ white area in the upper right-hand corner. That provides space for the mailing addresses and our indicia. The most popular Direct Mail postcard sizes are 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 5.5″ x 8.5″, and 6″ x 11″. For Direct Mail postcards, there is a minimum order quantity of 500.
Still wondering when to use a postcard mailing service?
Here are some general guidelines when figuring out if outsourcing your mail marketing is right for you.
When you want to target specific audiences.
Postcard marketing allows you to craft a specific message for your intended audience. For EDDM®, you can promote your business to a general area. Small businesses, restaurants, and real estate agents often find that an EDDM mailer is an effective way to market locally. Direct Mail lets you get even more specific, as you can send postcards to pre-selected individuals. Reach your niche audience or targeted clients with ease. Both allow you to target local options, while Direct Mail expands your reach outside of one zip code or postal route. Either way, you’re getting the word out about your company or campaign. Spread awareness about political issues, promote a local open house, or advertise a grand opening with either of these services.
When you want to keep up with the competition.
You don’t want to let your competitors corner the market with postcard advertising. Some industries that utilize postcard marketing are real estate, political campaigns, gyms, fitness, restaurants, home improvement, healthcare, insurance, and nonprofits. Sending a postcard can help increase sales or foot traffic; it can also help with general brand awareness.
When you want cost-effective marketing.
Printing a lot of postcards doesn’t have to be pricey. The cheapest option is EDDM®, which offers flat-rate bulk postage pricing. You also save money by forgoing a targeted mail list, as USPS handles the distribution for you. Direct Mailing, on the other hand, comes with the added cost of accessing a specific mailing list. It also has higher postage rates. Still, bulk printing helps you save money compared to ordering smaller batches of postcards. You also don’t have to pay to distribute the postcards yourself, as the services handle it for you.
With GotPrint, it’s easy to purchase either EDDM® services or Direct Mailing Services. For EDDM®, we generate a postage statement and facing slips before delivering them to the local Post Office. You can also choose to deliver them to the post office yourself; GotPrint will print your postcards and deliver them to you. No matter what, our cheap postcard mailing will get your prints out in no time.
For Direct Mail, just send us your mailing list when you make your purchase, and we’ll reach out to get the process started. GotPrint’s Direct Mail also lets you send letters and brochures, in case those products fit your business needs better than a postcard.
Cheap postcard printing doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. When you use GotPrint’s mailing and online printing services, we guarantee a speedy process that still prioritizes printing a premium postcard. Full-color printing on thick paper stock ensures your customers will want to hold onto your marketing postcard.