How to Design an Effective Postcard

If you are going to design a postcard for your marketing campaign, take the time and do it right. This can make all the difference between making this campaign an effective one or just creating more junk mail in people’s mailboxes. There are several steps you need to follow to make sure that your postcard gives you maximum leverage in grabbing attention and working for you. You could just have a marketing company handle it for you, but if you decide to do it yourself, here are some simple rules to follow.

Tip 1. Make your postcard demand attention

We now live in a time referred to as the ‘attention age’. People have shorter attention spans because there’s so much going on around them. Your first question however is, how do you get their attention. The most common way to do this is through the headline. A powerful headline on your postcard design can work wonders in your marketing efforts. When writing your headline, keep these things in mind:

• Use Powerful Phrase
• Know your target market
• Use a question
• Be controversial
• Pique Their Curiosity
• Promise A Benefit

Tip 2. Use a Nice Large Image on the front

Have you ever heard the term “a picture is worth a thousand words?” You don’t want to clutter the front of your postcard. Use a powerful headline and a large clean image. You can buy royalty free images online. You could also use a graphic design company to create a unique design that will help uphold your brand and separate you from the competition.

Tip 3. Be consistent with your color scheme

I would recommend 2 to 3 color maximum between your background color and your text color combined. Use colors that compliment or go well with each other. Remember that your image might already have multiple colors, so you want to go easy on the background color.

Tip 4. Use the correct size and shape

Postcard design and take many size and shapes. The standard size of a postcard is 4” x 6”, but there are also jumbo postcards like 5” x 7”, 5.5” x 8.5” or 6” x 9” and even larger. When deciding on the size you must keep your advertising budget in mind because a larger card will cost more to mail. Not all postcards are used in direct mail campaigns, however; some are just used for distribution. You can die cut postcards to different shapes also. These are mostly used at trade shows and other events.

Tip 5. Include more detailed information on the back

If you plan to mail your the postcards, you must first find out what’s the mailing criteria for the back of your postcard at your post office. Some post offices won’t mail unless sufficient white space is at the back of the card. You can list more detailed information about your company or whatever you are advertising towards the left of the postcard. Include your logo, company name and contact information also. You could also offer coupons or discounts on the back.
Learn more at Atlanta Printing Company