Business Postcards Deliver Great Results

I was looking through a stack of mail today and came across a store's business postcard that I had hung on to for several months, and it got me thinking: "Why do people use this form of advertising when there are so many more modern ways readily available?" I think it is because the cardboard mailer immediately had grabbed my attention, was light-weight and just easy to keep around. In other words: the postcard got noticed.

Advertising postcards have been used since the first postcards came into existence. In fact, the very first Christmas cards were postcards that were used to promote goodwill between businessmen and their patrons.

Why do people still use the lowly card in their company advertising when there are so many other more high-tech ways to get the word across? Basically because they bring results quickly, reliably and cheaply.

Whether you run just a Mom and Pop shop or a major corporation you can use postal cards used in a strategic ways to get profitable results.

Photocredit: Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe - business postcard from 1904

Once you see the advantages to using business postcards - you will find them easy to incorporate. Once you start using them you will realize business postcards work.

1. They are easy to write - and easy to test. Use two different versions of the business postcard and see which one works best.
2. They are cheap and quick - First Class Mail gets delivered within a few days and postcards are cheaper than first class mail.
3. People read postcards - they are brief and there is nothing to open. Much business mail is just thrown out as soon as it comes in, but somehow our curiosity compels us to turn over a business postcard to see what is on the other side. Plus you have the benefit of having a full side that will show an ad - no matter what the person will see what you have to offer.
4. Business postcards offer the opportunity to allow your customers to remember you - use humor! My dentist always sends funny postcards, and it makes going to her much more enjoyable.

The Post Office has been busy helping companies promote their goods and services for a long, long time. The use of postcards in business grew along with with personal use, starting in the 1800's. Many companies felt that it was a source of pride to have their shops photographed or painted onto cards and sent out to solicit customers. A look through a collection from the 1800's would show all kinds of pictures of Main Streets, livery stables and then car garages, as well as cars to promote tourism such as of the Golden Gate Bridge. But what is great is that they are still used today :my dentist reminds me of appointments with funny postcards, and my Realtor sent out cards to solicit business.

Direct mail advertising is effective - in spite of the influx of Web based services receiving a small piece of cardboard in the mail with a marketing impact still packs a punch - it is hard to not see the message on a postcard. Both Web based marketers and direct mailers who use letters speak of "open rate" and it usually is quite low. You don't have to worry about that with these: you can clearly see what is on a postcard and they tend to lay around as reminders where you can see what is being offered.

In this video a business man describes why the age of the Internet and mobile advertising may actually be the best time to use business postcards.

He gives you a great idea of how you can just use the postal service to promote any store or service.

If you are a real estate agent you probably will try all kinds of ways to promote your house sells, some very sophisticated. But you would not forget to put a sign up around the house! The business postcard is that much of a basic essentials for advertising a business.

It is easy to make your own Postcards for your business. These blank postcards will get you started. You will be able to personalize them to meet your company's needs.

Now that you have your great new business - how do you get the word out?

I have located several business postcard vendors with a good reputation. I do not have an affiliation with any of these.

I think you would be well served with any of these companies, but you should do your due diligence.

I endeavor to always find great stuff on ebay with reputable sellers with a fair return policy.

Here, I have found some business postcard memorabilia as well as modern help to use business postcards.

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