9 effective postcard ideas for marketing your business

FedEx Office can help you design an attention-grabbing postcard that attracts your target audience with these nine postcard marketing ideas.

A person-to-person connection is a key characteristic of businesses such as:

• Doctors and dentists responsible for your well-being

• Plumbers and electricians entering your home

• Preschools and daycares taking care of your children

A popular postcard marketing idea for businesses like these is to include a photo of the people behind the company. An image of the owner and staff creates familiarity and helps build trust with new customers.

Most mail is aligned horizontally, so make your message pop with a vertical postcard design. Your postcard will stand out, and the added seconds it takes to orient it adds more time for your message to get across.

The standard postcard is 4.25″ x 5.5″. A larger format—like a 5.5″ x 8.5″ option—is an eye-catching postcard idea that makes your mailing more noticeable in crowded mailboxes. A larger size also leaves more design space—ensuring an uncluttered, easy-to-understand offer.

The benefits of printing postcards on high-quality paper are two-fold—your mailing survives the rigors of delivery, and it feels more impressive in the hands of the customer. Ensure your card is durable enough for mailing (and to impress your customers) with an ultra-thick, 14- or 16-point stock.

• Choose an image that highlights what you’re trying to sell. For example, if you’re selling jewelry, include a visual of your best-selling piece. If you’re selling a service, add an image of a happy customer with a first-hand testimonial.

• Use a neutral background that keeps the attention on your image and doesn’t distract the reader.

• Leave some white space around the image—this keeps the focus on what you’re trying to sell.

Effective postcard copy is straightforward and easy to scan. Keep your message concise and include:

• A short and bold headline

• Your offer and its benefits

• A call to action

• Multiple forms of contact
  • Website
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Business app or social media platforms

Bright, contrasting colors draw the eye to the most important part of your postcard. Consider the text you most want your customer to see—such as the call to action or a great sale—and use a vivid color in a different hue to guarantee it pops off the paper.

The postcard finish you choose depends on your design.

• Glossy finishes make colors more vibrant and images stand out. Postcards with a shiny finish hold up well to bending and folding.

• Matte finishes increase readability and are best for text-heavy postcards.

• UV coating creates a high-clarity, high-gloss finish—good for image-rich projects. Ultraviolet finishes are also durable and abrasion resistant.

• Embossed finishes are more expensive and add elegance to your piece. This finish is a good choice if you’re appealing to wealthy clientele or running a luxury business.

FedEx Office has all the tools you need to create a direct-marketing campaign. Whether it’s design services or just cool postcard ideas to connect with your customers, we’re the go-to place for your business printing needs.