Marketing with Postcards

Postcards are great for marketing your horse business.

In yesterday’s “Focusing your words to sell” I mentioned that postage rates will rise on May 14th, 2007. A sharp business person will want to do a little marketing before the postage increase and Postcards are cheaper than letters to send out and the image on the front does draw attention — specially if it is a great looking horse image.

If you have a large list then you will want to have your marketing postcards commercially printed. But if you are just starting out and your list is small you could design and print your own postcards right from your computer and printer.

Here are a few helpful tips to get your started on designing and self printing your own postcards:

• You can design and print your postcards from your Microsoft Word program.
  This will allow you to customize each one if you like and merge your mailing list to them too.
• You can save on ink costs considerably if you keep your design background white and ink coverage low. Light pastel colors also use up less ink than bright dark colors.
• Save time by taking the time to learn how to do it right. Read this helpful article: “Stamp Out the 10 Most Common Postcard Marketing Mistakes” by Patricia Schaefer
• Avery software for Microsoft Word (free)
• Many printing inks are NOT water proof and will smear if they get damp or wet! You don’t want your postcard receivers to end up with a smeared abstract. You can print with Epson printers and their special DURABrite Ultra® Ink that is water, smudge, and light resistance. I use an Epson printer and Epson DURABrite ink
• Avery Ink Jet Matte Coated Postcards Sheets to print on.
• Avery Postcards Template - Landscape - 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ - 4 cards per sheet
• Avery Postcards Template - Portrait - 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ - 4 cards per sheet

Here is an example of a custom logo and postcard design I made for a client. I can do the same for you.

Here are a few more articles I found on marketing with postcards…

• Modern Marketing With Postcards By Bob Leduc
• Marketing With Postcards
• Low-Cost Marketing With Postcards

Did I miss any info on marketing postcards? Or do you have anything to add? Let me know; leave a comment.